steering dampers

[lifeofcrimeguy]

I don't know the first things about dampers. Other than they can lessen wobbles of course. But I would love to get one for my '00 zx6. I don't even know what size however. Suggestions and comments?

[MiG]

First question to ask yourself would be, are you having wobble problems? Nothing wrong with a little bit of headshake.

[lifeofcrimeguy]

Well I do want to do some track days but I especially want to do some drag racing as well. Besides which I treat these kind of things like seat belts, generally dont need them, but sometimes I do some pretty stupid things. So no, I haven't needed one yet, that's kinda why I wanna get one before I do.

[Lone Wolf]

'00 ZX6's weren't exactly known for head shake, and it would seem pointless spending money on a damper if you don't really need it.

Just a thought...

[lifeofcrimeguy]

I was thinking that it would more come in handy for when I hit a bad surface whilst leaned through a corner or something like that, rather than trying to avoid speed wobbles. Is a damper not right for that application?

[MiG]

Let your riding determine your spending, instead of doing all the mods that other people do. If there's no perceptible problem, then there's no reason to spend money. Besides, a steering damper is not what you're after if that is your concern.

[dave#3]

I've never had a steering dampener on my road bikes, but I do have one on my tracky - I can't say what it's like without it 'cause I've only ever ridden at the track with one. If you feel more confident with a steering dampener then get one .... I believe 99% of riding happens between the ears, and honestly, if a twizzle stick makes you feel confident then bolt one onto your bike. Who gives a fuck if you needone, it's about what makes you feel confident.

I'd been looking for a dampener for Cath's 00 zx6r tracky for quite a while, and finally found a second hand Ohlins one on eBay recently which cost about $200 landed here (though it hasn't arrived yet so time will tell if it's any good).

If you get a side-mount dampener (I think you need a 110mm unit) I've got a 46mm fork-leg bracket that might help you.

[Neka79]

if u got ur suspension set up properly..u wont need one... what ur talking abt is more fork travel than head shake....

[Strika]

My 00 84,000klms ZX9R with flogged out steering head bearings has never put a foot wrong! Not even on the track! I'd spend the money on things which would benefit more....like skills!

[IsleofNinja]

My 00 84,000klms ZX9R with flogged out steering head bearings has never put a foot wrong! Not even on the track! I'd spend the money on things which would benefit more....like skills!

1. It's a 9... would you expect any less???

2.Strika , no offence intended , but you tend to reinforce my theory that good mechanics DON'T make winning riders...Reason being is we are concious of every noise , rattle ,strain ,miss etc etc.... It's as Dave#3 said "between ears".
I simply could not ride my pride n joy hard if I knew she was not right .. I'd take the zed instead..




"lif

I was thinking that it would more come in handy for when I hit a bad surface whilst leaned through a corner or something like that, rather than trying to avoid speed wobbles. Is a damper not right for that application

A mate of mine had a frightening experience recently on 98CBR600F4 when apexing a medium right hander at about 130km odd.. Hit a lump in the road (caused by road trains/hot weather) and had to ride out a ripper tank slapper!! (I'd never seen this on a CBR6!!)He made it but needed to change his undies!!
A damper may well have prevented or at least drastically reduced the tank slapper..

[ZX-10R_04]

I've never had a steering dampener on my road bikes.

ride a ZX-10R & you will wish you had one on it from how light they are in the front end under power

[biggles08]

Just installed one on my new 04/05 ZX6R as a combo deal came up at the shop i deal with here for an ohlins rear shock and steering damper ($1300 installed). I was going to get one anyway because everyone I talked to about this model bike said it was renowned for headshake. I did experience it a little the other day when shifting between 1st and 2nd...nothing bad just a twitch to let me know. I believe that if you can afford one, get one. They are merely a 'piece of mind' piece of equipment nothing more, nothing less... As for the ohlins rear shock...well lets just say, I lost my license for 28 days last night but boy was it feeling good while overtaking the unmarked car at 175kph...DOH!

[hoffy]

If you do a lot of road riding on pretty bumpy country roads, going fast-ish..they are a worthwhile investment. They just settle the front end down, particulary when you hit bumps while leaned over, or are accelerating hard all the time, they do provide a more fluid feel to the steering. I'd say they are more worthwhile on the road than track, as the track is smooth.

I dont agree with the 99% in your head scenario, I think it's still a good idea to have your bike sorted with good tyres, good suspension, tuned up properly and working correctly. If it is 99% in the head, you may as well go and buy yourself an old shitter and whack the hardest rubber on it you can. I encourage people to try different things to find the right package for them.

They are just another piece of technology to improve the performance of your motorcycle, simple really, however thay are certainly not as important as tyres, suspension etc..but if you have the other stuff sorted, go and get one.

I will always have one, cause I ride a big bad bike, with big-ass horsepower, and it does do the accidental wheel off the deck now and again, plus it gives me good feel in the steering when it's a bit bumpy.

[hoffy]

I've never had a steering dampener on my road bikes.

ride a ZX-10R & you will wish you had one on it from how light they are in the front end under power

Only once you get passed the shit mid-range...right ?

[MickLC]

I found mine was slowing the steering down too much, even at a lowish setting, and now have it backed off completely.