Steering Dampers

[DaveM]

Was wondering how many of you out there have fitted a steering damper?
I got a bit of a wobble on last Sunday which got me to thinking it may be a good idea to fit one.
I have done a quick wee tinterweb search and see plenty listed for the S4 and so on but does anyone do one which will suit my 620ie?

[gary tompkins]

Got one on the trike

Yes it is neccesary, and yes it does work but I've no idea what make it is

[LVC]

Got an original Ducati Performance one on the S4 (took forever to find one that didn't cost a fortune) - no idea what it does but it is covered in lovely carbon fibre so must be good :mand:

(OK so I do know what it does but I bought it cos it is covered in carbon).

[gary tompkins]

Mine is a side mounted type like this, but you can get smaller top yoke mounted versions for the S4 & S4r, similar to the ones fitted on the 916 etc..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ducati-Monster-620-695-S2-S4-Sprint-Steering-Damper-Kit_W0QQitemZ270554085608QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Mot orcycle_Parts?hash=item3efe47b8e8

The damper I have has around 10 clicks of adjustment, from fully on (can't turn bars at all) to fully off and zero damping. I usually run at 3 clicks on normal riding and 4-5 clicks if in attack mode. It's easy to adjust on the fly because adjuster is on the rod end just in front of my right knee. I used to get some scarey tank slappers before fitting this, but all is cool now even when pushed to the limit.

[DaveM]

Will the top yolk versions for the s4 & s4r fit my 620?

[slob]

I have a Gubellini one that came on my M1000, it was set on the middle setting (~16 clicks), once I'd fitted a decent shock I was able to back it off to 2 clicks from softest with no ill effects.
Check your tyre and suspension setting before spending money, never felt I needed one on road or track on my 620 (although Britain's current road quality can induce the odd wobble) but the 1000 has 50% more power for 10% more weight.

[DaveM]

With living on the isle of man and having limitless roads I do tend to ride my monster hard. With riding hard I check tyre pressures and things before going out each time but will check again, thanks

[skank]

My 750 didnt have one and used to get scary as buggery headshake, 900 has an ohlins one, no headshake yet.

[Yorkie]

I have a Kawasaki one that fits under the bottom yoke and connects to the horn mount! Cheap and works!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/steering-damper-jap-NHK-for-KAWASAKI-H1-500-H2-750-KH_W0QQitemZ360247028267QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Moto rcycle_Parts?hash=item53e0656a2b

Yorkie

[vtaggart]

Hi Dave

When I first got the s2r I thought it was very shakey at the frt but got used to it now, I would buy one for a little security as the roads in IOM a bit like our over here bumpy in places:D

Did you ever do the tail chop?

Cheers Vince

[DaveM]

Thanks for that link Yorkie, do you have a pic of it on your bike?

Hi Vince, nah not yet mate, gonna buy and fit some cans before deciding what to do about that.

[Yorkie]

Dave,

Send me a PM with your e-mail on it and i will try and find you a picture of the damper!

Yorkie

[Pedro]

Have a Matris one on the thou, no idea if it needs it, it came with it fitted! Looks nice though

[CK & AK]

When racing the 620 for 3 years, we only had to put one on for Assen & Snett when it got a shake on when in excess of 140mhp (as clocked through speed traps).
The M800ie hasn't always had one on either - only fitted halfway through its 1st season & is backed right off most of the time even now.
Both engines have been very sucessfully competed to the top in club racing.

Firstly go & get your suspension checked & if necessary overhauled to be set up for your weight & riding style - it can transform a bike just in making a few adjustments.

That said, I used to have one on my M1000sie - as Slob say, it is rather necessay when riding to the high end..... :mand:

[DaveM]

OK thanks, looks like a trip to Evomoto is on the cards first then

I have only experienced the monster shaking its head once but it was enough to make me think I should fit a damper