Looking for a recommendation on a Steering Damper for an 05 Monster 620. Who makes the best ones? Do I have to go wtih side mount or can I do top mount? Any advice or experience with any brands is greatly apprecaited. ???
Well a question for you first - do you need a damper? 620s aren't exactly wheelie prone and if you're experiencing regular issues with head shake it's an indicator that you probably need suspension work or adjustment.
But, if you just want one...
There's lots of options. Matris has a top mount unit - or I should say units. They have 3 or 4 different dampers with different price points. Ohlins makes a side mounted unit... Butubo also... umm there's more but they are not coming to mind.
I've got the mid range Matris unit on my 900. One feature that I really like is that it is speed sensitive. Low speed movements, like normal steering inputs, are not restricted. But higher speed are. I've prodded at bikes with dampers that don't have that sort of feature and if you turn the damping all the way up on those units it's god awful hard to turn the bars. Not a good design IMO.
No wheelies I dont even tear it up that fast really. I'm more concerned with unexpected tank slapping causing a crash. If my suspension is good do I not need a damper on a 620? I've had no issues with any wobbling or shakes but I did know someone who died due to a tank slapper on the highway so I'm a bit paranoid I guess.
It's very very unlikely you'll need it, but if you feel much better having one - why not?
Quote from: ricknieto on July 07, 2011, 01:52:05 PM
... I did know someone who died due to a tank slapper on the highway so I'm a bit paranoid I guess.
If something like this hits so close to home, go for it. It won't hurt anything other than your wallet.
I recommend Arrow ....looks good and is one of the best
(http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/product_images/arrow_steering_damper.jpg)