Talking Steering Stabilizers while riding the 2017 YZ250X - Episode 206

[@rz350yam]

I have three 2 strokes: 250 KTM XC, 250 KTM XCW, and Husaberg TE300. I have a Scotts on the 300 and a GPR on the 250 XC-W, nothing on the 250 XC. The XC does feel lighter and definitely quicker steering than the other two bikes with the stabilizers. However, we ride a lot of very rocky and rooted terrain here in CO and in UT when we ride there. In slow technical terrain, the stabilizers keep the bars from bouncing around a lot and I feel they make me less tired after a days ride. Could just be mental. I do believe the stabilizers save my ass on any high speed terrain we ride with hidden rocks and roots. I've hit stuff that I know would have put me down at high speed had the stabilizer not been there. For that simple reason, I prefer to have them and put up with a bit heavier feel than end up not being able to ride due to broken body parts on me. My 2 cents.

[@SD-ir1vf]

It’s true that having the damper makes you less tired. But do you notice much difference between the GPR and the Scotts. I wanted to buy the Scotts damper but everything I read said it needed to be weld on. So I bought the GPR. Now I find out it bolts up the same way.

[@kevinherndon6963]

Awesome Trail! At least the Scott's Stabilizer can be adjusted so that it dos not make your bars feel "sluggish". Trails like what you are on in this video are twisty, but not tight. On the tight trails in the east, many times you are threading the needle between trees. The biggest advantage of the damper here is when your bar end makes incidental contact with a tree. It keeps the bar from jerking to one side and causing the often subsequent whisky throttle or crash.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I did that, but even then it makes the front end slower to move. I prefer to not have them on the bike.

[@declankaiden5177]

I dont mean to be off topic but does anybody know a method to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow forgot my password. I love any assistance you can offer me.

[@malikkash5863]

@Declan Kaiden instablaster ;)

[@declankaiden5177]

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[@declankaiden5177]

@Malik Kash it worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account!

[@yankeeroad626]

Sandy washes on a daily visit. MANDATORY! THe trails you are mainly on I dont think its needed as much. GREAT CHANNEL! You helped sell me on the Lectron for my YZ250!

[@El_Jaco]

Sand is probably the only aspect of riding I'm somehow good at. I'm slow at everything else lol, maybe it was all the Glamis trips when I was young. I can say this, a stabilizer helps at first but when you get comfortable in sand it will actually slow you down. You have to learn to move your weight fore and aft a lot mostly

[@michaelsteven1090]

I have a Scotts and once I got it dialed in, its something I wouldn't ride without..Theres always that one high speed or crazy angled hit that will force you to the ground but the damper will give you a better chance at handling it..Then again, I'm in my 50's and my goal on rides is to keep the bike tire side up at all times!..Don't knock dampers for what they can do..

[@llecki]

Michael Steven totally agreed. The tire side down all the time. Otherwise it's wasted energy.

[@SD-ir1vf]

I agree. I ride on lots of rocky trails and I would never be without a damper. And above 90% of the people who ride there use them. Also you are less tired when you use one.

[@whiskeythrottleracing]

I've almost always run a stabilizer and I can go either way with the pluses and minuses. Slavens has some good Scotts settings for technical riding and I think he's got it about right.

[@sethsc77]

That trail looks super fun! Thanks for sharing!

[@carters2]

All the stabilizers I have seen have at least 2 damping circuits, a high speed and a slow speed. The slow speed can be backed almost all the way off so there is little or no resistance to turning the bars to steer. Where the stabilizers really save your ass is when you hit something that wants to rip the bars out of your hands. The high speed circuit kicks and and keeps the wheel straight. I rode my buddys yz250x the other day with no stabilizer and I did not like it. Front end felt too twitchy for me. I think part of it is mental as well. Knowing I have the stabilizer on the bike to take that initial hit allows me to keep a lighter grip on the bars thus leading to less fatigue and arm pump. Just my 2 cents.

[@leeham273]

Same here, but sometimes I do get lazy and hit something that would normally make my bars twist on me, but it doesnt. Gives me more confidence in certain terrain.

[@sergerichard1269]

carters2 i agree, I've been saved several times by my GPR from deflecting off trees in the really tight stuff. You can simply dial it down to 0 to remove any resistance...wouldn't ride without it!

[@ZSharkPH]

I always wonder how much better riding with a damper would be. Never rode with one. But I do like having the front end light.

[@ZSharkPH]

I always appreciate real world feedback. Thanks for your reply, and hope 2017 has many more miles for yeah.

[@earl6969]

It's so easy to take the v5 back to 2 or 1 on the fly knob. You do have to run without a bar pad to do this...so figure out what flavor of dash board you want to eat...(because you eventually will). Just knowing I have it and knowing where to adjust it is crucial to a 3-4 day ride. Cheers

[@Niellex]

Grantsville! Good stuff Kyle. Thanks for sharing.

[@broccli2007]

One thought with the dampener, on the one I've got (it's a Scott) you can turn it down to the point where it's off or only slight dampening if any at all. Just a little food for thought.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I did that, but even then it makes the front end slower to move. I prefer to not have them on the bike.

[@mickovandervyver3101]

Hey guys loving the work keep it up, very inspirational 💗💗💗

[@StoneMelber]

I have a dampener on my crf250r. I haven't noticed to much of a difference, but what I did notice is that it would help fight against tank slapping at high speeds. I'm sure this is a rider error but it helps me ride faster, so I don't have to slow down and gain control. The hare scramble series I run has a small bit of wide open track usually. So it helps me. But in the woods? It doesn't bother me. I don't notice it's there. It may be adjusted very light, it was revalved by the previous owner.

[@offroadtrailrider77]

What a fun trail. I run stabilizers on all my 4 bikes. I personally like the extra bit of insurance since it has saved us many times when doing higher speed riding like in Bigbend, CO alpine loop, etc... For tight single track I just turn the knob to less resistance.

[@carmane2894]

Running a 90/100/21 front tire or something like a goldentire 216 fatty will slow down the front end and keep it inline a little bit more without the heavy damper and it doesn't effect it as much at low speed on single track.

[@ZSharkPH]

Nice input... I'll try that before getting a damper

[@carmane2894]

Z Shark cross training enduro did a video about it too. And a review of the golden tire gt216. Probably the best front tire for off road and mx ever made

[@justinf6758]

Carman Eben I don't think for mx it is very good but I've never used it. Have you ever tried it?

[@ZSharkPH]

Thanks... I'll search for it.

[@carmane2894]

Justin F yes I have tried it but not on an mx track as I don't ride mx. It's my tire of choice on all my bikes now. It says on their website it's for mx as well I believe. The Dunlop mx32 is a close second although it seems to tear side lugs on the front. I really love the IRC m5b for the back in all conditions.

[@EnduroRiderChannel]

good input Kyle! I wonder about this myself

[@dmumladze]

So the handlebars will vibrate the same with or without the stabilizer? Do steering stabilizers soften the handlebar vibration caused by the engine?

[@mutt2jeff]

With as much as you like this YZ, you should put some seat time in on a KTM 150. Astonishingly fun to ride and rip on.

[@JustinTwilley]

What Hand guards are those? Would they fit on the stock 250x bars that the previous owner cut down to 28 in for some crazy reason? Im guessing to help fin through tighter trails or something.. wish he wouldnt have done that lol.

[@mb2stroke816]

that's my favorite trail! it's basically in my back yard. Let me know next time you do it, I ride a well set up '16 YZ250X

[@nsacco208]

MB2Stroke ain't that for sure. yz250 baby

[@FireTrail741]

You just have to set it up properly. I run one in the woods racing without issue. Adjust to a narrow range. You want it for high speed anyways.

[@payettepowderguides7325]

If you carry a chainsaw on the front end, a steering stabilizer helps a bunch.

[@jockstucki4345]

I had the Scott's and IT IS NOT VELOCITY SENSITIVE! I don't care what Scott's says. I found that all it did was wear me out from making the bars being so hard to turn back and forth(tight single track). Maybe it has value for the high speed desert guys.

[@dirtbikeaction8864]

I listen to what you said and read almost all of the comments. It makes me think, if I could live without a stabilizer, I could save my money for other upgrades. I always tell people no matter what I say or what I tell you, do your research, go online, talk to other riders, read reviews, test ride someones bike that has the upgrade, and after you have done all your research then make your decision. So if you watch this video and you make up your mind, then you have not done enough research. Good riding to all. Remember, Ride Hard, Ride Safe. Thumbs Up. Good work Kyle.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I totally agree. I made the switch to steering stabilizers after about 2 years of riding. I used them for about 2 years, then decided to stop using them after riding my friends bikes that didn't have them. I've been steering stabilizer free for the past 2 years (give or take). I feel better on the bike without it at this point of my riding.

[@marionmoto8269]

do you have any tips for getting started in amateur racing? I'm 14 and I really want to be in the GNCC but I only have a ttr125 that's not a race bike, could I still use it? Also I have to convince my parents somehow because we don't have much money.

[@leeham273]

GNCC races are 3 hours long. Running an air cooled bike like the ttr125 that long is not advised. Especially at race speeds. Plus the lack of suspension would make your life miserable. I know because when I was 12 I had that bike. I do not recommend that.

[@mrjuggs9940]

hey love the vids dude keep it up man ..i just picked up a brand new 2017 yz250x any tips on engine break in would be greatly appreciated man

[@JaredLukavsky]

Personally steering stabilizers are just a band aid, or a quick fix to a bigger problem, with proper suspension set up and valving and spring rate you wont need a steering stabilizer, they can be helpful if your suspensions off but most pros don't run them because they have proper suspension special to them, just my opinion, Stay safe out there!

[@SD-ir1vf]

You have no idea what it’s even for.

[@jakethelittlesnake6258]

kyle,on a two stroke when you are going down a long hill is it better to hold your clutch in all the way down the hill, or just apply a little gas and leave it in a lower gear.

[@fortheloveof2wheels873]

I was going to say that as well ... pull the clutch in and ride it like a mountain bike down hill and let the clutch out before corners as a engine brake if needed. You will flow 100 times better and the bikes light weight really lets you through it around and that's when the fun happens

[@J-Modz1]

Kyle, I’ve watched about all of your videos on the post 2017 XC’s and the 250X and I can’t figure out which bike you prefer. If you loved the 250X so much, why did you sell it to your friend? I am in the market for one of these 2 bikes and I keep going back and forth. Can you tell me which you prefer? Fast B class rider.

[@tylerwallis5961]

If you're ever in vegas let me know, i know some fun single track out here!!

[@doobtube6616]

Where is this that ur riding?

[@stevenpoirier8676]

Hey Kyle, what oil to gas ratio do you use for your YZ, because I used 32:1 for mine and it buried out my spark plug.

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Amsoil Saber at 90:1

[@ronanrogers4127]

You’ve just got to set them up right. They work will in slower technical stuff...you called that quick single track, I thought it was pretty slow.

[@_Snyderbraap51]

Could you do a video on a steel frame yz 250 vs a aluminum frame yz 250

[@leeham273]

Its unlikely dude, Kyle has to buy every bike he reviews. Usually if there is as frame change/adjustment. Its meant to be better and more agile. Aluminum frames are much lighter for the most part.

[@_Snyderbraap51]

All I wanted him to do is sit down and talk about the differences didn't him to buy a bike

[@leeham273]

+02SubaruWRX I guess he doesnt have friends that have every other bike. Like I dont know. He may not know someone who has a steel frame yz. So he has to buy it.

[@lifebehindbars4683]

Is it not illegal to ride an unregistered bike in a public place? I know here in Australia it is

[@nictaylor4676]

Not sure if you read all of the comments, but if you do see this I am the owner of a stabilizer company called RTT Stabilizers we are the new owners and would love to hook you up with one. We have a very easy way of adjusting how stiff you would like it to be along with a free back to center system for unmatched control out of corners. That's not the best part though, we have a remote thumb switch that goes on the handle bars so that whenever you don't want the stabilizer to be on you just push the thumb switch down and your stabilizer turns off. It is fully integrated into the triple clamp so that it doesn't get in the way, its not very bulky at all either. We have it so that it is set at factory bar height or you can raise it however much you would like. Thank you for your time, my name is Nic please give me a call at any time and I would be glad to help you out, thanks! phone # is [phone]

[@JoshIsNotBrilliantTv]

Ive got a question you or someone in the comments could help with. Ive got a yz125, and i use it for greenlanes (trails that are considered non maintained roads in the UK) And the yz is a motox bike, not an enduro bike. When i set off, or slow uphill sections, the bike feels like it wants to stall out. The best way to describe it is it feels like its in second or third gear. Anyway i could make this bike better for slow speed/uphill sections without making the higher gears less agressive? ps. its the same with setting off on the road, it feels like setting off in second gear, takes a fair few revs and its a bit jumpy

[@theo69691000]

UKGB ride the clutch

[@JoshIsNotBrilliantTv]

i have to, but that only does so much, ride the clutch and i either dont get enough power to the rear wheel to get me up, or the bike starts to stall out

[@leeham273]

The problem with a yz125 is that it is a small bore bike. There is no a whole lot of low end grunt in the lower RPMs. You have to rev the bike out to get power. Make the bike scream, its what it has to do. Get a bigger sprocket for the rear, it hurts top end speed, but makes going slow easier. Also a fly wheel weight would do good. Other than that, you have to ride faster, you cant go slow as if you are on a 250/300 2 stroke.

[@JoshIsNotBrilliantTv]

Although that contributes, that is not at all the problem. Ive ridden the ktm 125exc, and that is more than capable of doing slow uphill technical things. And you can ride that as though you are on a 250 2t, its not the bore, already have a big sprocket on the back, and acceleration is pretty good, beats a ktm 250 4t up to 60 anyway. But I think a heavier flywheel would help

[@leeham273]

The other thing is with the yz125, it has a motocross gearbox, so first gear is a lot taller (faster), its meant to go fast. The KTM 125exc, has a much lower first gear. Thats why its more than capable of doing slow uphill technical riding. With the yz, you have to go faster in order to do the same.

[@dannymartinez4557]

Can you use a motorcross specific dirt bike on trials like the ones you ride?

[@490heaven]

I ride a 2005 yz250 and it works great. The only thing I did was add bar risers and a 8oz flywheel weight.

[@kuladeeluxe]

Sold my YZX.... it was always wanting to go faster than I wanted to go.

[@Nikoskap986]

Nice trail. It sould be more fun ridin it backwards though...

[@KiwiNewellLimited]

Do you think you'd need a stabilizer for a KTM 250xc-f? As far is I can tell (having only rode one once) it doesn't.

[@leeham273]

Not enough info mate, if you ride fast desert/roads. Then yes, it would be great, slow enduro or technical trails, not really so. I have it on my KTM 200 XC, its nice for fast flowing trails, like if you big root is in the way or a rock, gives me a better chance of not falling down. However when I do tight switchbacks, its harder for me to full lock turn.

[@KiwiNewellLimited]

Lahms ok thanks! Not needed for me then! Thanks mate.

[@crjmoto]

Fun trail!

[@GregHartSk8er]

The rider is the "steering stabiliser" - toughen up cupcake! Adjusting the rake of your forks (up and down) the trail of the rear wheel (lengthen shorten chain) as well as adjusting preload and damping on suspension is all that's needed for 99% of terrain

[@jdirt1982]

Greg please take the gay porno out of your vcr....

[@EpicGamerWorld]

you probably installed it under the handlebars, if you would have put it on the fender it would have been way better and not as noticeable

[@bryanroberts]

I agree with you 100%.. I feel very limited at low speeds..

[@anguspinkerton8637]

This bike has a lot of engine breaking for a 2 t

[@GregHartSk8er]

I find it weird that you rode this bike stock for so long yet constantly complained that the gearing was too high in 1st & 2nd. 2nd is your money gear, get that set right and all else will fall into place. Boyesen dual stage reeds, a decent high-airflow filter and properly set jetting will work wonders for the low end of any bike. That said it seems Yammy have a bit more homework to do before claiming a true trail bike - I still want one though!! :-)

[@newy8690]

Is this in Southern Utah

[@davidboswell6174]

Newel Stewart My guess is the Stansbury Front Trail , northern Ut.

[@jakejones3227]

have a steering stabilizer on my kx450 and have it set so that its not even noticeable. It may make a small difference but defiantly not worth the money you pay for them.

[@SD-ir1vf]

Of course it makes no difference if it’s set on low. What did you espect. You have to set it in the middle and work from there. It’s like having an air conditioner in the summer and not turning it on.

[@El_Jaco]

@@SD-ir1vf scotts actually says the high speed damping increases as you turn down the low speed (big knob)...

[@SD-ir1vf]

@@El_Jaco I have the GPR stabilizer, I bought one years ago for my CR it was a good stabilizer. But they change their design to cater to all the snowflakes that I have no idea what a stabilizer is and now it’s a piece of junk. I think I might have to go by the Scotts.

[@El_Jaco]

@@SD-ir1vf I have a scotts I'm looking to sell, but I don't think it's possible to connect on here 😀

[@SD-ir1vf]

@@El_Jaco The mount has to be bike specific.

[@jamessheasby1483]

do you use a gopro gimberler@dirtbikechannel

[@waynekerr4141]

yes, yes I do

[@bilbobaggins4905]

thats a lot of engine braking for a 2 stroke

[@dhprojects2881]

Bilbo Baggins yea i noticed that

[@HybridEdits]

Too bad it does literally nothing to the motor at all. Its been proven a million times over that engine braking does not hurt anything. Now that doesnt mean go hauling ass down a mile long road 5th gear pinned and engine brake but hopefully you get my point.

[@lucastay8355]

This is true in the case of 4 strokes. But 0% throttle engine braking on a 2 stroke means that no lubrication(fuel/premix) is going to the crank which CAN ultimately lead to seizure.

[@ktmtrailblaster]

wicked

[@jeelink9187]

I'd run into a tree.

[@tankeater]

Yes, a steering stabilizer isn't needed when you're going so slow... Was that the main point to your rant??????? How long did it take you to make this revelation???

[@lettongaming8547]

anyone want a free intro