Has anyone successfully mounted a steering damper on a 2005 GS500F?  What model?  Any mods necessary?

Thanks,
Scott

One of those CBR 929, or TL ones would be the easiest, however you wnat to get an aftermarket one cos atleast on a E the stock CBR ones are probably too tight ...
Cool.
Srinath.

A TL damper (same as a GSXR) will not work without some real fabrication. I have been trying to make brackets to mount one under the lower triple and to the steering head. This is on Kat forks but may work on GS forks, depending on any existing mounting holes.

If you can take some pics of the fairing stay around the lower triple ans steering stem, I can get an idea if my concept will work on the F.

A side mounted damper is the easiest but not sure where the fairing brackets are located on the F. Here is a older pic of my bike when JamesG still had it. The Ohlins damper (180mm I believe) is mounted via a bolt drilled through the frame and welded. The other end is clamped to the fork tube.
http://www.gstwin.com/albums/member_bikes/acb.jpg

I don't know much about dampers but I was under the impression that the gs didn't put out enough power to need one. Don't think I have heard of anybody on this board talk about a tank slapper.

My '89 GS is probably making like 35 horsepower, so, uh. . .you know. . .speak for yourself.

Quote from: Jake DMy '89 GS is probably making like 35 horsepower, so, uh. . .you know. . .speak for yourself.

Damn!!!! If you put wings on it do you think it will fly  

I am sure most of our gs put out around there, except for those whose bikes are heavily modified.  I ususally hear damper discussions regarding the 110 + hp  bikes.

Steering dampers have nothing to do with engine hp. It is more related to braking and turning.

A buddy of mine had a "tank slapper" on his street bicycle!

I am just under the impression that the higher hp bikes are more likely to have the front wheel come up on you to cause a slapper. I think I am probably just a bit confused on what causes one or why a damper is beneficial.

More the opposite. The more weight transfered to the front wheel, typically found under braking, the more likely the slapper. Increased steering angle has the same result. Sharp dips or bumps in the road can cause them as well. Ever ride a dirt bike?

We all probably have seen the Isle of Man vid of the slapper and wipe out. That is caused from the front coming off the ground after cresting the hill while under power but the weight transfer to the front wheel after hitting down caused the slapper.

Not to highjack this post, but it is as good of place as any. . .
My cousin drag races an older 1100 Suzuki.  He runs 8.30's at about 170 mph.  Lots of custom parts, 1400 cc engine (for now), turbo (25 + pounds of boost), nitros oxide, 10 over swing arm (on a street tire), etc.  We used a certain mathmatical formula to estimate the rear wheel horse power.  It came out to about 350 hp.  I know that sounds really insane, but the numbers don't lie.  And, as a footnote, he has a steering stabilizer.  .  . I'm guessing he needs it, especially for braking.

Sportsbikes have an aggressive rake angle that makes the bike unstable in a straight line, i.e. the bike wants to turn.  The GS's fork is not that vertical to warrant it.  I guess it would look cool tho :dunno:

Well...back to my original post...

I need to know, not because of HP...but they are indeed REQUIRED for some AMA races...if one wants to try their hand at that sort.

Scott

I didnt have a tank slapper but I had some nasty headshake at 80mph on the highway
i thought i was goin down for sure

yes I have gotten a tank slapper on the gs500 and yes I did go down because of it.

And yes I am looking at how to put one on and how much etc...

Here are a couple of pics of a steering damper mount that I made. It uses the factory damper from my TLR (GSXR's use the same damper). I have not made a front bracket for the GS triple since this was for a Katana triple, but they are basically the same. For show & tell, I just screwed it into the existing hole but the bracket will move the bolt outwards about 1/2". This will also allow for use of the proper bolt size. Since this is for a race bike, I do not have all of the cables running under the triple. The cables that are there run above the lower triple and through the frame. I would need to see this on a street bike to see any other interference issues.

GS Steering Damper Mount right view

GS Steering Damper Mount front view

GS Steering Damper Mount left view

I have a set for damper mount.   PRO-FLO damper works good
as i sold mine GS i dont need it anymore...
pm me if you interested

here is some pictures
actually i have 2 sets   :mrgreen:

what exactly is "tank slap"?

Quote from: dane_lindsaywhat exactly is "tank slap"?

The handle bars rotate rapidly back and forth, "slapping" the gas tank. It starts as a slight shake and progressively gets worse to the point of a lock to lock shake, if the bike stays upright long enough.

hmmm
all i can say it works good.

but if you gonna use this kind of set/ you will need to make new headlight brackets.

i have other ideas how to make other set. Using stock headlight and bracket... no mods at all.
all you will need to buy such damper and my new set  :mrgreen:

so if someone want PM me.

i did all drafts ....1-2 days to make new set if someone interested.


I miss my GS