DIY: Cheap steering damper
- Thread starter TPEHAK
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Cooter
Well-known member
Thats good to know. I'm keeping an eye on my cheap-o too.
I got a Ohlins adjustable damper for the SX and had it off the other day. Doesn't feel nearly as smooth as this one? It also has much less damping adjustment, I have to have it almost maxed out to get where I like it. What gives!!?! With this cheap one, I can't even turn the bars when its adjusted up!
I got a Ohlins adjustable damper for the SX and had it off the other day. Doesn't feel nearly as smooth as this one? It also has much less damping adjustment, I have to have it almost maxed out to get where I like it. What gives!!?! With this cheap one, I can't even turn the bars when its adjusted up!
njloco
Well-known member
I like Cooter's El cheapo steering damper and, since this was brought up again, I've noticed when riding the Ully and I am in a curve, the handle bars seem a bit to easy to move, do you guys think this would be a good situation to have a damper ?
No wobbling around just seems pretty easily moved around.
No wobbling around just seems pretty easily moved around.
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Cooter
Well-known member
Easy to move is great, uneasy feeling is not great. Should not be wobbling around (check tire pressure first).
I like the damper on the STT off-road, set lightly and I feel the wheel isn't knocked around on big rocks so much. For such a cheap-o mod it is one of my favorites:up:
I like the damper on the STT off-road, set lightly and I feel the wheel isn't knocked around on big rocks so much. For such a cheap-o mod it is one of my favorites:up:
BuellyBagger
Well-known member
I've got the cheapo damper and clamp on the shelf waiting. Planning on getting it done when i do some gasket work and already have the isolator bolt out..
Cooter
Well-known member
RockerBox? Ugh.
I have my damper set just tight enough that I can steer fast at parking lot speed and not fall over:sorrow: Since I added the set screw, I haven't had any issues with the fork clamp rotating:eagerness:
I have my damper set just tight enough that I can steer fast at parking lot speed and not fall over:sorrow: Since I added the set screw, I haven't had any issues with the fork clamp rotating:eagerness:
cvc
Well-known member
Ok I just found this thread so any long term reviews of this? I’m ordering it all and will be installing soon. Thanks for the write up.
Cooter
Well-known member
Mines still on the STT and maybe another 12k miles since last year? Still flawless:applause:
I have settled on a setting for everyday, and I go just 3 clicks up if I know I'll be really hitting the corners. Don't forget to turn it back down though! Riding slower is still fine, but once you hit a parking lot or gas station and try a U-turn... (!!) be careful with it cranked up!
And seriously, don't forget about the set screw. It could be a big issue if you get lazy and don't do that part.
I have settled on a setting for everyday, and I go just 3 clicks up if I know I'll be really hitting the corners. Don't forget to turn it back down though! Riding slower is still fine, but once you hit a parking lot or gas station and try a U-turn... (!!) be careful with it cranked up!
And seriously, don't forget about the set screw. It could be a big issue if you get lazy and don't do that part.
Erika Buell
Member
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2010
- Messages
- 7
Hello, I can get hold of the recommended Damper from Amazon UK. Wondered if you sell the other parts as I don’t have the facilities to machine the brackets etc ?
Many Thanks
Richard
Many Thanks
Richard
Cooter
Well-known member
I'm sure theres a place in the UK that can tap the one bolt hole you need. Check local auto shops.
BuellyBagger
Well-known member
Finally did this install. Was planned to do on the lightning I had, but that bike went down the road and I did the damper on the fine uly I bought last year. Pretty much followed cooter changes to the process. Turned out pretty good.
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BuellyBagger
Well-known member
Mine has 25 clicks soft to hard (phrasing) where should I start 5 or 6ish?
Cooter
Well-known member
Totally depends on the damper and even the temperature. Start LOOSE! Too tight and you'll fall over the first time you pull into a gas station and have to wag the bars in a tight spot, haha.
I like to start at zero and keep turning it up in the garage until I can start just to feel resistance when i go lock to lock, that would be my minimum setting. You should not have to fight it or even notice it at all when you are normally riding.
Since it's the most noticeable at very slow maneuvering speed... go do a slow, tight, slalom. If it feels fine, turn it up, if it feels uneasy turn it down. Keep doing that and you'll probably leave it at that setting forever. I REALLY like having mine on and it helps a ton especially when the front tire starts to square off and you feel like the bike falls into corners and you have to catch it to stay up. This solved that for me.:applause:
I like to start at zero and keep turning it up in the garage until I can start just to feel resistance when i go lock to lock, that would be my minimum setting. You should not have to fight it or even notice it at all when you are normally riding.
Since it's the most noticeable at very slow maneuvering speed... go do a slow, tight, slalom. If it feels fine, turn it up, if it feels uneasy turn it down. Keep doing that and you'll probably leave it at that setting forever. I REALLY like having mine on and it helps a ton especially when the front tire starts to square off and you feel like the bike falls into corners and you have to catch it to stay up. This solved that for me.:applause:
BuellyBagger
Well-known member
I had a gpr on my first uly and loved it. You're right cooter it does smooth out the "fall" into a turn. The front end on these bikes are super "free" and I felt more comfortable with the damper. I take it pretty easy in the corners with the rubber that's on this one, but on my old one I really liked the dampers effect on the bike cornering on the rough and very uneven county roads around here.
