Ducati Performance Steering Damper Sucks? Monster S4RS

[showerfan]

I recently, FINALLY, got the Monster S4RS i have been dreaming about ever since they came out. I've always wanted one but have never had the $$$$ or the opportunity and have, in the meantime, had an M620, an M900 and an M1100 -- this is my favorite of the bunch for sure and thank goodness i finally got it.

the one thing i noticed, right off the bat, is that the front end feels light -- probably because of the added power, minus clip-ons, and my increased weight in the back . so i immediately went and bought a steering damper to insure against any headshake or tank slappers and improve the stability in turns, at speed. i chose the Ducati Performance damper by Gubellini, over Öhlins or Matris, because i want to keep the bike as stock as possible and i think the small, grey DP-branded stabilizer is the least conspicuous.

But i hardly notice any difference. i can't even tell which extreme, as far as adjustment turns to or away from me, is supposed to be damped. i can't imagine this product would really work to ward off an oscillation. Is this the norm with steering stabilizers? or do you think my product is just faulty? there is no difference, whether all the way on or off, in low speed maneuverability. should i send it back, in exchange for another brand? or will they all feel as weak?

it also seems to be super inappropriately placed. the mounted position make it difficult for me to access the ignition, and the mounting brackets will make it impossible to lift the tank. what if i need to switch out the battery? please advise!

[stopintime]

Don't know if it's enough, but you could rotate it for the reservoir to be on top.

Did it come with instructions? (thinking about the bracket positions)(left/right)(further forward)...

[stopintime]

Besides the mounting issues:

a good damper should only dampen the fast and hard inputs, like a head shake. Maybe yours does, maybe not.

I remember what I was told years ago - never cover bad behaviour with a steering damper. Your issues should be easy enough to fix with some good geometry and suspension work/adjustments. Suspension properly set up, then possibly some geometry changes. This bike is capable of smooth, predictable and sharp handling. You won't regret getting it there.

[DarkMonster620]

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I remember what I was told years ago - never cover bad behaviour with a steering damper. Your issues should be easy enough to fix with some good geometry and suspension work/adjustments. Suspension properly set up, then possibly some geometry changes. This bike is capable of smooth, predictable and sharp handling. You won't regret getting it there.

THIS statement is very very important . . . I was able to fix my issues on my M620 with some suspension and geometry work and NO more head shake or tank slappers . . . saved me lots of money

[showerfan]

I'll try rotating the positioning. But shouldn't I have trouble turning the bars at the most damped position? Does any of you with a serious damper know the answer? Or is it just as easy to turn at low speed, and truly only resistant to very quick inputs?

As far as the "you don't need a steering damper if your suspension is properly set up and your riding technique is correct" argument goes... I would point to the fact that MotoGP racers, who mostly have really pretty good technique and probably the best suspension set-ups money can buy, and who do anything they can to shed weight down to the milligram, still all use steering dampers.

[stopintime]

The GP riders outride you and me by ~100-150 mph, their bikes are lighter AND they sacrifice as much 'stability' as they possibly can. Apples and potatoes.

I'm sure you'll be able to fix your issues just by setting up the bike, but of course a damper could save the day - if it was a very 'bad day'.

The damper action depends on the valving, just like other suspension components. Some will be noticeable at low speed inputs, some only at high speed inputs. Have you tried turning the bars quickly with the wheel in the air?

[stopintime]

This is my friend's bracket set up - different to yours?

[showerfan]

Much better! Thank you -- I'll take that pic back to the shop

[koko64]

That pic confirms it. Looks like they stopped at the first attempt after not reading the instructions. Steering dampers require careful set up. The handlebar brackets have a different clamp. Maybe model confusion by the parts guy? I would want it fixed at no extra or swapped for an Ohlins. Ohlins forks and shock come oem, so still fitting the oem theme.

A damper that has too much low speed resistance can kill you. You only want it to resist when the bike bites. Its doing its job when you dont know its there and tank slappers are reduced to a waggle.

That being said good suspension set up is the first step. You a big fella?

Congrats on securing the flagship model you were after.

[showerfan]

Yeah I'm a good 200 lbs w/o gear (and after lent). But I'm setting my suspension up from stock+10%

[bshinn]

I agree with the idea of getting the suspension set up correctly to avoid the issue in the 1st place. That having been said, I'm running a Bitubo top mount on mine. You won't feel much resistance when you turn the bars on the lightest setting or stiffest. The resistance increases with the speed of the oscillation. I can tell a difference in mine, but it's by no means huge.

The only thing the unit stopintime posted and yours seems to be the general shape and the DP logo.

[showerfan]

His mount is completely different, but I changed mine.

I also replaced the *eight year old* tires. Doh! Huge difference in handling now

[koko64]

So the issue is resolved?

[jsanford]

Just throwing in that mine looks more like the second picture, with a little post sleeve.  I don't notice it while riding.  Sure was expensive.

[showerfan]

Issue is basically resolved... I ordered a new steering damper by Matris. I hadn't realized how sh!t the DP gear was. Also, new tires and raised rear-end ride height greatly improved the traction and suspension feel.