Ducati Monster Forum

well ive got a m796, and ive noticed that the bars sway a little bit under acceleration just a hint, its not crazy, but i think a steering damper will help keep it steady under slight bumps and whatnot, opinions? i would like to know what people have put on, i sort of like the sideways shock like the ohlins or bitubo, but the compact design of the scotts or gpr is attractive too, any thoughts or experience?

I love my bitubo and still do after three years.  I resisted spending the money and no matter what bike I own from here on out I will always buy one.  Worth every penny you spend on such items.

I agree with muskrat.  My bitubo makes a huge difference, it also looks awesome.  Money well spent.

I have thought about getting a damper for my S2R 1000 just for the bling, but really, I do not have any issues with stability on my bike. I've had other bikes that needed one, like my Honda 350 back in the 70s that got the head shakes so badly it nearly spit me off on the side of the road. I kept it upright, no injuries, except for the brown stain on my Fruit of the Looms.  ;D

My M796 is very stable, other than bad roads, I see no need for the steering damper on mine.

thats what i thought at first, but every once in a while it gets the shakes

Have you had your suspension set up properly?

check your rear shock. maybe you need to up the preload

There are a few options for this gen bike aside from the ones you mentioned.

FG Gubellini- they make the DP kit, but they also sell an aftermarket version without the DP branding.
Toby- They make a complete kit as well. Yoyodyne sells it in the US.
Storz- They make a side mount kit which is pretty cool, though I had a difficult time actually get one of these and gave up after a few tries. Looks cool though.

i believe the preload is set to the highest setting... and its just a tiny amount of wiggle in certain conditions, it might be the pavement being uneven the rear feels solid

preload or dampening?

how much do you weigh?

i weigh about 200, the damper is set all the way stiff, the preload is where it was when i got it, i havent noticed this before just a recent development, it could very well be the rear tire wearing out

Your underspung. Get your suspension dialed in before you get a damper.

i adjusted the preload a little bit, i havent really noticed any significant changes in the handling, but then again, i havent really pushed it hard

I run a side mounted DP Performance dampner. 

I raised my rear height up 20mm, which made turn in a little quicker...which I like on smooth roads.
On rough roads and freeway I do appreciate the stabilizing factor that the dampner provides.
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/118811/IMG_2351.jpg)

ive seen the ohlins damper set up like that

jesus, that is a hot looking bike. that is an INSPIRATION!  [bow_down]

think i'd rather have my steering damper in front of me though, on the triple

things i need:

1. bellypan

Thanks for the compliment!

RE steering damper, yeah I like the top mount damper too...the previous owner installed this one, so the price was right!! [wine]

i have never had a ``tank slapper,'' but i have been noticing a wobble at speed. i am getting my suspension reworked (penske shock in the rear, fork swap and new springs etc. up front, professionally dialed in at ECS), but do you think a steering damper would help solve this wobble? it kind of sucks.

Cure the wobble first, then get the damper.

I'm with Ducnaked and Howie - you need to adjust the suspension first. Adjusting the preload 'a little' probably won't do, especially if you're not familiar with what's needed. Ever set up suspension before? If not you should consider taking it to someone who does it for a living.

At 200 pounds + gear it's quite likely that you need stiffer springs. Adding preload doesn't give you stiffer suspension - the spring rate is constant (given you have linear springs which ducs do) it's the method to tune for sag. To really stiffen things you need stiffer springs.

Pudding a damper on might cover the wobble, but not fix it.

This  [thumbsup]

watch this and see if you can spot anything suspension related from your tires... great video, super informative:

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/6516891 (http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/6516891)

I have a 09 696 and at highway speeds I also start getting a shake from around 70mph and up. tires are brand new.  it definitely makes my ass hole pucker up a little bit because it just feels unstable.  I weight 175.  I have not had a chance to set up the bike properly.  I am going to do it this weekend, but either way I am going to purchase a dampner. 

I weigh 165. And stock the 09 696 will do 100+ stable if setup right

I weigh about 165/170 also.  I have not set up my rear shock yet, but I have wondered if I need to change the forks or not.  This makes me feel a bit better.  One thing I did recently is change the stock bearings to tapered bearings.

(http://classicbritishmotorcycles.com/images/uploads/WMD%20Images/Tapered%20HeadRace%20Bearing%20Kit.jpg)

I'm not sure if it has changed much but I haven't had any wobble yet.  My buddy with the 1100 who did the same thing said his has smoothed out a lot.