GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: annguyen1981 on March 26, 2006, 11:49:40 PM

Title: Steering Dampers...
Post by: annguyen1981 on March 26, 2006, 11:49:40 PM
Anyone got one for their GS?  Does it work?
Title: Re: Steering Dampers...
Post by: Alphamazing on March 26, 2006, 11:57:14 PM
Quote from: annguyen1981 on March 26, 2006, 11:49:40 PM
Anyone got one for their GS?  Does it work?

You have to weld a tab onto the frame and the forks to mount one, but I know there are a few people here with them. that_guy's bike (in the For Sale section) has one, I know.
Title: Re: Steering Dampers...
Post by: pantablo on March 26, 2006, 11:57:58 PM
Most any "need" for a steering damper can be dealt with by better rider control, and better suspension tuning, tires, etc. Look to those things first.

The guys on the 600rr.net board are all about them. One little headshake and they go running to spend $400...Except one time, I've only ever gotten headshake at the track and staying on the gas cures it. The one time I got headshake on the street it was pretty bad, but caused by low tire pressure combined with hitting rough pavement...
Title: Re: Steering Dampers...
Post by: JamesG on March 27, 2006, 07:37:20 AM
All race orgs and alot of track clubs require dampers. Its more of a safety device than a stability/suspension one.  Even if your bike is perfectly set up, there are times when it can get out of sorts and its good to have something that can keep a bad situation from becoming lethal.

My personal favorite spot to hang one on a GS is tucked under the main frame spar next to the cylinder. Its protected from damage and isn't going to spear your leg in a crash. On the inside wall of the frame brace near the steering head there is a hole drilled. Simply drill this all the way thru and then use a longish 8mm bolt with some nuts and washers to attach the damper.
Like so:
(http://www.knology.net/~ARS/images/CafeGS.jpg)