best aftermarket steering post for M8

[SLED2SHRED]

My post is tweeked and needs a new one for my 08. I put a 3" rise on this year but wouldn't mind an adjustable just not the CAT one.
Whats out there that works well. Thanks for input.

 

[shredjim]

If you have deep pockets, BDX makes a chrome moly adjustable one. Probably the best option available, but costs $300.

 

[Frostbite]

Unfortunately, I'm in the same boat as you. I keep hoping Cat will address this issue but......................

I really see three options.

1. Straighten your stock post as much as possible and add the BDX upgrade kit to the stock VSB steering post to better support the existing post and make it less likely to break. $85

2. Ask yourself how much you actually raise and lower your handlebars (especially if you have a high rise seat). If not much, you could go to a non adjustable taller chrome moly post so you don't need a riser. Fastlane makes one that is 4" taller than stock and is tilted forward 15 degrees. It costs $199.

3. Buy the BDX chrome moly steering post but, it's the stock height. If you need more height, you'll have to add a riser (do thay make one higher than 2" that fits the VSB bars?) $300 plus riser cost.

I'm leaning toward #2. If I do that, I will hack off my VSB bars about half way down and weld the adjustable portion to my RX-1 steering post plate. I could use use the adjustability on my tonner. I have an 11" riser and the trail home is like riding with ape hangars.

Best of luck

 

[Rprecision]

I have decided to leave it alone for next year, I have a year left on warranty............

There is this remote, very remote chance AC may adress the problem.

While I could stand them a little taller, I otherwise love the VSB

 

[shredjim]

I have decided to leave it alone for next year, I have a year left on warranty............

There is this remote, very remote chance AC may adress the problem.

While I could stand them a little taller, I otherwise love the VSB

How much play do you have in your handlebars before you fully engage the skis? I have the same sled and measured mine - 1/2 inch play (sloppyness) before I start to turn the skis. I'm ready to ditch the VSB to eliminate the sloppyness, leaning towards buying a non VSB steering post and 3" riser.

 

[backcountryislife]

Mid season after two breaks I had my vsb post sliced in half at the normal breaking point & had a rod put in to stiffen it. It has been perfect ever since. It has been beat on & no bend, sweet. The slop on the other hand is PITIFUL, I'll never buy another one of these posts.

The fastlane post is light, but bent after my wife rolled her sled. I didn't see it so I can't say if it was a hard enough hit to bend it as significantly as it did, but it's well built in my opinion (4" rise btw).

BDX also is selling a larger collar to replace the plastic collar that holds the post at the top of the tank, that would be a good investment imo.

 

[Frostbite]

How would the height of the Fastlane +4" steering post compare to the VSB bars at full height? Or honestly, the VSB bars with a 2" AMP riser?

Can you still add risers to the Fastlane steering post to get even more height out of the bars?

Can you tell, I want more height out of my bars?

 

[graveler]

we have a guy here in North Bend "fix" the stock post for 35 bucks, mine survived an Avy and had the bars almost torn off but barely bent the post...before I broke three.....he just did a 5th one for a friend today.....

 

[mountainhorse]

The hex adjustable part does not look like the weak part...

Have a good fab shop, like " wildchild " on the forums here mod your stock top section with a super strong thic walled cromoly lower section.

By design the Cat adjustable post has a long distance between top bearing and the top of the post when extended.

Maybe go with a double upper bushing like the ones used on the edge Polaris chassis for more support in addition to the thick walled tubing.

 

[backcountryislife]

How would the height of the Fastlane +4" steering post compare to the VSB bars at full height? Or honestly, the VSB bars with a 2" AMP riser?

Can you still add risers to the Fastlane steering post to get even more height out of the bars?

Can you tell, I want more height out of my bars?

The fastlane bars at 4" are more likely to bend slightly from a roll or something, but unlike the POS 09 cat post won't snap off in your hand leaving you with a reaal silly looking dildo & the corresponding look on your face to go with that big silly dildo!

 

[Frostbite]

Thanks Backcountry but, what about the height difference between the Fastlane +4" bars compared to the VSB bars at full height (or the VSB bars plus the 2" AMP riser height in my case)?

If the Fastlane bars are lower than the VSB at full height. I'd have to buy a yet to be determined height riser to bring them up to the height I'd like. That is possible, correct?

 

[XFIRE800]

I didnt get the fastlane post, but i did put a 4 inch riser on my stock steering post (no vsb bars) which put me at 10 inches. I am about 5'11" and i dont have to bend over at all to reach my bars when standing up, my arms are actually bent a little bit which is way more comfortable than stock or even my 2 inch riser i had on before.

 

[backcountryislife]

Thanks Backcountry but, what about the height difference between the Fastlane +4" bars compared to the VSB bars at full height (or the VSB bars plus the 2" AMP riser height in my case)?

If the Fastlane bars are lower than the VSB at full height. I'd have to buy a yet to be determined height riser to bring them up to the height I'd like. That is possible, correct?

Yeah, it's possible, but if you do a straight riser that high you're looking at certain damage if you roll. If you want to go that high you really should get a lower set of bars, then add a pivot riser so it has the ability to "break away" when it takes a big hit.

As for the difference between the vsb's & the f-lane setup I think you're looking at 3.75 for the vsb & 4 for the f-lane, so the two should be comparable, but like I said I think the f-lane is slightly more likely to bend, but the vsb setup WILL break.
It seems like in your case a stock height F-lane post with a 6 or 8" pivot would do you proud!

 

[Speeedracer]

Anyone find a fix to what I believe is a 'harder' steering front end on the 09's compared to the older M's???

 

[WyoBoy1000]

Anyone find a fix to what I believe is a 'harder' steering front end on the 09's compared to the older M's???

Get the holz skid suspension, they revalve and add a dual spring to the front of the skid to take away ski pressure. your prob is adjustment.

I pulled mine out chopped it in half, pounded a pipe inside the post into the bend point and welded it back up. works great. It was never staight before and now it stays straight.