Steering Dampener Who is Using One?

[14kmtnman]

One of the things that sold me on the bike back in 2013 was seeing a video of the bike in a corner hitting potholes and maintaining it's composure. That was a big selling point for me. After riding in almost every type of environment, element and or speed, I agree with the others in that the ST is very stable in almost every condition. In all my miles with this bike (2013) I have not noticed any head shake or wallowing. Quite the opposite. My bike seems as stable at 100+ on the dirt as it is at 60 on the highway. Deep sand is always sketchy, and the one thing I really hate riding in. Getting the suspension dialed in made a big difference for me. Tires can make a big difference too. There are several good step by step tutorials on this site that really helped me. Talking about the rear shock, I must be one of the lucky ones. I just had my forks re sprung at a higher rate and thicker oil after 42k miles. Surprisingly, I'm still on the stock rear shock with no issues. I have been set on the #1 setting, giving me almost a perfect sag setting. I haven't checked that lately, so maybe it's getting a bit tired. I did have to bump up the rear setting up to 2 or 3 for my fully loaded trip to Alaska as well as other camping trips.

 

[SilverBullet]

What brand? And could we see some photos?

OFF-THE-ROAD | Steering damper kit Yamaha XT-1200Z Super Tenere | Online Webshop

Steering damper kit Yamaha XT-1200Z Super Tenere - High-end steering damper set for the XT1200Z SUPER TENERE.' With it's low weight, the perfect adjustment range (25 clicks) and very good response cha

www.off-the-road.de

I bought only the mount from them as I already had an extra Scotts damper. I use the dirt bike version without damping back to straight line. I keep it dialed on the loose side for the most part. Mainly for severe and emergency incidents. If I hit extended loose sand I will crank it down though.

 

[CJDMOON]

After searching for quite a while and only finding the information here I believe I got the last one up to 2013 from OTR (SCOTTS). I hope someone posts where you can still find a mounting system for a quality brand. I personally like steering dampers and have the GPR V5 on my XSR 900 as well. I have ridden in many conditions without it as I agree the bike is very stable but as I found myself on rides planned for six to 8 hours ending up at 12 or more hours in the seat, ending up riding in the dark in terrible weather, on rough roads where you can't have too many crash reducers. The bike does lack modern traction controls but compared to something like a 60's or 70's Triumph Bonneville its heaven!

 

[patrickg450]

lack modern traction controls?

 

[Simmer]

Ride an adventure bike with a damper and you'll know why he's asking. I rode my buddies HD PanAm and the steering was next level compared to my S10 and I can rail that S10 on corners. Next time your riding the S10 wiggle your bars back and forth very lightly. It's got a definite wobble to it and the only to explain it is it feels "loose"....the damper take that's away and it's a way more solid feeling. PS. I have a 2019 with about 10K miles 90% pavement. Bile it like brand new. Always been that way.


I'd be interested in hearing from anyone as well.