Posts
2
Joined
5/15/2025
Location
Mount Juliet, TN
US
I have a 2017 KTM 350 EXCF. The stem nut is tight per the manual. I ride single track and over correct a lot on tight situations and I'm wanting a stiffer steering experience. Do I need anything special or can I just over tighten the steering nut? If not, what do I need to do to increase the stiffness of the steering?
I appreciate any assistance.
When was the last time you changed the stem bearings?
Make sure you loosen the top clamp bolts first then tight stem nut to tighten up steering then torque clamp bolts
Haven't changed the stem bearings but have re-lubed them. Yeah tracking I need to loosen the top clamp bolts beforehand - So with this bike it's okay to over tighten the stem nut, like really tight? I reckon I'll need to tighten it a lot past the manual specs (like 8ft lbs).
Yes, you can tighten it very tight. But due to the design, the steering will never get very slow or tight like a Japanese bike will. Even if you really crank on the bolt it kind of reaches a point where it just stops and doesn't really put a ton of pressure on the bearings. Also, if you do it with the bike off the stand and tires on the ground you may be able to get it a little tighter.
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Try a steering dampner. Tried one 35 years ago and never had a bike without one since. https://www.scottsonline.com/
KTM OE design, Triumph TF, and Xtrig Pro clamp tip: If you like the handling but want stiffer stem tension, loosen the lower triple clamp bolts only (leaving the uppers and current fork height intact), then the steering tube pinch bolt, then adjust steering stem nut to desired side to side tension…Tighten all back to proper torque specs and test from there! One positive of the design and one less variable on the handling side.
This is the best option. GPR, Scotts and more make awesome ones. Tightening the bolt down more is a very small step towards what a steering stabilizer would do.
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