Steering Damper oil ?

[tlronny]

Can anyone tell me what the fluid inside a stock Suzuki steering damper is ?
My "busa is slapping a bit too much for my liking and I would like to replce the original stuff with summit thicker ??

[F5 Dave]

I’m guessing cartridge suspension fluid, probably 2.5 std but who knows. I’m assuming you really do mean tankslapping when accelerating over bumps etc & not another suspension malady? Best check steering head bearings & squared /mismatched rear tires.

Too heavy a steering damper makes it feel like the bike is on rails. People think that is a compliment, but it means it steers like a train. :spudbooge

[tlronny]

The rear tyre is rooted but it was slapping from new anyway

[F5 Dave]

Maybe time to start saving for a decent quality damper?

[tlronny]

I shouldnt really have to fork out over $500 for a new one when with a bit of thought I can modify the original :sly:

[F5 Dave]

The std one won’t be much chop quality wise & putting heavier oil in it may be a crude step. For a start you have to be sure you can bleed it properly once you have refilled it or it will have a dead space in the middle. Cheap dampers are orifice controlled & any more than a bit of damping & they become quite stroppy.

Hey on the other hand it’s worth a try.

[DEATH_INC.]

The standard damper is really crude inside,just a brass (from memory)piston that's a real loose fit so the oil goes around it.....
From memory the stock oil is 5wt.
You need to look into other stuff first,the stock damper is real stiff and if you're having probs on a busa I think you'll find there's something else amiss.

[tlronny]

Front end wise -I have the preload maxed out and both the damping settings hardened up a smidgen (I weigh 102 kgs) :disapint:

[DEATH_INC.]

When's she slapping?Over bumps?under acceleration?under braking?when?????

[tlronny]

Usually over undulations at relatively high speed and accelerating (say 140k/hr +) eg humps in the road

[DEATH_INC.]

O.k. did it get better or worse when you cranked up the preload?

[tlronny]

Cant really say I've noticed really except it doesnt dive down under brakes as much and doesnt want to stand up as much going into turns ?

[DEATH_INC.]

Have you checked the steering head bearings?Check 'em for smoothness and adjustment.Check yer wheel alignment too.And tyre pressure.
May also be worth trying the preload backed off again just to feel it and eliminate it.
if not try http://www.labusas.org/

[Morepower]

Normaly you would want a softer damper than stock to quicken the steering.
I guess too much accelleration on bumpy Hawkes Bay roads
What you need is a good test pilot , I volunteer


Dave

[wkid_one]

Also try Micapeak.com as they are likely to have members who have had the same problem with the same bike who can help.