Steering damper or dampner

[bdub]

what type of dampener oscillation reduction unit is better on a 620 frame, the classic purse snatcher or a top mount? Are there other models to consider. I've been told I can get a side mount for about 200 dollars (silver colored) about four for a colored one and research suggest top mounts run around 600$ or so. Is there a big difference in the mounting position for different chassis? I'm not sure my riding abilities require me to have one.

Thoughts ? Suggestions ? Remarks of any kind.

Thanks, bdub

p.s. my mivvs came in. putting them on this wednesday

[ducpainter]

IMO...

the best oscillation control device is the one that exists between the riders ears coupled with the one in their wrists and elbows.

YMMV.

[arai_speed]

I purchased one - used it for a few months - took it off - ran the bike w/out it for a few months - sold it.

This was mainly canyon riding on my 2007 S4rs.

I felt my bike did not need it.

[bdub]

IMO...

the best oscillation control device is the one that exists between the riders ears coupled with the one in their wrists and elbows.

YMMV.

Yep, good advice. Sometimes that doesn't function all that well

[Howie]

Steering dampener



I use a steering damper, but a word of caution.  A steering damper is a nice addition, particularly with all the bad pavement in NYC, but it as not a fix for poorly set up or malfunctioning suspension.  IMO, side or triple is your personal preference.

[xcaptainxbloodx]

dampers do one thing very well, prevent tank slappers (and quiet down general unwanted side to side movement). the difference between cheap vs. expensive will primarily be the amount of adjustment it has. mounting location has no bearing on quality or capability. side mount is more vulnerable to crash damage than top mount but I hear that the longer stroke it has gives a smoother feel, "mortal" riders probably wont notice a difference.


that said, invest in suspension and brakes before a damper. they will yield far greater rewards, especially on a 620.

[bdub]

Ok, I was just wondering because the other day the head shake came up in conversation. I thoughrt head shake had nothing to do with the movement created by road/wind/speed. I have a 620 frame witha 900cc stuffed into it and all the front suspension from my old 900. All this done by someone who knows how.

All that being said, I was runnig down the road the other day (about 115/118) thats where the movement started adn stopped when I slowed to a rreasonable speed. I'm not saying I need a damper just wondering if they are a good thing for normal riding? Also have done searches and wonder if position is determined by choice or placement is really important.

[ducpainter]

Ok, I was just wondering because the other day the head shake came up in conversation. I thoughrt head shake had nothing to do with the movement created by road/wind/speed. I have a 620 frame witha 900cc stuffed into it and all the front suspension from my old 900. All this done by someone who knows how.

All that being said, I was runnig down the road the other day (about 115/118) thats where the movement started adn stopped when I slowed to a rreasonable speed. I'm not saying I need a damper just wondering if they are a good thing for normal riding? Also have done searches and wonder if position is determined by choice or placement is really important.

What were you wearing for a jacket?

I've seen loose fitting sleeves create enough buffeting from wind to add input to the bars. A damper would mask that, but I'm not sure that would be a good thing.

I don't use a damper, but many do and like them. Placement is choice IMO.

I've seen some pretty tidy under triple installations as well as top mounts.

I think side mounts are susceptible to crash damage.

[bdub]

I had on a leather  AGV. It wasblowing around alot. I don't go very fast normally. That is the fastest I've every been. The whole reason for this question is because the guy at the bike shop said that every chassie has a point where it's stability limit is reached and he said on a monster like mine it is around that speed.
I just wonder how this chassie design could hand the motors and speeds that are used in racing and how much wobble or movement is caused by the nakedness. Also new motos seem to come with dampers already installed.

All this is very intrigueing to me. Having read your post and answers to people i know you are very capable. It's interesting you don't use one. I just assumed they were very helpful at all speeds.

It sounds as though I'm rambling.

[ducpainter]

I've gone faster than that on mine and had no problems. I like the fact that I can feel what the bike is doing. A damper hides that to some extent IMO.

I think it was the loose sleeves on your jacket causing bar input which set up the movement. A damper will mask that as I said, but it will also mask other things I feel are desirable feedback from the bike.

If you don't normally go that speed you probably were holding the bars tighter than normal which most likely exaggerated the movement.

Modern motorcycles are very stable and capable of more than we are.

If you want a damper get one and try it. If you like it keep it if not sell it. It's a personal choice.

[Drunken Monkey]

Modern motorcycles are very stable and capable of more than we are.

True words, but even modern bikes get out of adjustment and that can lead to odd oscillations.

I had a similar problem recently. Turns out my son had played with that knob on daddy's bike 

The short answer that's been given time and time again is that a damper can mask problems you should solve (like a wobble at speed) but it's also insurance from issues you can't (like a tankslapper due to a bump)

That fact that the wobble is speed dependent means it could be intrinsic to your bike's set up. If your suspension is adjustable, try more damping and see if the problem goes away.

[ducatiz]

I don't need an osculation control device, my wife enjoys my osculation.

[bdub]

I don't need an osculation control device, my wife enjoys my osculation.

does your osculation only occur when going fast? Mine did, at normal speeds and I don't notice anything, everything just keeps humming along nicely.

I don't have adj. suspension. Probably be best at this point to stay below the the speed where it occured
Everything is great to 100. Ducpainter was spot on. Since I don't go 120 very often it was probably something I was doing wrong. Like going over the speed limit.

[fastwin]

I have a left hand side frame mount Ohlins damper kit on my S2R1000. Before I put it on I had an Ohlins shock for a S4R installed (Ohlins didn't list one for the S2R bikes. Jeff Nash @ AMS figured out the S4R shock would fit ) and had the Showa forks re-plumbed with an Ohlins valve kit. Once properly set up it made a HUGE improvement! So much so that the steering damper wasn't needed as much as before. Still had it on hand so I went ahead and slapped it on. I'm sure it would help prevent a nasty head shake so it's good insurance.

[NorDog]

This is a true steering dampner...