[hardware5434]

Hi everyone.  I'm new to the forum.  Its great to see on dedicated to the CF moto machines.  I have a 2013 Z6EX.  I have a little over 200 miles on it so far.  I really like it, but the steering wheel really leaves something to be desired.  It has hard plastic ribs that I think your fingers are supposed to fit into.  All they really do is tear up your hands on trail rides. 

Has anyone changed out the steering wheel on a Z6?  I called my dealer hopeful I could just buy a steering wheel from a newer Z8, but they informed me it will not fit. 

Any help or ideas are greatly appreciated!

[NMKawierider]

Welcome. I don't know for sure but seems odd that it wouldn't as the Z8 came from the Z6. I'll bet if the steering stems have the same part number, then they would have to fit.

[Cosmosdan]

OK, I checked on this. The part numbers do not match. The stems do look like they have the same shape. might be different OAL. You can't buy the whole thing, have to buy all the seprate parts and put it together. It will cost 125-150 to get it done. If you don't want to risk that much than you could just but the "Fixing Seat" part number 7030-100002 for just under $32 and see if it fits. If it does buy the rest of the parts needed.

[NMKawierider]

Can you grind the plastic grips off and buy an aftermarket lace-down foam or leather cover of some type?

[Bpraim]

I think they are the same taper, the z8 rod is longer than the z6. About 3/4 inch.
Fixing seat won't work as z6 wheel is all plastic, we're the z8 has attached to a metal seat.
If I have time tomorrow I'll get a tech to try and see.

[BearChow]

I may be oversimplifying it here, but have you tried a pair of gloves?  Just seems like a lot cheaper option than replacing the wheel.  I almost always wear gloves when I'm driving mine.

[Cosmosdan]

Second on the gloves. I mentioned the seat because the z8 has a few parts to the assembly. the z6 is one peice deal. the seat mounts to the stem and the rest bolts on to it. If the spline and taper are the same than it should mount up. Buying all the other parts should be an easy choice if it fits. I always worry about wasting money on something if I'm unsure if it would work. If the seat didn't fit than your only out $32 instead of $125+

[hardware5434]

Thanks for all the info.  I definitely wear gloves as well when I drive.  Where it really becomes an issue is the slow, tight, Rocky trails where you can get some kick back in the steering. 

I may end up just filling the grooves with tape and wrapping the steering wheel with grip tape. 

[BearChow]

Thanks for all the info.  I definitely wear gloves as well when I drive.  Where it really becomes an issue is the slow, tight, Rocky trails where you can get some kick back in the steering. 

Yeah, I know exactly what you're talking about.  I've had the wheel torn out of my hands a couple of times from bump-steer.  Generally, I try to hold it straight as I can when I'm in questionable stuff, seems to minimize (but not eliminate) it.

[Cosmosdan]

I just need someone to try the glove box swap. I'm too cheap to try it.