| Author | Message | ||
     Dave_02_1200 |
Has anyone here used the steering dampers that American Torque sells on Ebay? I know that they are required on fast drag bikes but are they really needed on a street bike? | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Our Buells are pretty stable so long as the suspension is good shape and the steering bearings are ok. You experiencing headshake? Sometimes all it takes is to check your tire pressures. | ||
| Gianni312 |
Dave, Take a look at the tread I started entitled "Do I need a Steering Stabilizer???" A lot of members provided great insight. | ||
| Dave_02_1200 |
Steering dampers are required equipment on fast drag bikes and I noticed that the tube frame Buell roadracers used them too. American Sport Bike sells one with all the mounting brackets for $420.00 and they show up on Ebay from time to time. Are any of you using one on your Buell? What do you think? (Message edited by Dave 02 1200 on July 25, 2013) | ||
| Jayvee |
The used M2 I acquired came with a Storz steering damper, thought it was pretty cool. Seemed like it smoothed out the freeway. Had the bike front end up for some reason, turning the forks left and right did feel heavy. I took it off for a test, really lightened up the steering for twisty roads. On the highway, front wheel did seem twitchy at first but after experimenting a little I got the confidence it isn't really. So, could go either way, but think I like the easier transitions in twisty better that the touch of stability at higher speed. Left it off. Drag racers especially only want to go straight, under penalty of injury or death. Road racers might hit 175 mph or whatever, yeah, I'd probably use it then. | ||
| Beardo |
I have never used a steering damper on a road bike. Ever... | ||
| Hootowl |
Your arms and chest should be all the damper you need. For example, I use this:  Well, OK, more like this:  | ||
| Littlebuggles |
The storz is adjustable, for fast canyon riding I turn it on a couple or three clicks, and four or five on the track (road course). but for general street riding it's just bling on my bike, I keep it dialed all the way off for general duties. Moving weight forward can help with headshake, so having the build in the first pic is more useful than the second. trying to muscle through a headshake will only aggravate it and make you crash. | ||
| Dave_02_1200 |
I think the Storz steering damper kit uses a Shindy damper unit. There is a Shindy adjustable steering damper set up for Buell tube frame models on Ebay right now. | ||
| Jayvee |
Storz is Ceriani. Looks different from Shindy, which at least is described as made in Japan. I know, the cost is real different, is it worth it? I couldn't say. http://shindypro.com/ss_kits.html http://www.storzperf.com/jpgs/page21.html | ||
| Trouble_enabler |
I ride Los Angeles freeways to work and get the carpool lane, so it's fast going. The freeway transition ramps all have expansion joints on them. The ramps are all turns and I take them at 60-80 MPH. On the corners, my bike must be catching a little air going over these joints as I get a front and rear wobble on each one. With my steering dampener on, it is MUCH less violent of a reaction. I guess it depends on the type of riding one does, but once I put one on, I now won't ride without one. | ||
| Beardo |
After reading Trouble's reply, that makes sense. Not only how one rides, but also the surfaces of roads one is blessed with riding on in their area. I'm in Pittsburgh. There are a lot of bad roads here, but some of my favorite twisties are, ironically, in very good shape. |
