I went out and looked some more. The steering geometry isn't very good for easy steering. The steering pivot line does not pass anywhere near the center of the tread. That would be stinking hard to mess with, too much for me to be interested.

My handlebars go to 45 degrees turned all the way. If I shortened up the steering arm (end of steering column, tie rods bolt to it) so that it had to go 60 degrees to turn all the way, I would have to push approximately 20% less to move it (no matter how stiff the diff, or whatever my tread is). If I shortened it up so that the handlebars had to go 75 degrees, the effort would reduce 25%. These are quick calcs. I would have to measure a few more things to be sure. I do know that the steering stop could easily be fixed for tighter turing, or to allow me to shorten the steering arm.

 

nyroc; like it or not, tires are the main force in steering feel. The Swamp Pros I'm presently running cause the steering to be so light, even static, that it we deem it unsafe on hardpack above 40 or so mph.

The locker is the second in line for things we can easily change to effect steering feel due to how tight or loose the residual drag may be from the internal components. This can be varied, as mentioned before, by type of lube, or cable adjustment

The geometry of the steering system is quite basic on the 650. The minute changes that could be made there without new castings and mounting weldments would be all but unnoticeable, and a whole lotta work. I'd rather ride.

 

That can sometimes be a true statement. The excessive diff lock stiffness is a MUCH BIGGER factor than the tire factor of the 4 different types of tires I have used on the quads I am responsible for, and probably for 75% of the people tires around here.

I can see where you would make this statement if you have not ever tightened your up or put over stiff fluid in it. It makes steering a serious struggle.

The manual actually lists locker stiffness as the first (and only) thing to check for excessive steering stiffness, but the manual does not account for bigger tires.

I am not whining about my steering, mine steers easier than stock. I just wondered if there is something I can do to easy it up in case I get some hard to steer tread or in case I want to stiffen up the locker.

Messing with the steering arm does make me slightly nervous, since if the weld broke, it would cause excessive cussing and/or pain and suffering.

 

Nyroc, another difference I have notice between my machine and my wifes maching(hers steers easier) is that handlebar alignment. Mine sweeps back more where hers stands up straigter. Could this also be making a difference?

 

nyroc; Wasn't trying to take a dump in your lunch box, but what I've stated previously is a culmination of the experiences of myself, 4 other Prairie owners, 2 Yamaha, 1 Honda, and 2 Polaris guys. If there is a tire out there that one of us doesnt own I'd be suprised. With all these combinations, we have a collective clue.

As far as the locker goes, you could weld the diff and some tires will still cause too light steering feel and some will have to be set on railroad tracks to make a corner. If done correctly the locker can be released to the point of almost 0 drag yet still be functional with only minor mods to the involved levers and cable mt. If you try this you'll find the work isn't worth the reward as it only makes minimal differences in easing steering feel.

Again, I'm not just trying to get under your skin. You have a very informative site and in some way or other have helped everyone here including myself, and I thank you for that. I learned a long time ago I don't know it all. Hopefuly, due to this forum and combined experiences we'll all figure out what we need to know.

 

Megadav that's exactly right, wider and/or higher is easier. That's probably the 3rd thing I know I could change, but I don't think I will do anything, since I have screwed things up in the past experimenting with changing suspension geometry on something. I guess the Kaw people put the bars where they are for a reason.

Dangerous, I am sure you have more tire experience. I know you have tried tires that make the steering hard. Bear in mind that since I have not used any tires that make the steering hard, the SOLE reason my steering was hard was due to diff oil viscosity. Nothing else changed. When I used thinner stuff, it got easier (after a few miles the residue from the stiff oil got mixed in). Now it is absolutely wonderful. Afterwards, I noticed a steering improvement with less spacing, but the diff lock oil viscocity was much more.

I really did not think it through when I put thick oil in. I did it knowing the diff would be stiffner, and it was. I thought the diff was absolutley wonderful, but the steering was a nightmare. Now with the thinner stuff, I notice slippage a lot more. I am still not sure I have acheived the right balance between easy steering and diff stiffness. At least according to the repair manual, my diff is not as stiff as it is supposed to be.

I don't have a single compaint about the steering. I love it like it is right now.

My brother says I do complain a lot. I know I do.