Steering Dampener Who is Using One?

Keverall

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Oct 29, 2021
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Boronia Victoria Australia
I heard this conversation on Facebook before, and before anyone starts saying it doesn't need it, obviously hasn't had a tank slapper at 130km on a on a dirt road when hitting some loose sand or gravel.
I am very interested in see any ones positive ideas.
 

StefanOnHisS10

Converting fuel into heat, noise and a bit motion
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I heard this conversation on Facebook before, and before anyone starts saying it doesn't need it, obviously hasn't had a tank slapper at 130km on a on a dirt road when hitting some loose sand or gravel.
I am very interested in see any ones positive ideas.
Facebook :confused:… you just made my point.

On my previous racers? Definitely!
There are a lot of members here that have ridden her off-road real fast, no need for it. The geometry of the bike determines if you need one or not.

And remember, it is not a Dakar-rally bike. To big, to heavy.. It is TBDBITW!

Stefan
 

Boris

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midlands. UK
I heard this conversation on Facebook before, and before anyone starts saying it doesn't need it, obviously hasn't had a tank slapper at 130km on a on a dirt road when hitting some loose sand or gravel.
I am very interested in see any ones positive ideas.
Hello Keverall, I personally have never found the need for a steering damper, it’s never ever become unstable , nor shook its head anywhere. Having said that, I only ride on tarmac and therefore won’t deny or rubbish others experiences on dirt. Have you personally experienced these issues?
 

Keverall

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Oct 29, 2021
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Boronia Victoria Australia
Hello Keverall, I personally have never found the need for a steering damper, it’s never ever become unstable , nor shook its head anywhere. Having said that, I only ride on tarmac and therefore won’t deny or rubbish others experiences on dirt. Have you personally experienced these issues?
Hi Boris, l have never had a problem on the tarmac, but on the dirt l have had several different stories, on all accounts l didn't crash but l lost a lot of confidence and twice l though oo fuck this is going to hurt, this was on a big ride l was on where we had traveled at least 800km out of 3000km on dirt roads in the out back of Australia, l also was loaded up with camping gear.
After this ride l though a steering damper may of help. I sold that bike to fund an other project, but now l am back on a s10, l am thinking about it before l do a similar ride next march.
 

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StefanOnHisS10

Converting fuel into heat, noise and a bit motion
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Are you aware that the way your bike “stands” has got a lot to do with this. When having the preload wrong for example can cause various forms of instability. I suggest hunting the cause in stead of addressing the consequences. Start with the basics.
 

Keverall

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Boronia Victoria Australia
Are you aware that the way your bike “stands” has got a lot to do with this. When having the preload wrong for example can cause various forms of instability. I suggest hunting the cause in stead of addressing the consequences. Start with the basics.
Yes coming from a road racing back ground, l definitely understand stand but that doesn't mean l know how to set up the suspension, l always had someone to do that for me;) and steering damper always helped
 

StefanOnHisS10

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Oké, it is very simple. Watch this video:


mototrek has got more videos on how to setup suspension correctly. And ofcourse the good ol’ interwebs is full of useful information.

Good luck!
 

Jazzer

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Jun 22, 2015
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Tracy, CA
I’ve often wondered if it would help when riding two up in the sand. I hate sand don’t ride in it well.
 

Mak10

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SE Idaho
You’re riding two up in the sand? The Super Tenere is hard to ride in the sand one up.

You can put lipstick on a pig and call it sexy if you want. But it’s still a pig and only sexy in your mind.
And I find the Tenere super stable on dirt roads at speed.
 

Highwayman

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Southern California
From a guy with a few bikes currently with dampners, IMHO youre waaaayyyy better off putting that money into a real shock with correct spring rate for the weight (at a minimum, though springs and heavier fluids in forks also not a bad idea) Youll never get the oem shock set up for the weight it sounds like you're running off road. Sounds like one sketchy and wallowing pig to me on road, let alone off road. The issues youre having sure sounds like the geometry is way off because of the rear squat and a light front end. I think those two issues are the real cause and a dampner would likely not be of alot of help.
 

SilverBullet

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Harmaston, TX
The biggest reason I use one is for potential emergencies. Riding on or off pavement, say 55-70 mph, out of nowhere you encounter an unavoidable pothole, tree limb, board, etc. in your path. Much better chance of staying upright and maintaining control in that situation. Cheap insurance IMO.
 

Keverall

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Oct 29, 2021
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Boronia Victoria Australia
The biggest reason I use one is for potential emergencies. Riding on or off pavement, say 55-70 mph, out of nowhere you encounter an unavoidable pothole, tree limb, board, etc. in your path. Much better chance of staying upright and maintaining control in that situation. Cheap insurance IMO.
What brand? And could we see some photos?
 
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