OK, I've read most of the topics on installing a steering stabilizer, but I just wanted to know how many of you have had the "near death steering experience" on the KQ.

I was riding in the Chequamegon forest and had ridden about 80 miles so far that day. I have a total of 650 miles of riding on the quad, so I know it's handling limits. I was coming into a left turn at about 30MPH and moderately applied the brakes. The trail was sand/loam mix in pine forest area and had some bumps. As I was 1/3 into the corner, the handlebars slammed into full left lock, I tried to push them back, but they were "locked" until slowing to 5mph. The wheeler then slid on the front tires towards some trees and at the last second the tires grabbed as it slowed and then began to tip over to the right. As it came to a stop, I was able to catch it from tipping by putting my foot to the ground.

I did not hit a rock, nor were the bumps that extreme that it would cause any other machine to do this. I was not riding too fast for the trail's conditions. The tie rods are not tweaked, and the wheeler runs straight without any pull. I was not in 4wd.

I really love my KQ, and it has been a joy to ride, however, based some of the forums I have been reading, seems like I'm probably not the only one to experience this. I was very lucky that I did not hit a tree, or have the machine roll over on me.

My objective in this thread is to find out how many people have had this happen. If an inordinate amount have this experience, I think the CPSC should be alerted, so we could all have this FIXED FOR FREE.

Please respond if this has happened to you.

Aside from this problem, I feel the KQ is a great machine and look forward to another 600 miles of riding before the season is over.

Happy trails....

 

I too have read of the KQ steering quirks. Hard to believe, infact it's unfathomable (love m-w.com). I would check your front end alignment. It may track straight but you could still have excessive toe out which could cause the same problem. Also, check your wheel bearings and all your steering components (tie-rods, ball joints, steering stem, etc.) to make sure something isn't out of wack. I've already went through two tie-rod ends on my 500 mile vinson, but then again a sport utility isn't supposed to nose dive after a four foot drop or is it? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img] I wish you well in your journey. I was contemplating a front end stabilizer to make it easier on my forearms and to prevent a situation like yours from occuring, but cost prohibits it for the moment. Keep us posted if you find something.