Steering Stabilizer Discussion Yet Again, for late modules

[howiroll]

I found several discussions on steering stabilizer in this forum and another but the discussion was always focused on 08 modules and below.  Has anyone gone out and put a stabilizer on their 09 or 10 Monster 1100.  I could only find two products out there.  One from the Ducati catalog and one from GPR (http://www.gprstabilizer.com/app_29_ducati_monsters).  Two different distinct designs and on a previous bike had something similar from Ohlins with the top mounted Ducati part.  Not sure but the Ducati part looks gas charged.  Not to familiar with the GPR but looks like a similar setup to SCOTTS.  I would love everyone’s opinion on what direction they would go or if they know of another manufacturer that they have had good results with.  I am a typical Monster rider, which rides on the aggressive side but keep it a little sane.  It also looks like the GPR is twice the price of the Ducati piece at $500.  Basically, looking for reviews of either product or some help deciding between these two parts if that is all that is out there.  If the Ducati part is quality and functions correctly; not sure the GPR is worth the extra $250.

[Raux]

actually there are quite a few using it here on the new Monsters.

the GPR, the bitubo, the DP and others.

i personally dont have one on now, but you'll get some responses shortly

[howiroll]

Thanks for the response and the extra couple names help mind find the original manufacturer for the Ducati part.  It actually looks like the Ducati part is about the same price.  So it is going more down to a discussion of performance, durability, and looks.  Basically, which is the best direction for a stabilizer for a Ducati 11100?

[Raux]

geez,

that's like saying should i buy a Ducati or MV Agusta if they cost the same. tough choice.

look at some of the sponsors to the left for some deals. that may help you decide.

[Slide Panda]

One important thing to find out about the stabilizer is if it's speed sensitive. I've seen models that are not, basically they just make the bars harder to turn. Yes, that'll stop high speed oscillation - but on that was fitted to a race bike a friend was working on made it near impossible to turn the bars at all when fully cranked up.

Matris Ohlins and a number of others are engineered so they provide little to no damping when then bars are moved about at 'human' speeds so they don't impinge on your ability to ride the bike. But when high speed oscillation sets in so does the damping effects.

[CDawg]

Not going to help you much since Matris doesn't making one for the 1100, but I have a Matris and have been pretty happy with it.  I ride pretty conservative so I really don't need one, but the rare times when the road condition is terrible or I''m being lazy on the freeway, I'll stiffen it up a couple of clicks and the bike gets more stable/rigid.  I haven't had the dreaded head-shake so I really haven't used it for what it's designed for yet after 2 years.

[howiroll]

That is the major function for me is fatigue but I tend to get aggressive some times.  New entry and leaning towards the Bitubo.  Has a 5 year warranty, limited maintenance,easy to install, and cheaper then the Ducati piece.  Looks like it is a solid piece of equipment.

[He Man]

i have the Bitubo for my S2R1k, let me say it HAS saved my ass on the street atleast twice. and maybe on the track to. i dont know, i had headshake everytime i came out of a turn at my last trackday but i wasnt sure if it was a hidden suspension problem, or the track was messed up, or i was just uneven on the bars. but it helped things go smooth

[howiroll]

Think we have a winner.  Have not heard anything bad on these over several forums and most of the comments lean towards the good side.  With the Ducati piece they want $700+ and you have to have them install it for a 2 year warranty.  Hmmmmm, $550 with shipping and 5 years vs. $800+tax adn 2 year warranty?  This technology is not the complicated for a premium of $250.  Bitubo here I come.  Have a new exhaust and the Sport 100 kit; will post some pics with this thing on this weekend.

[muskrat]

you will love your Bitubo, I have one as well and the decision was price and warranty.   

[howiroll]

Installed yesterday will post some stuff after a little testing looks and feels great.