Steerin Dampers, How important are they?

[zoedogg1]

So I've been reading threads here and there and every once and a while I come across someone who posts how glad they were to have a steering damper.
I have thought about it, but never that seriously. I do however find myself thinking about it often when Im on the road doing 70 to 80 mph and I start to get the higher speed vibrations in the front end. I have never had problems with this issue before, or with any of my previous bikes. But with my XB12R I feel that a tank slapping episode could be a possibility. The roads are in pretty good condition where I live, no big potholes or rutted highways for the most part. But, we have plenty of wind, which causes drifting and sudden steering glitches/corrections.
What have you guys experienced in this department? And your ideas of a steering damper and the importance if any? Is it really gonna make it the much more safe? Really worth the 400 bucks?

 

[BuellPartsGuy]

Lets put it this way. I would never own a Buell without one. No question. Worth the money.

 

[LeFox]

i too have vibrations with hard accelerations above 140km/h (86mph), but that's just because my front is floating over the road.

i can ride 200km/h (124mph) without a vibrating front.

before getting one you should do this:
- check tire pressure
- balance wheel
- set your suspension correctly
if you still have a twitchy front you should make a choice...trail kit, steering damper.

------------------
BPG, what damper do you have?
cause for most of them, i don't like the way they are fitted on the buell. except for the lsl one.

 

[BuellPartsGuy]

I had the Storz, and liked it, but I had the Firebolt so it tucks in the fairing. I dont like the Storz on Lightnings. LSL is the one I recommend.

 

[LeFox]

LSL is the one I recommend.

so we have the same taste on that...
but what about the fact that it can hit your fairing?

 

[zoedogg1]

That wouldnt be a very good deal. If it touches the fairing ok, but if the rod itself couldnt extend and or retract all the way...hmmm? Sounds like a serious problem ahead on that hair pin.

 

[zoedogg1]

By the way, I have narrowed down my problem to the crappy stock tire in front. Everything else is good to go. Most likey gonna go with the Rosso's front and rear.

 

[LeFox]

If it touches the fairing ok, but if the rod itself couldnt extend and or retract all the way...hmmm?

it's the fitting that could touch the fairing when suspension is under max compression

 

[BuellPartsGuy]

Mine never touched the fairing or had any clearance issues.

 

[LeFox]

Mine never touched the fairing or had any clearance issues.

the storz on an 'r' or the lsl on a 's'?

i mean the lsl on the 's' that could hit (according to lsl's own guide) the front fender.

 

[BuellPartsGuy]

Storz on an R

Even an LSL on a low doesnt contact unless you REALLY bottom out

 

[LeFox]

oki, thx for the info...

don't need it, but like the look

 

[buell007]

ok so where can a bueller buy a steering damper. [smirk]

 

[BuellPartsGuy]

ask buellxb if he can get them for you, if not check americansportbike.com

 

[buell007]

ah thank you[smirk]