steering dampener

Chris24 · 01-12-2006, 02:09 PM

well once im done with replacing my clutch plates, ill be thinking about putting a steering dampener on my bike. i took my bike out on a pretty hard ride with the guys one night, and she got a little wobbly in some of the turns, yikes! it wasnt too bad, but i had to keep it steady/ease off a little bit.

im thinking a steering dampener might allow me to push it through the curves a little more, and offer me some protection against the "tank slapper" phenomenon. i basicly understand what a dempener does (stops the wobbles) but ive never used one.

can anyone offer up some tips about how they work? are there any disadvantages to using one? does it affect handling at low speeds in any way? are these things adjustable, and how do you know if you adjusted it right?

anyways, this project is a way off, but i figure it wouldnt hurt to start collecting info. i dont think my bike had one stock, but maybe? i have seen some aftermarket ones around. and the ohlins site seems to suggest theirs will work for my model bike. any thoughts?

Patrick · 01-12-2006, 02:19 PM

A damper works by slowing down the ocillations in your front end so it doesn't become a tank slapper. If you have the damper set too tight it can cause a weave a low speeds.
If you want to go faster in the corners I'd properly adjust your suspension and set your tire pressure first.

Patrick

arturo3rd · 01-12-2006, 02:54 PM

i agree with the advice parick gave you. first try to adjust your suspension or drop the front end 5mm and the bike wont be as wobble through the turns. its a temporary fix until you get your bike's suspension tuned or a damper.

ive had a good experince with the two scotts units ive owned.

Patrick · 01-13-2006, 05:52 AM

One thing about changing fork height. Be cautious about raising the forks in the triple. It changes the rake, (makes it steeper as) and can actually make the bike a little more prone to headshake.

Patrick

john @ks · 01-13-2006, 11:55 AM

yeah i would have to agree with patrick on that and u should do what he sudjested.

Chris24 · 01-13-2006, 01:55 PM

thanks guys. i guess i should be looking for the real problem and not a workaround fix.

i think my bike is all jacked up in subtle ways, knows what people think when they do mods...on top of that there is a factor of disrepair.

im about to get paid again, so after the clutch kit i dont know what i can afford, but hopefully i can drop some more cash into fixing this baby up.

btw, thanks for the tips guys!

01-12-2006, 02:09 PM	#1
Chris24 Thread Savior Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Houston Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 4,634 Experience: 8 years Bike(s): 1979 Yamaha XS1100 Special	steering dampener well once im done with replacing my clutch plates, ill be thinking about putting a steering dampener on my bike. i took my bike out on a pretty hard ride with the guys one night, and she got a little wobbly in some of the turns, yikes! it wasnt too bad, but i had to keep it steady/ease off a little bit. im thinking a steering dampener might allow me to push it through the curves a little more, and offer me some protection against the "tank slapper" phenomenon. i basicly understand what a dempener does (stops the wobbles) but ive never used one. can anyone offer up some tips about how they work? are there any disadvantages to using one? does it affect handling at low speeds in any way? are these things adjustable, and how do you know if you adjusted it right? anyways, this project is a way off, but i figure it wouldnt hurt to start collecting info. i dont think my bike had one stock, but maybe? i have seen some aftermarket ones around. and the ohlins site seems to suggest theirs will work for my model bike. any thoughts?
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01-12-2006, 02:19 PM	#2
Patrick Motorcycles Unlimited Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston Feedback Rating: (2) Posts: 15,746 Experience: 10+ years Trackdays: 10+ Bike(s): '14 Speed Triple R, '82 CB900F, '13 Streetglide	A damper works by slowing down the ocillations in your front end so it doesn't become a tank slapper. If you have the damper set too tight it can cause a weave a low speeds. If you want to go faster in the corners I'd properly adjust your suspension and set your tire pressure first. Patrick
	__________________ Call or PM for the BEST PRICES in Houston for PARTS and ACCESSORIES. MAKE SURE TO MENTION YOU'RE ON MH TO GET THE BEST PRICE! NEED GEAR? We have a great selection in stock but if we need to order it we GUARANTEE FIT! Where Houston riders go to have their bikes worked on, done right the first time! 1964 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77090 Hours: Tues.-Fri. 9:30-6:00 Sat. 9-5:30 www.motorcycles-unlimited.com https://www.facebook.com/motorcyclesunlimited e-mail: patrick@motorcycles-unlimited.com

01-12-2006, 02:54 PM	#3
arturo3rd OG Sheriff/ Boss Join Date: May 2005 Location: Meadows Place, TX Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 13,444 Experience: 10+ years Trackdays: 10+ Bike(s): 2015 HD Forty Eight	i agree with the advice parick gave you. first try to adjust your suspension or drop the front end 5mm and the bike wont be as wobble through the turns. its a temporary fix until you get your bike's suspension tuned or a damper. ive had a good experince with the two scotts units ive owned.
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01-13-2006, 05:52 AM	#4
Patrick Motorcycles Unlimited Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Houston Feedback Rating: (2) Posts: 15,746 Experience: 10+ years Trackdays: 10+ Bike(s): '14 Speed Triple R, '82 CB900F, '13 Streetglide	One thing about changing fork height. Be cautious about raising the forks in the triple. It changes the rake, (makes it steeper as) and can actually make the bike a little more prone to headshake. Patrick
	__________________ Call or PM for the BEST PRICES in Houston for PARTS and ACCESSORIES. MAKE SURE TO MENTION YOU'RE ON MH TO GET THE BEST PRICE! NEED GEAR? We have a great selection in stock but if we need to order it we GUARANTEE FIT! Where Houston riders go to have their bikes worked on, done right the first time! 1964 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77090 Hours: Tues.-Fri. 9:30-6:00 Sat. 9-5:30 www.motorcycles-unlimited.com https://www.facebook.com/motorcyclesunlimited e-mail: patrick@motorcycles-unlimited.com

01-13-2006, 11:55 AM	#5
john @ks Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: north side Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 63 Bike(s): sv-1000, rd-400, gsx-r 750	yeah i would have to agree with patrick on that and u should do what he sudjested.
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01-13-2006, 01:55 PM	#6
Chris24 Thread Savior Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Houston Feedback Rating: (0) Posts: 4,634 Experience: 8 years Bike(s): 1979 Yamaha XS1100 Special	thanks guys. i guess i should be looking for the real problem and not a workaround fix. i think my bike is all jacked up in subtle ways, knows what people think when they do mods...on top of that there is a factor of disrepair. im about to get paid again, so after the clutch kit i dont know what i can afford, but hopefully i can drop some more cash into fixing this baby up. btw, thanks for the tips guys!
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