Should I get a steering damper?

[arty]

I am new to the larger bikes (6 months into full licence and recently upgraded to a 2003 Duke 900 sport). I see a lot of discussion on the value of steering dampers, eg if you end up on bumpy road. NZ has lots of bumpy roads so I am thinking Steering Dampers might be a good idea. Although I have only ridden the bike for a small number of K's I have not come across anything in the handling that has scared me - but that could be because I am still cautious and riding like an old lady on prozac. Thoughts? advice? own observations? (on the dampers, not the prozac).

[vgcspares]

The need is very specific to the bike so you're best to ask other 900 Sport owners - I had a moment on a 955 once so fitted a damper and never had another issue, but then again most other 955 riders claim their bikes never gave them any "moments". The answers would be a whole lot different from some of the Kawasaki clan ... oops

[Toaster]

Riding on bumpy roads is like having a big knob.

You just need to use both hands and grip harder.

[vtec]

Generally the bigger or heavier the sportsbike is the more likelier it's going to be capable of giving you a tankslapper you can't restrain. If you are going to be going fast often or making the front wheel light above 100k/hr, then you may have use for a steering damper. I know on the CBR600 race bike I had, without it I would've had way more crashes, that thing used to buck like hell.

[Devil]

It's the aggressive steering geometry which is becoming more common on sprotsbieks which contributes to the likelyhood of a tank slapper.

If you dont have any headshake problems, dont bother with one.

[Morcs]

I know on the CBR600 race bike I had, without it I would've had way more crashes, that thing used to buck like hell.

Yeah Ive noticed on mine. What damper / stabilizer are you using?

[ElCoyote]

Riding on bumpy roads is like having a big knob.

You just need to use both hands and grip harder.

You surely read that somewhere.............didn't you?

[Toaster]

You surely read that somewhere.............didn't you?

No, she told me.

[Wannabiker]

The 900ss is pretty stable machine. Never felt the need for one on my bike and it got ridden pretty hard. The more aggressive ducatis (esp the ones that have adjustable head angles) have them fitted as standard, so that may well be an indication as to whether they are really needed.

[AllanB]

TANK SLAPPER

Hmmm is that a really big chick who puts out a lot???????


Would not bother unless you ride like a nutter on public roads.

[Crisis management]

900SS does not need a steering damper, no arguement, no debate, a complete waste of money.

Spend money on termi's instead. Much betterer value for money!

Seriously, even pushing a 900 hard you can ride one handed anywhere they are so stable, if you are having head shake problems and think you need a damper, first carefully check the steering head bearings, tyres, suspension settings, swing arm bearings, wheel bearings ad infinitum until you eliminate the problem.

You really don't need a steering damper. Is that clear?

Good choice of bike, get used to it and you will really enjoy it.

[arty]

hmmm... settled I think. Won't bother unless I see anything scary up front. Must agree though, I took two over haywards hill and near the substation there the road is bumpy as crap and they both sailed thru. I got the exhausts and she sounds beautiful. Cars hear me coming and part like the red sea. They way it bloody well should be. One italian mistress I don't regret.....