Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Steering Dampers Steering Dampers
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 20 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cape Town / South Africa
Posts: 207
If you still would like to fit a damper I would recommend a Scott or Ohlins and if I can help with the design of the dampar mount and tower.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 20 Feb 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
I disagree regards dampers and sand riding.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 22 Mar 2009 at 00:23.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 20 Feb 2009
Solo Lobo's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Shoreline, WA USA
Posts: 42
Here's a link to a replacement top triple clamp for para GS's that include the ability to add a steering damper... and it's inexpensive as well! $150

Guy's stuff is first class, and he provides great service as well.

New Style Top Triple for Airhead GS - ADVrider

This guy also makes replacment odomoter reset buttons and re-mans BMW driveshafts with circlipped ujoints and three choices of urathane dampers...

__________________
\"I empty a bottle I feel a bit free\" Mick Jones
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 24 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cape Town / South Africa
Posts: 207
Proven this weekend, steering damper makes sand riding harder even when set at the softest setting.
Look at this thread on the South African Wild Dogs forum - Sand Riding Orgy and a visit to the Quarry - and yes that is me sitting flat on my ass next to the HPN. Instead of accelerating to get the front up I was slowing down on this very steep and sneaky dune and the front bottomed out completely when hitting the foot of this little dune. Send me flying and it took a while before I could get up again. Damper was useless to save the tank slapper that followed but I guest for this it would have needed to be on the hardest setting.
The sand road leading to the dunes is the toughest and here I find that the damper delays the counter steering so vital to surviving in the sand enough to make you topple over often.
Once at speed the bike is more than stable enough to stay in a straight line and steering is done by shifting your weight to the outside foot peg. It's like surfing a wave.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 3 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 155
Steering damper kit
I've ordered a damper kit from Guy at Hendersen Precision Mfg. (see above picture) Very fast response to questions. The total cost is US$734 (not including postage) and includes a new machined top triple, the Scott damper, the damper mount, and an adapter for the original bars.

Once it's installed, I'll post on it's performance. (He also does lots of new parts for Indians.)
__________________
Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 3 Mar 2009
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Wood View Post
Once it's installed, I'll post on it's performance. (He also does lots of new parts for Indians.)
Please do !!!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 18 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 155
Steering Damper
I have now fitted Guy Henderson's kit to my PD. Beautifully made and it all fits so well. Only took about 2 hours to fit.
Initial impressions: It's raised the bars about 2" higher than standard but it feels really comfortable (I ordered the split sleeve adaptors so I could retain the original bars). The bars are now also mounted with 4 rubber cones which has removed any vibration at the grips. It has made no difference on the road (as one would expect) unless I adjust it to it's max settings when the bike feels steadier and "firmer" - although that makes it a bit difficult to turn in the carpark.

I'll leave it here for about a month or so and report back my impressions off the tarmac together with pictures.
__________________
Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 18 Mar 2009
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Wood View Post
I'll leave it here for about a month or so and report back my impressions off the tarmac together with pictures.
I look forward to that!
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 155
Damper experience
Well, I've had the damper for some time now. I've found on sealed roads it imparts a definite feeling of stability, but on dirt I'm not too sure if there's any benefit. While recently riding on wet dirt (greasy) I had the damping on max and when I got into one of those awful snaking series of S shaped heart stopping moments, I found the extra damping was almost too much. It restricted (obviously) the speed at which I could correct the steering. I did have a road tire on the front though. My riding colleagues were much faster than I (of advanced years) so maybe it just comes down to technique? Maybe I haven't watched enough Charlie and Ewan?
__________________
Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Steering dampers roamingyak Equipping the Overland Vehicle 7 9 Oct 2012 14:48
iveco 4010w dampers marky116 Equipping the Overland Vehicle 7 22 Mar 2009 23:48
Steering dampers Tim Wood BMW Tech 1 7 Oct 2006 10:13
steering off-set Mr. Ron BMW Tech 14 25 Oct 2005 10:51
Steering a bike John Roberts Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 14 25 Feb 2005 22:31

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:09.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top