How to choose a steering damper?

[centaurus]

I need some advice on choosing a steering damper.

On my last few track days I tried using all the throttle on in the straights, and the bike kept trying to wheelie under me and get into tankslappers. This got me thinking it's time for a steering damper. Since I have an aftermarket front subframe (a plastic one) I can't use the factory damper so I need to buy an aftermaket one. However since until now I never felt the need for one, I have no idea what brands/types to look for and if there is any real difference between them.

Basically I'm looking for something decent that will do the job and not cost the earth. I don't think I need any of the fancy adjustable ones at this stage (non on the current bike, anyway), but if any of you thinks I am wrong, please let me know.

My current bike is a '99 GSXR750 and for mounting options, I have a screw'in mounting point on the side of the frame and the other end of the damper would go directly on the fork.

Is there any brand or feature I should be looking for?

[ducatilover]

I'd try playing with your suspension and tyres first.
But I know nothing.

[ajturbo]

buy a bike that handles..???

[centaurus]

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't think it's a question of tyres or suspension. The suspension is quite well sorted and it feels very good through the corners even at hight speed and when the surface is bumpy. However, lifting the front wheel off the ground at 150kph+ on the bumpy manfield back straight is bound to give a headshake to most bikes.

[centaurus]

Bump! Nobody seems to have any recommendations?

C'mon guys. I know there are tons of you outthere that are purchasing and using aftermarket dampers on a regular basis.

There are tons of race riders outthere and most important there are tons of "on the budget" racers. Don't leave a fella in the dark. Any opinion/recommendation is appreciated.

[DrunkenMistake]

You need to know the stroke length to start with

Either google or measure it, you basicly need enough to be able to turn the bars are right and hard left without ripping the damper off its perch or pulling the rod out would be alot easier to just google the bike model followed by steering damper and see what it brings up.

[Fast Eddie]

just move your weight forward to keep the wheel down. must be a pretty gnarly 750 to be getting you into so much trouble on the gas eh. hehe..

tame the beast

[DEATH_INC.]

My old srad was fine with no damper when it was stock.
I did run one after I lifted the rear up heaps, the long type that you are looking at. It was a zaccaria damper, nla as far as I know...

[SVboy]

I think there is an srad damper on online trading atm. Any established brand will work for you as long as you have the correct mounting kit and the damper is valved for your size of bike. I would try e-bay-but stick to the name brands.

[tigertim20]

You need to know the stroke length to start with

Either google or measure it, you basicly need enough to be able to turn the bars are right and hard left without ripping the damper off its perch or pulling the rod out would be alot easier to just google the bike model followed by steering damper and see what it brings up.
depends whether he gets a linear/rod type damper or a rotary one, manufacturers will be able to supply model numbers anyway.



I need some advice on choosing a steering damper.

On my last few track days I tried using all the throttle on in the straights, and the bike kept trying to wheelie under me and get into tankslappers. This got me thinking it's time for a steering damper. Since I have an aftermarket front subframe (a plastic one) I can't use the factory damper so I need to buy an aftermaket one. However since until now I never felt the need for one, I have no idea what brands/types to look for and if there is any real difference between them.

Basically I'm looking for something decent that will do the job and not cost the earth. I don't think I need any of the fancy adjustable ones at this stage (non on the current bike, anyway), but if any of you thinks I am wrong, please let me know.

My current bike is a '99 GSXR750 and for mounting options, I have a screw'in mounting point on the side of the frame and the other end of the damper would go directly on the fork.

Is there any brand or feature I should be looking for?


You need to know the stroke length to start with

Either google or measure it, you basicly need enough to be able to turn the bars are right and hard left without ripping the damper off its perch or pulling the rod out would be alot easier to just google the bike model followed by steering damper and see what it brings up.

there are plenty out there, and the ones that I have heard many good things about are Ohlins, Sprint, Scott and GPR.
The Ohlins is, well it speaks for itself everyone knows who Ohlins are, and they are rod type
Sprint make the same sort of style, and are UK based - you can find their products readily on ebay, including a variety of mounting kits
Scotts are a rotary style damper, and are made by Ohlins, so you can expect decent qaulity
GPR make rotary dampers as well.

It depends on exactly what you want - I havent personally ridden with all, but have recently fitted an Ohlins and have it mounted 916 style - it looks good and it functions well.

Cost wise, Sprint can be had for approx 300 GBP new, GPR for about 400 US$ and Ohlins anywhere between 400-750 us$.
You can find all of them on Ebay.

Use your model in a search under steering damper in the motorcycle parts and accessories section on Ebay.

Alternatively, if you are on a bike-specific forum, throw up a post, and you might get a good deal on a damper and mounting equipment from another member - thats where I got my ohlins stuff for a fraction of what it would have cost me new.

[AllanB]

Do a ebay US and UK search, heaps on there. You may be in luck finding a mint used name brand one cheap. Don't be tempted to buy a cheap arse $30 asian rip off one .... I suspect they are shit, as will your bike be when they lock up mid corner......

Call Robert Taylor he will be able to sort a new one but may have a suitable used one also.

[Devil]

Forget a damper, and forget fiddling with the suspension (unless it's already been screwed with).

Loosen your grip on the bars.

I expect you are the cause of the slappers...