Pros and cons to a steering damper

I can't think of any reason NOT to have one. . ?

I can't think of any reason NOT to have one. . ? Cost is the only thing I can think of... many a sportbike do not have steering dampers. The same could be said for braided brake lines, adjustable suspensions, etc...

first mod i did to any of my bikes that didnt have one is add a steering dampner...money well spent in my opinion

No real reason not to have one except cost or weight. Both of those are outweighed by the ability to eliminate head shake at the exit of a high speed corner, IMO.

The only con I can think of is an incorrectly adjusted (too tight) steering damper can cause strange handling at high speeds... Larry

Here's a page on how to install one: http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_9806_hand/

Here's a page on how to install one: http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_9806_hand/ Good article, there's nothing like the feeling of drilling holes in a perfectly good frame :smilelol: Larry

Good article, there's nothing like the feeling of drilling holes in a perfectly good frame :smilelol: Larry Terrifying, simply terrifying! Kind of like cutting a hole in the wall of my very first house. At least that was inexpensive to repair if I screwed up.

Terrifying, simply terrifying! Kind of like cutting a hole in the wall of my very first house. At least that was inexpensive to repair if I screwed up. Tell me about it, try lifting a quarter-million dollar car six feet off the ground...takes some getting used to :D

I have had a Scotts on my 9R as soon as I could get the cash for it. Their rotary style stabalizer is, in my opinion, the best on the market. The performence is superior and they are virtually impossible to damage in a crash. This is a plus because for little money the actual stabalizer can be used on any sportbike, once you buy the correct mounting braket.

Rotary dampers are nice. I had a Scotts on my RC51. My Aprilia is Ohlins equipped, and I have to say that I do like it a bit better. All the same, for me, the best reasons to have one would be the crash damage I sustained when my old TL1000R had a tank slapper on the freeway..

Rotary dampers are nice. I had a Scotts on my RC51. My Aprilia is Ohlins equipped, and I have to say that I do like it a bit better. All the same, for me, the best reasons to have one would be the crash damage I sustained when my old TL1000R had a tank slapper on the freeway.. Anything Ohlins is good! They just make some of the best stuff. However, the number one great thing about the Scotts is no drilling holes, no damage to the stabalizer in about any and every crash. Either way, I will never own a bike with out one. I rode a '02 954 the other day w/o one and it almost tank slapped one me twice....every time the front wheel got un-loaded the front end was dancin like it was on soul train... :lol:

Actually, Scotts dampers are made by Ohlins. I think Scotts just makes the mounting hardware and re-packages the damper as Ohlins only sells their rotary dampers for off road use. http://ohlins.com/mc_sd_mx.shtml

Actually, Scotts dampers are made by Ohlins. I think Scotts just makes the mounting hardware and re-packages the damper as Ohlins only sells their rotary dampers for off road use. http://ohlins.com/mc_sd_mx.shtml You may be right...I've never heard that idea, but they definately look alot alike. Either way, I love the idea of the rotary style and it works great! :cheers: