BMWMCCWA

After talking with Bowe this morning and now having just read Koo's post on his ride. I thought I would mention this about steering dampers.

Before spending your money on a Steering Damper, why don't you spend your money on getting your front forks set up correctly.

I know that Steering Dampers are a quick fix for alot of people and do save the less experienced rider, but they are not fixing the problem that is causing the problem. " The front suspension"
Some people say if it only saves me once then it was worth it, I agree.But you haven't fixed the problem.

I can only think of one occasion that a Steering Damper might have help me in a tank slap, but I still didn't crash.

So, all I'm saying here is. Spend money on your suspension first. It will change your bike far more than a Steering Damper.

Ahab

Mike, maybe explain what the problem is with the front suspension. I am not that technically inclined, neither can I see how a different suspension (up & down) can prevent a rapid sideways action. Please enlighten me.

For me the dampner works, you have to do the miles and learn how to ride with it and how to set it. Also how to use your body and adjust your weight to move the bike, as you know it's very different being on the pegs having to steer the bike.

Like with nearly everything we do when adventure riding, context is everything. Very often things aren't black or white.

I agree with Ahab that its wise to do the suspension first. However IMHO, the 'problem' (as Ahab calls it) is not always the suspension alone. Rider ability and weight carried play a significant part too. The kgs of luggage, food, water and spare fuel you've piled on the bike (for good reason) for that 'epic' ride puts extra weight over the rear end and will lighten front end, substantially changing the bikes tracking characteristics, notwithstanding you may have a 'dialled in' front suspension. And its when you have those kgs on-board is when a SD can save your bacon.

I have 3 adventure bikes; 2 with a SD and 1 without. The only bike to have given me a decent scare was one without a SD (at the time). The front suspension was dialled in by a pro in Wangara. I was following a truck-semi on a dusty track in the Murchison. I was carrying all the usual stuff for a week away. When rounding a bend I spied ahead that the road was clear for a pass, but I had to do it quickly. At 140kmh, I drew level with the truck and was clear of the dust when I hit soft sand. Massive speed wobble followed. Fear said 'back off', experience said 'stay on the throttle'. Experience ruled and I came through OK but very very shaken. My adrenalin still rushes even now when I think about it. I fitted a SD when I got home from that ride.

And as Koos mentions in his Holland Track thread, a SD is also a good companion when fatigue starts to set in.

PS: Ahab - 'bout your first line in sig block - never a truer word said mate.