Ok so here is my question, please give educated opinions...

My bike has a stock steering damper....My last 2 bikes have not had them....

This steering damper has come into play yet again today, and saved my *** once again. This is the third count in the past month that if i had NOT had a damper I could be fish food right now. I had some nasty encounters without them and I honestly don't think I will EVER have another bike without a damper (even if i have to pay $500 to get one put on)....

My question is this, why do Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki not install dampers on their bikes...suzuki does it on the gsx-r's and Im sure if you ask anyone whos ridden with it to some extent they would tell you it has saved there ***....So why don't these other bike companies chime in and start making their bikes "safer" by putting these on?? Seems like it would be a wise step doesn't it?

 

You're 100% right about that.

I don't know why they don't provide dampers, but it's probably to keep the bikes cost-competitive. The Suzuki is the second-cheapest 600 SS aside from the R6, and adding a damper would push the other bikes further out of range of the Gixxer.

I really wish my R6 had one, I almost got turned into "fish food" a few weeks back.

 

the 2005 ninja RR's come with the stock now.

 

if you knew how bad these stock gsxr dampers suck compared to real ones, you would wonder why suzuki even puts them on their bikes at all.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by immortal &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if you knew how bad these stock gsxr dampers suck compared to real ones, you would wonder why suzuki even puts them on their bikes at all.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I know they suck compaired to Ohlins or Scotts but they are MUCH better than NOT having one at all. Ive never had one before but my buddy has a Ohlins on his R6 and its a dream to ride.

I am thinking about buying a 2006 600rr once we recieve shipment and first thing i do will be put a scotts or hyperlight damper on there...Id love to get Ohlins but its like another $300 =p


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mike5809 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the 2005 ninja RR's come with the stock now.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Are you sure?? The ZX-6RR has one?? I know the 636's don't have em in 2005.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You're 100% right about that.

I don't know why they don't provide dampers, but it's probably to keep the bikes cost-competitive. The Suzuki is the second-cheapest 600 SS aside from the R6, and adding a damper would push the other bikes further out of range of the Gixxer.

I really wish my R6 had one, I almost got turned into "fish food" a few weeks back.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I figure that that manufacturers have to leave room for aftermarket as well, but I think all bikes should come with them just as an added safety feature...

 

somebody correct me if i am wrong but all bikes do not necessarily need a damper. some bikes are more prone to "tankslappers" than others.
it all comes down to the geometry and stability of the bike.

 

Yeah im sure the 05 ZX-6RR have them stock. My one friend has one that he uses to race. He said its ok. better then not having one like u said, but nothing compaired to an aftermarket one. so hes going out and buying an aftermarket one here soon

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by integrator43 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">somebody correct me if i am wrong but all bikes do not necessarily need a damper. some bikes are more prone to "tankslappers" than others.
it all comes down to the geometry and stability of the bike.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Im not sure about that, anyone know any physics?? hhah

 

Immortal is absolutely right. The stock steering damper on the GSXRs is crap. These racebikes posing as streetbikes have such insane steering geometry that tankslappers easily occur.

I don't remember who on HT said this, but it's always stuck in my mind whenever someone's mentioned steering dampers:

"You never hear the race teams complaining that they need to adjust their steering dampers." (paraphrasing)

In other words, an improperly setup suspension (or rider-error) is most likely the cause of a tankslapper.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Immortal is absolutely right. The stock steering damper on the GSXRs is crap. These racebikes posing as streetbikes have such insane steering geometry that tankslappers easily occur.

I don't remember who on HT said this, but it's always stuck in my mind whenever someone's mentioned steering dampers:

"You never hear the race teams complaining that they need to adjust their steering dampers." (paraphrasing)

In other words, an improperly setup suspension (or rider-error) is most likely the cause of a tankslapper.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It makes sence, but when you come down from a wheelie at 80-90 mph with the front wheel slightly turned, those cheap *** dampers save your *** from some serious slappage...rider error indeed, but still a nice feature to have

Other problem i have is comming out of corners on the throttle hard, front end comes off the ground an inch or so while your still banked way over, this disturbes the front end a great deal especially at 100+ mph...

Im not saying the stock damper on my bike is a marvelous damper, im just saying its saved me some serious hurt and it would be nice to see other companies at least TRY to give some support you know?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 04Gixxer7K &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Im not saying the stock damper on my bike is a marvelous damper, im just saying its saved me some serious hurt and it would be nice to see other companies at least TRY to give some support you know? </TD></TR></TABLE>
True. At least Honda put on their HESD for the 1kRR.

Good to know you made it out of your crossed up wheelie without any incident, other than some chocolate undaroos.

 

Man if honda would throw the HESD on their 600rr I would pay retail for the damn thing! HAH

 

The stock gixxer ones really do suck. I think its more in your head than the damper. I remember with my k1 600 I got some pretty nasty headshake.

 

steering dampers only hide other issues in your suspension setup until its too late. they mask what your bike is really doing and give a false sense of security. headshake is common in all kinds of sportbikes and is a good indicator of what is going on with your bike suspension-wise, but with a damper all that feedback is gone.

i have never had a damper, and i think its more of a selling point, and a way to keep people that have too much bike from dieing, but can also help experienced riders when they have messed with their setup and need it as a last resort to stabilize thier bikes.

just my opinion tho.

 

With a steering damper, it helps me with my riding technic. I'm counter steering a lot better and with confidence. I thing it helps more with novice riders like myself. I've been riding for a while but still considered my self novice. lol.

 

I just don't like the loose feeling you get on a stock R6. It get's me nervous when I'm in a corner and my front wheel's loose.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ScareyH22A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just don't like the loose feeling you get on a stock R6. It get's me nervous when I'm in a corner and my front wheel's loose.</TD></TR></TABLE>

You and me both!

 

what kind of dampners are you guys running on the r6?

name and price would help a newbie out alot

 

all dampers can be fit to an r6..
Ohlins, scotts, GPS, Hyperlite

they are all up in the $350-$450 range, ohlins closer to the top...

 

the 05 600rr doesnt need a damper,its great how it is,and doesnt the 1000rr come with one..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You're 100% right about that.

I don't know why they don't provide dampers, but it's probably to keep the bikes cost-competitive. <U>The Suzuki is the second-cheapest 600 SS aside from the R6, and adding a damper would push the other bikes further out of range of the Gixxer.</U>
I really wish my R6 had one, I almost got turned into "fish food" a few weeks back.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Bingo!

 

Some of you f00's need to learn to read!

Steering dampers mask improperly set up suspension for most of us. You can't go out and buy a superbike, not set the suspension, and expect it to feel right when you're tipped over. Do a little research, buy the right springs, put in the right weight oil, get your compression and rebound damping done up right, set your heights, and your bike will feel MUCH more stable than if you drop a few bills on some bling.

Not to be an ***, but I think a lot of people would be a lot happier with their toys if they'd stop and realize that the biggest improvements don't come from throwing exotic parts and incredible machinery. You'll find that the gains made in learning how to properly use your equipment will provide leaps and bounds over.... better equipment.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ASteele2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Not to be an ***, but I think a lot of people would be a lot happier with their toys if they'd stop and realize that the biggest improvements don't come from throwing exotic parts and incredible machinery. You'll find that the gains made in learning how to properly use your equipment will provide leaps and bounds over.... better equipment.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sounds like a totally valid point to me.