ND (2016+) Mazda Miata - Aftermarket Steering Wheel Options?

Find out what aftermarket steering wheels are available for the ND Mazda MX-5 Miata that are a direct replacement, keeping the OEM airbag and steering wheel controls! In this video we'll review various aftermarket steering wheels available for our 2019 Mazda Miata RF project car, including Cipher, DAMD, Ken Style, Gun Grip, and Guardian Designs' Corsa product line. We'll discuss steering wheel features such as size, materials, grip contouring, stitching, etc., for your next Mazda Miata mods. In a future video, I'll take you through the Mazda Miata aftermarket steering wheel install process. Subscribe Today!
Flyin' Miata: www.flyinmiata.com/ciper-steering-wheels-for-nd.html
Moss Miata: mossmiata.com/cipher-steering-wheels
REV9: rev9autosport.com/nd-16/interior/steering-wheels.html
Guardian Designs: guardiandesigns.eu
Amazon Affiliate Links:
Ken Style Leather Steering Wheel: amzn.to/2R9lCvc
Cipher Steering Wheel: amzn.to/2Rc4iFS
DISCLOSURE: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and purchase an item from Amazon (and/or others), I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

[@jeffreysheets5312]

Fast forward to 6:00. You’re welcome.

[@TheRealTomLauda]

The Guardian's steering wheels are expensive, but they looks soooo much better than the others ! At least from the pictures. I definitely considering one...

[@2007MXV]

Guardian Designs - bespoke and gorgeous!

[@waynestambaugh]

Don't let price be your primary guide in a new steering wheel. Think about it, it's the first thing you touch (after the door handle) when you get in your car. You hold the steering wheel until you get out of your car. Your contact with the wheel is a major part of the driving experience. It is also one of the most noticed pieces on the interior of your car. It's worth the time and money to get what you really want. Saving $150 or so usually isn't a good decision when you are really settling for less than you want.

[@justchillin619]

Awesome info! I've been waiting to get a new wheel and would love a good install video!

[@TheLemonFactor]

I'll get the install video out as soon as I can. I'm anxious to replace the OEM steering wheel ASAP.

[@Dangerous_Drivers_of_CA]

That Caprice looked awesome

[@ryanstetzler8623]

This has been one of my issues with my 2017 Club RF. Considering a different wheel also so interested in what you choose and how to install. Good stuff. Keep the good content coming for the NDs.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm anxious to get back to the dyno for testing our exhausts, but until the shop opens back up, we'll have to go to plan B. As soon as I get the wheel I'll get the video up ASAP!

[@georgebugarin1078]

@@TheLemonFactor ask for the key to the garage :p. You should do a video on different wheel and tire options for the ND. Glad you're focusing on the ND while we all wait for the nerds to figure out the ecu

[@MrJorgie73]

Subbed and great review thanks - I just happened to install my Corsa 330 yesterday. I did have to wait over 3 weeks for it to come to Australia (from Poland) and it was damn expensive. When you open the box - the smell is like a fancy italian leather wallet. The feel is amazing and really small - its like driving a different car. Having all the steering wheel functions (and airbag) working was really important in my opinion. If you want the best - you have to pay here unfortunately. I saved my coins for over a year for this. Looking forward to seeing future RF uploads.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thanks for the sub and comment. I've heard nothing but good things about GD steering wheels. You must have been one of the first to receive the Corsa 330 as it just came out - glad you're happy with it, especially if you saved your coins for so long.

[@GA-wq8xq]

Great video, informative and very specialized

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thank you for the watch and comment. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@kgb4187]

"I think this might be a good option as well because it gives me the D, gives me a little more thickness up here, though I didn't see it reference how thick it is"

[@justchillin619]

Guardian seems the way to go

[@TheLemonFactor]

If you're looking to customize, and willing to spend the money, Guardian Design steering wheels look like a great option.

[@ConquerDriving]

I really like the steering wheel, I'm not a fan of thick BMW steering wheels, even the wheel in my Leon is a bit too thick for me. Only downside of the MX5 steering wheel is it's a bit too big, but that makes it a bit easier on the long trips as I can easily reach it when using both arm rests. But a very good informative video.

[@TheLemonFactor]

The good thing is that there’s a lot of options to choose from to fit each individual’s personal preference 👍

[@BN99239]

I feel the same way about the steering wheels in mine. Guardian Designs is by far my favorite. Pricier for sure but the amount of customizations and choices are great! Quality is also amazing as well. I highly recommend these. I love the Corsa-D since they feel a bit smaller than the OEM wheel.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Guardian Designs do have some nice options, but you're going to pay for them. I love my Kenstyle steering wheel, and still consider it my favorite modification to-date.

[@shaunwilliams9949]

Great info! Very informative. FYI - Kamispeed has the DAMD wheel on sale, with free shipping.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Good to know. Thanks.

[@Dan-xj9vd]

Great video and research Chad. You made me change my mind and I am going to order a custom steering wheel from Guardian Design - Corsa-D with perforated leather, Alcantara top/bottom and Red Bordeau marker. Let's hope I get it for the summer!

[@TheLemonFactor]

Just today I drove a friends car with the GD 330mm which was very nice. I love the contours of my kenstyle and it’s still me favorite mod. 😁

[@Dan-xj9vd]

@@TheLemonFactor Hey Chad, I installed my GD steering wheel this week. A little bit than 2 months to get it. Custom made in Poland. Quality surpassed my expectations. I changed my order during the made of my wheel. GD contact you to validate all the options and offered me even more options than what I could selected on their web site. I finally purchased 5 customized items: Wheel + alcantara Shitfter boot, e-brake boot, e-brake handle and central console lid. It brings more richness to the interior and better driving experience. I think I even saved money with the overall GD purchase by not requiring to buy other extra alcantara accessories from Mazda direclty.

[@TheLemonFactor]

That wait must have been agonizing 😫. Glad you finally have it and are enjoying it 👍. I’d love to see some pics.

[@Dan-xj9vd]

@@TheLemonFactor I will send you the pics by email.

[@TheLemonFactor]

👍😁

[@TunesByTanzil]

I have a DAMD in a Subaru Legacy/Liberty. Amazing feel leather, perf leather all around and D shape. Feels so soft and cleans up super easy with leather cleaner. I love the paper-y soft feel of the DAMD, had for a year+ now, wearing fine. Not worth 600USD, I paid about 300USD for mine from Japan.

[@TheLemonFactor]

I do really like the DAMD, but even at $600 it's a little pricey for me, but I'm still considering. Thanks for the feedback... it's nice to know it's a quality product.

[@DissidentMediaHD]

Just purchased an RF, looking forward to this! I had swapped my steering wheel on my BMW for an M3 and been missing the thickness

[@TheLemonFactor]

Was it one of the first things you noticed with the RF? First time I test drove the RF, I loved it, but couldn't get the steering wheel out of my mind.

[@wescotnoir745]

Hi all, I had a DAMD wheel on an STi i used to have, and was very pleased with it. On my 2019 MX-5 I went with the Corsa 330. I didnt feel like i needed a flat top or bottom with such a smaller wheel size. After install inwill reoport back.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thanks, can't wait. Hopefully it won't take too long for you to get it (given our current environment).

[@ayodangit]

Did you install yet

[@wescotnoir745]

@@ayodangit i did. Love the wheel, size is amazing. Almost too small, because seeing through it to see the cluster, it needs to be in the perfect place

[@sethgunn8256]

The word is “perforated”.

[@z3255032]

I run the DAMD suede steering wheel. I feel my hands kinda losing grip on hard turns, weird feeling that’s hard to explain. I’d ran a AutoEXE leather steering wheel before on the NC and that felt better. I would recommend getting leather for the grip.

[@TheLemonFactor]

I agree. I think the suede looks great, but leather is more functional.

[@DaBinChe]

Funny I felt the same way about the OE wheel. Makes the ergonomics feel off from the rest of the car. Love my GuardianDesign. There are so many options for steering wheels now. When I got my GD there were only a few other options.

[@TheLemonFactor]

It does transform the driving experience! 👍

[@jurgenwauters9458]

The Ken Style has two-tone stiching, wich doesnt match the OEM stitching...

[@scottherr493]

I too am looking for a new steering wheel for my 2016 Club. Have you made a decision or do I need to wait for the unveiling?

[@TheLemonFactor]

Although a very difficult decision... I have decided. You'll have to wait for the unveiling - it shouldn't be long.

[@philryan7254]

Hi nice video good luck with the steering wheel change out I'm sure whichever one you choose it will look fantastic. Not the sort of thing I would do I tend to leave my car's stock. I know a lot of guys buy these cars in spend thousands of Dollars changing Clutches gearboxes differentials suspension I tend to think the car is pretty fantastic as it is ....Cheers Phil from Newark. What's your opinion.

[@TheLemonFactor]

The plan is to film the steering wheel change out today - I'm very excited, this has been a pet peeve of mine for some time.

[@ms3ben]

Yeah I hate steering wheels that are too big and or thin, up there with rev-hang.

[@justchillin619]

One thing I just thought of...a thicker and especially smaller wheel might block your view of the gauges?

[@TheLemonFactor]

Yes, my thoughts exactly... it would be nice, but it's already a little tight visually as it is.

[@MrJorgie73]

Yes you are correct, I installed my Corsa 330 yesterday, I had to raise the steering wheel to the highest height otherwise my gauges are obstructed. That being said, when driving now the wheel feels so so small and sporty. With it being thicker, it does feel like driving a different car. I've had my ND for 3 years and now have to get used to the short shifter and thicker steering wheel. Love it!!!

[@TheLemonFactor]

@@MrJorgie73 Probably feels like you have a brand new car again?

[@justchillin619]

I really want the guardian 330 but still worried about blocking the guages...let us know how you like after some long cruises!

[@2007MXV]

justchillin90 I went with the GD Corsa-D Drift, which is the perfect size: smaller than oem and yet not too small. The Drift feature eliminates the thumb pads for a wider field of view to the gauges too.

[@nomansland4811]

Definitely interested in seeing an install. Kinda scared of that airbag.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Honestly, me too, but I'm willing to tackle it ; )

[@nomansland4811]

The Lemon Factor! Just spoke to my mechanic buddy about this. He said in addition to disconnecting the negative terminal, also remove the airbag fuse. Cheap insurance I guess. He says a swap like this is pretty easy with the plug and play stuff.

[@lucianolucidi8624]

Nice video. But the music on my opinion must be lower

[@EricJay98]

Is it possible to put a modern Miata steering wheel with button controls on a 2003 miata?

[@TheLemonFactor]

Good question. Unfortunately, I have never worked on a 2003 Miata and cannot answer. With that said, I would be surprised if it did.

[@CARLTONMOXLEYUnknownpianist]

How do you get them in a few words with your microphone is clipping

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thanks for the watch. Hope you liked the content.

[@fxpthl]

What can you tell me about the brand "CorkSport" if anything?

[@TheLemonFactor]

I do not have any first hand experience with CorkSport. What products are you considering?

[@framad3446]

I have been driving an MX-5 2.0 ND Roadster for 2 months, I have some modifications such as Ulter exhaust, ecuteck map, manifolds, filter, Ohlins R&T, OZ Superleggera, it is a fantastic car that is fun and consumes little, the only thing I don't like is the diameter of the steering wheel, I state that before the MX-5 I drive a Lotus Elise S which has the small Momo as a steering wheel with increased grip at 9:15 and above all it is not servo assisted a fantastic steering, in my opinion the MX-5 needed a steering wheel specific smaller sportier instead it uses the same steering wheel as all Mazdas and this is not nice on a sports car.. most likely I will change it in the future for a Momo or a Nardi

[@TheLemonFactor]

Congratulations on the new Miata!!! A great car, but the steering wheel definitely needs to be changed. I consider an aftermarket steering wheel upgrade to be the most impactful change I made 👍😁

[@dvatp]

Great video, but the music throughout is annoying. Please delete the music in future videos.

[@tludwig400]

Very thorough and enjoyed it as usual, Chad! Definitely something I’m looking at doing myself. I would like a slightly smaller diameter wheel, but nothing dramatically different that will make the steering feel more twitchy. I want beefier, but want to keep it round (no D shape) for better feel on full turns and even with 34” inseam, I don’t feel like the round wheel hurts my legroom. I’ve had an alcantara wheel before and that was a bad idea; never again. Grippy and feels great no matter the temperature but impossible to maintain. Corsa at $650 looks like the right wheel for me but I’ll have to check out some of the other options.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thanks, I appreciate the comment / support. I wouldn't mind a smaller steering wheel, but I don't want it interfering with my visibility to the gauges, which is already sparse as-is. I've personally have never had an alcantara wheel, but I know many who have and it seems to be a love/hate relationship ; ) I'm really impressed with the Guardian Design steering wheels, but can't seem to justify to myself paying that much...

[@tludwig400]

Just saw that Guardian now has a match for the OEM Auburn for those of us with the Auburn interior. It’s going to be extra hard to say no to that now.

[@j0rg3_s1lv4]

Easy to replace steering wheel. The only problem I had was removing the audio controls on the wheel. I got the KenStyle with carbon fiber on the top of the wheel. Looks a bit weird and feels somewhat weird but whatever, lol.

[@TheLemonFactor]

I really like the KenStyle... and not a bad price (relatively speaking). Too weird? Would you buy it again?

[@j0rg3_s1lv4]

The Lemon Factor! Yeah, I would buy it again. I would prefer it to be a bit smaller, maybe somewhere between the OEM size and the Corsa-330. Grip wise? I think you would really enjoy the KenStyle. If you would like some pics, let me know I can sent you some right now.

[@TheLemonFactor]

@@j0rg3_s1lv4 Thanks for the feedback. I really like the grip contouring, not as concerned about the diameter. If you don't mind sending some pics, that would be great. [e-mail]

[@j0rg3_s1lv4]

The Lemon Factor! Hello Chad, I just sent you 2 emails from my yahoo account, I had to use mail drop since the total file size was too big for the email to go through. If you don’t get them, please let me know so I can try again after work from my computer instead of my phone.

[@TheLemonFactor]

@@j0rg3_s1lv4 Thank you. I did receive the email, but did not get any link to the pics.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Let me know if you have one of these steering wheels and what you think of it?

[@wescotnoir745]

I am waiting for a Corsa 330 to arrive. If you want to do a comparison after you install yours let me know.

[@TheLemonFactor]

@@wescotnoir745 Let me know once you get it... thanks.

[@2007MXV]

I have a Guardian Designs Corsa-D Drift in my 2019 ND. I had a Cipher in my 2016 ND.

[@mr_monkey818]

I hint the steering wheel looks ok for a normal car but for a Mazda no no no very wrong😁🚘

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@shiftintohigh5564]

No, Chad, your instincts are dead on. It’s an suv/ mazada3 Cx5 steering wheel. Wife and I hopped in, top down, Good-Win super street exhaustwound out and just giggled today!! Needs a thicker wheel. I think the Fiat Abarth 124/ 500 wheel looks perfect. Change Logo??? Red center Mark??? What would that cost??? But, I am watching.

[@TheLemonFactor]

I don't consider myself a big "steering wheel" guy, but man the OEM steering wheel is a disappointment every time I get in the car... I need to "fix" this problem so I'm not constantly districted by it. "Premium Problems", I know ; )

[@shiftintohigh5564]

The Lemon Factor! Right with you! Couldn’t figure out either. All the development....🤔🤔 Watching. 👍👍😎

[@seansteryu7398]

Great car but the steering wheel is like for baby hands. Nice stitching, and better than Honda Civic Type R. But I like the full grip to the Type R wheel.

[@TheLemonFactor]

...and that's why I just replaced mine. The video will be released on Friday ; )

[@seansteryu7398]

@@TheLemonFactor thanks for the videos, which brand will you go with this Friday?

[@cruxinterfaces]

You're a professional installer, you should try using our products on your vehicle Thank you for the content

[@TheLemonFactor]

What products would you recommend I try?

[@mautsukuda]

The Guardian website is private? It doesn't let me in without a WordPress account or permission from the site owner.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Guardian Designs just recently created a new website, which can be found at: www.guardiandesigns.eu

[@mautsukuda]

@@TheLemonFactor thank you!

[@nitroman58v90]

Has anyone gone with the Kenstyle?

[@TheLemonFactor]

I love mine! Favorite mod so far.

[@nitroman58v90]

@@TheLemonFactor Did you go with leather or carbon?

[@TheLemonFactor]

Leather as I prefer the grip it provides.

[@billzziv6859]

@@TheLemonFactor Is there a video or 2 that you would recommend for the installation?

[@TheLemonFactor]

Checkout the channel as I do have the install video. 👍

[@johnnyd768]

I actually like the steering wheel on mine, but, that could change after the honeymoon is over....

[@TheLemonFactor]

It's one of my favorite mods so far... such a drastic improvement that you "feel" all the time.

[@tommyestridge9301]

Stay away from alcantara or suede, looks great at first, but over time the oils from you hands will turn the surface into a gooey sticky mess.

[@TheLemonFactor]

I’m not fond of suede or alcantara on any “wear” areas of a car.

[@gtb5]

Yeah steering wheels on Mazda cars are always too thin.

[@TheLemonFactor]

I've since fixed that problem as you'll see on Friday ; )

[@pannyers]

Buy another cap, don't film with a Porsche cap on. Nice video by the way.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Thanks for the watch and comment - working on the hat - I can't seem to let go of the past ; )

[@smplloyd]

If you can afford a mx5 rf, and replace the steering wheel with a expensive aftermarket one, you can afford a new pair of jeans.

[@TheLemonFactor]

Priorities.

[@Yoyomanmanholla]

Terrible idea to replace the oem steering wheel

[@AS-xo6cq]

Your intro is way tooooooo long