Steering Damper Stroke?

[WREX]

I've read anywhere from 140mm to 180mm.  Can anyone confirm the optimal stroke or range to use?

thanks guys

[werase643]

it completely depends on how/where you mount it

i have used the cheapo Z-1 stabilizer from pro-flo on several bikes
steel....59 bucks
AL 200-500....
i'll buy 2-3 steel ones before i pay that much
.....
oh yeah i have an Ohlins on my YSR-50 :mrgreen:

[WREX]

say from the right side frame bolts to under the triple like here

http://www.gs500e.co.uk/forums/attachment.php?s=baa69f566eb7cad578245ba84d000488&postid=842


Is it just a matter of measuring the distane itself?

[werase643]

i always mount mine on the left side..... so I can adjust the setting while riding

[ampalm]

Can I ask a stupid question? Why do you need this? Thought only big powerful bikes needed those.

[dgyver]

It does not matter how much engine hp you have, braking power is almost always greater and tankslappers happen while under braking. There are some other times they can happen though. While braking, the stearing angle become more vertical and the front end is less stable. Most racing organizations require them on every bike.

[WREX]

ampalm - read from 4th post and down

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14765&highlight=steering+damper


edit - or don't read the link, and read dgyver's response above (same message - just got to it before I could reply )



all - i've been talking with a few more folks about this and so far here are the numbers others have used, using the same mounting location I showed above (as been mentioned, it changes if the position does).

stroke travel - 70mm
body - 160mm
piston -  240mm


If I'm understanding correctly, it's ok to be longer as the travel length just won't be used, but it can't be shorter as it will impede steering travel.


If anyone has anthing to add, please feel free to do so, otherwise, hope this helps anyone else who may be wondering as well.

[dgyver]

Here are a couple of damper that I have to be side mount:
Ohlins
stroke: 115mm
body: 207mm

Daytona
stroke: 85mm
body: 165mm

I do not remember the dimensions on the WP damper I had on my other bike but it was at least the same length as the Ohlins if not a little longer.

I have mounted a stock GSXR damper under the steering stem. I just kept trying different locations until I found a spot to use the shorter stroke.

[werase643]

i used to have about 5 of them damn GSXR/TLR stabilizers
i never could get them to mount properly....
i also had an old skool GSXR one...ya remember the one...they were like 2 ft long

[werase643]

another way to look at it......
H-D with a 40 degree rake and about 9 inches of trail...are very stable


but when the rake gets closer to ZERO the trail also goes towards ZERO....like when you are applying heavy brake and the rear tire is almost ready to come off the ground
think shopping cart with a bad wheel..... flops and wants to oscillate wildly