Steering Damper?

Topics related to the ownership, maintenance, equipping, operation, and riding of the R1200R.

Moderator: Moderators

Post Reply
AllanCook
Lifer
Posts: 388
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2005 9:11 am
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Austin, Texas

Steering Damper?

Post by AllanCook »

I've been waiting for the new Roadster ever since I had to sell my R1150R a couple of years ago. The R1200R looks great, especially in black, and the numbers are impressive, so I'll be selling my Triumph and buying a new R1200R.

But do I see a steering damper? I don't recall any steering issues with my R1150R whatsoever in about 30,000 miles. Why? Is this an option or standard equipment?
DJ Downunder
Honorary Lifer
Posts: 4776
Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:26 pm
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Melbourne

Post by DJ Downunder »

Yes there is one there..I'm sure you could take it off if you don't like the heavy slow speed steering.

Maybe because it uses the same telelever arm as the S..and has the mounts on it it might look like somethings missing without out.

Or maybe they want a high performance look..I don't think it's really needed.

DJ
User avatar
fnfalman
Basic User
Posts: 650
Joined: Thu Apr 21, 2005 7:01 pm
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Southern California

Post by fnfalman »

The R1200R is a lot lighter and a lot more powerful than the older R-bikes, so I think that a steering damper is warranted if one were to want to romp on the throttle hard and lighten up the front wheel under heavy acceleration.

The older R-bikes weren't really powerful enough to worry about headshakes.
Cogito Ergo Vroom - I think therefore I ride.
03 Rockster, 07 Aprilia Tuono R, 07 KTM 990 Adventure
ProductUser
Lifer
Posts: 346
Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2005 1:16 pm
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Mesa, Arizona

Post by ProductUser »

I recently read an article on the bmwst site re tank slappers. The post had a link that not only described the cause of a tank slapper, but it also showed a vid of some poor guy that crashed while incuring such an event. The article also pointed out that steering dampners help prevent tank slappers, so I'm okay with it on the bike :D

ProductUser
AllanCook
Lifer
Posts: 388
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2005 9:11 am
Donating Member #: 0
Location: Austin, Texas

Post by AllanCook »

The weight difference is only 34 pounds as I calculate it. But there is a good deal more horsepower and torque. So I guess a steering damper can't hurt.
Post Reply