SXR x-metal handpole install tips

[clouse22]

Just bought a new x-metal adjustable handpole for my sxr.

(1) Anyone have any tips for the install. I already have the stock handpole off.

(2) Also looking for recommendations for which steering system to buy. RIght now im leaning towards the x-metal fixed steering.

Thanks,

Bobby

 

[AtomicPunk]

1) Bolt it up!
2) Get the adj steering system, dont waste your money on the fixed one (not sure they still make it)

 

[kraqus]

I love that Pole.....post pics when you can....


Benny

 

[clouse22]

I made good progress today. Got the pole on the ski. My adjustable steering system is supposed to arrive tomorrow. Kicking myself that I live in michigan and riding season is months away :bs2:

 

[Texan33]

Looking good, I'm getting one for my SXR!! I decided to get the RRP steering system for the x-metal pole. I was told I have to drill and tap four new holes so RRP steering system can fit in. It won't be a problem for me.

 

[JamesG]

Install the steering bearings greased. And keep them loaded with grease throughout the year.

 

[clouse22]

thanks for the input everyone

some recent pics

 

[hillbilly550]

I run the short xm steering with straight bars. Love it. I'm -2.5 on the pole and the steering is another -2 from the stock set-up. It will feel weird at first because the bars are higher in the tray when starting up but you will get used to it quick. I'm running pole pole stiff now too and that really helps reduce back fatigue.

 

[icecoled007]

I be yo motivation:

 

[icecoled007]

Also prepare to be confused/frustrated with the steering cable setup. That was a PITA, I ended up not even using the crappy adapter. Ive heard the best thing to do is swap to a 750 cable

 

[clouse22]

Also prepare to be confused/frustrated with the steering cable setup. That was a PITA, I ended up not even using the crappy adapter. Ive heard the best thing to do is swap to a 750 cable

I actually saw your thread a while back and loved how the pole looked on your ski so I had to get one. I actually found the adapter to work and thought it was the easiest part of the installation. Ill try to snap a picture today of mine. My problem is that the cable is hitting the chinpad where it connects to the little ball it connects to. Im either going to grind a little of the chinpad away or try to space the chinpad with washers to lift it up a little.

 

[icecoled007]

I actually saw your thread a while back and loved how the pole looked on your ski so I had to get one. I actually found the adapter to work and thought it was the easiest part of the installation. Ill try to snap a picture today of mine. My problem is that the cable is hitting the chinpad where it connects to the little ball it connects to. Im either going to grind a little of the chinpad away or try to space the chinpad with washers to lift it up a little.

X-metal should pay me a referral fee


Anyways I wouldn't mind seeing close up shots of your cable setup.... maybe I gotta trying playing with mine some more.

 

[Texan33]

I don't know about you guys. I just installed the x-metal pole and RRP steering system in my SXR yesterday.... There was a couple of hiccups in the process but everything fits in pretty good and I'm using the SXR cable. I took out the stock spring because it had too much tension for the x-metal pole. I am currently looking for a lower tension spring. The RRP steering plate allows me to mount the steering cable right below the steering bar and had plenty of clearance (see the first picture). Also, I didn't have to do the BigFish mod on my x-metal pole because all I had to do was cut the stock spiral rubber hose in half.

 

[clouse22]

that red looks pretty sweet!

As for an update....Friday I sold my SXR hull and picked up an EME Q8 so this handpole and steering system will be installed on that =]

 

[jlane330]

OP: Did you end up getting the X-metal adjustable steering system? If so, is that all that's required + grips + the Kawasaki pole kit for a total of $175 + $645 + grips? I guess I need turf too for the chinpad. Anything else recommended for this upgrade (i.e. bracket)? Does the X-metal steering kit have bearings or bushings? Seems to be a good bit less expensive that RRP, TBM, etc.

If I already own UMI 0 degree bars and lock-on grips, can I reuse these parts with a less expensive steering plate? I'm confused with all the steering options. I'm really after a shorter handle pole, hadn't really considered shorter steering components too... and don't want it too short.

Thanks!

EDIT: Texan33, why the RRP steering for the X-metal pole? Why not the X-metal steering set-up? Just trying to understand why this or that...

 

[Texan33]

that red looks pretty sweet!

As for an update....Friday I sold my SXR hull and picked up an EME Q8 so this handpole and steering system will be installed on that =]

Thanks man! Post a pic or start a new thread about your EME hull!!

EDIT: Texan33, why the RRP steering for the X-metal pole? Why not the X-metal steering set-up? Just trying to understand why this or that...

It was a preferred choice for me, I just like the design of RRP steering system (I'm an engineering student). It use bearing and I like how it performs. If you have more questions about my RRP/X-metal setup, feel free to ask me anytime.

If I already own UMI 0 degree bars and lock-on grips, can I reuse these parts with a less expensive steering plate? I'm confused with all the steering options. I'm really after a shorter handle pole, hadn't really considered shorter steering components too... and don't want it too short.

I'm not sure which aftermarket steering plates the UMI 0 degree bar will fit in but I'm sure someone here will chime in for you on that one.

OP: Did you end up getting the X-metal adjustable steering system? If so, is that all that's required + grips + the Kawasaki pole kit for a total of $175 + $645 + grips? I guess I need turf too for the chinpad. Anything else recommended for this upgrade (i.e. bracket)? Does the X-metal steering kit have bearings or bushings? Seems to be a good bit less expensive that RRP, TBM, etc.

X-metal steering system use bushing. That is why my RRP steering system is more expensive because it use bearing. If you want a good cheap steering system, I will go with Cold Fusion steering system. I have heard a lot of good reports about them and they use bushing too. Yes, you will have to get turf for the chinpad too. You can get a x-metal bracket but the stock bracket will do just fine, I'm using my stock one.

 

[clouse22]

heres a teaser for my build thread later, still waiting on some parts....hull, hood, and bracket about 70lbs

 

[Texan33]

Sneaky!!!

 

[jlane330]

Thanks for the info Texan! The RRP system looks nice! After some back and forth with X-metal (very nice and helpful), I think I'm going to look for a different steering system. Nothing wrong with theirs (and the price looks great), but I'd really like to keep the bars I have so I can retain the crossbar pad! My 5 y.o. son cruises with me sometimes, and his face is down there, and a lot of the straight bar systems don't have pads. My UMI bars are padded nicely for him. Might sound like a lame reason, but it's the truth that I'm working with.

So, I really like the Kommander steering system (http://www.blowsion.com/products/596-blowsion-kommand-billet-steering-system.aspx) . Seems like a well designed steering plate (I'm an ME) and can use my current bars w/pad. Big question is, will it fit? I know I will have to drill/tap the handle pole at a minimum, and deal with the steering cable length (cut down or swap for 750). Any reason why it won't work beyond this? Seems that if an RRP and a UMI can be made to work, so can this system. What am I missing?

How about pivot bolt? Did you use the stock SXR bolt down on the mount, or switch to dual bolt? I don't mind the spring set-up (not looking for tension/drag to keep the handle pole counterbalanced).

Input is greatly appreciated!

EDIT: Not sure why I hadn't noticed this before, but it would appear that the Blowsion Kommander and the RRP systems are nearly identical. The biggest differences that I notice are color, price, and the slotted versus 3 position cable attachment arm.

 

[Texan33]

Thanks for the info Texan! The RRP system looks nice! After some back and forth with X-metal (very nice and helpful), I think I'm going to look for a different steering system. Nothing wrong with theirs (and the price looks great), but I'd really like to keep the bars I have so I can retain the crossbar pad! My 5 y.o. son cruises with me sometimes, and his face is down there, and a lot of the straight bar systems don't have pads. My UMI bars are padded nicely for him. Might sound like a lame reason, but it's the truth that I'm working with.

I understand what you mean. Yes, it's true that there are not many straight bar system with pads on them. I am 100% sure you can get a A/M steering system that will work for your UMI bars.

So, I really like the Kommander steering system (http://www.blowsion.com/products/596-blowsion-kommand-billet-steering-system.aspx) . Seems like a well designed steering plate (I'm an ME) and can use my current bars w/pad. Big question is, will it fit? I know I will have to drill/tap the handle pole at a minimum, and deal with the steering cable length (cut down or swap for 750). Any reason why it won't work beyond this? Seems that if an RRP and a UMI can be made to work, so can this system. What am I missing?

I have seen those steering system one time but I have not heard much about them. I keep hearing a lot of people recommending RRP, Cold Fusion, and xmetal all the time. I had to drill/tap the x-metal pole for my RRP steering plate and only took me 20 minutes. I can ask some people around for a steering system that will work for your UMI bars. Is your UMI bars a straight bar? You are a mechanical engineer? No kidding, I'm an mechanical engineering student.

How about pivot bolt? Did you use the stock SXR bolt down on the mount, or switch to dual bolt? I don't mind the spring set-up (not looking for tension/drag to keep the handle pole counterbalanced).

Input is greatly appreciated!

I have never seen anyone using dual pivot bolt method. It could work well and won't be in the way for the cables to go through. I'm using the stock bolt and not using a spring on the x-metal pole. The stock spring has way too much tension and the x-metal pole stay straight up. I am actually looking for a lower tension spring just in case. I have old pain on my lower back, I fractured four of my vertebrae in a ATV accident five years ago.