do you really benefit from a steering damper on the RC

trickroni · 08-30-2007, 5:30 PM

If they do make a big difference what kind are the best?

whylee · 08-30-2007, 11:14 PM

Most seem to favor the Scotts or GPR.
I used the GPR and found it performed very well. I would still have it on my bike but I installed a handlebar riser kit and it no longer fits.

trickroni · 08-31-2007, 12:03 AM

what do you mean riser kit. I just got a set of heli bars that I'm going to install this weekend

whylee · 08-31-2007, 8:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickroni

what do you mean riser kit. I just got a set of heli bars that I'm going to install this weekend

With my back problems I could no longer ride my RC, so I installed a Spiegler bar riser kit.
It contains a new upper clamp so you can use any bars you want, I went with superbike bars. I had to trim my fairing alittle but it works great.

fl-929 · 08-31-2007, 8:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickroni

If they do make a big difference

Yes

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickroni

what kind are the best?

Ohlins (piston)

Motophoria · 09-01-2007, 9:55 AM

+1 on the Scotts!

Big Jugs · 09-01-2007, 11:20 AM

Scotts

EvLTwiN · 09-02-2007, 12:33 AM

jkobflys · 09-03-2007, 2:44 AM

scotts

belowme51 · 09-07-2007, 1:25 PM

Not trying to jack this thread but I have a Scotts for sale for an sp-2 if anyone is interested. just pm me.
The Scotts works awesome and has save me from some nasty head shakes numerous times. Ill even take a trade for a new Ohlins piston style.

RoooStEr · 09-07-2007, 8:20 PM

I have had the front end shake when shifting from 1st to 2nd hard and fast. I have an ohlins (Scotts) on my quad I am tempted to buy the mountign hardware and put it on the RC.

belowme51 · 09-08-2007, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoooStEr

I have had the front end shake when shifting from 1st to 2nd hard and fast. I have an ohlins (Scotts) on my quad I am tempted to buy the mountign hardware and put it on the RC.

Thants one of the beautiful things abou the Scotts is the interchangeabl part.

Firehawk · 09-21-2007, 11:37 AM

Scotts +1

aussie-sp1 · 09-29-2007, 9:34 AM

I just want to say that an RC51 does not require a steering damper. When honda built this bike they pretty much got the geometry spot on and only the actual race race bikes needed one due to the huge amount of horsepower they produced. If you get your suspension set up properly, you can save your money for something else. I came close to wasting my money on one until a guy i met on a road ride set my bike up for me and what a difference it has made. It has not only stopped tank slappers, but the overall ride is so much smoother when tipping it into the twisty stuff. Its up to you if you want it on there but a good set up does solve the problem.

sheepofblue · 09-29-2007, 10:29 AM

No and you don't need leathers either..... oh wait you MIGHT and like leathers when the time comes you cannot change your mind. On a modern sport bike I consider a damper cheap insurance. Granted my RC has only gave a few wobbles (I ride it 99% on the track) and if the damper had been gone they would likely have been non-events. However a good damper is one you don't know it just worked

belowme51 · 09-29-2007, 1:35 PM

I say a damper is needed if you are doing very aggressive rideing, like track or raceing or aggressive canyon. On the street its not that critical due to the alot less aggressive rideing style. I had the Scotts Rotary and changed it out to a Ohlins fork mount piston style and I WILL never use anything else, but I ride on the track so it has really smoothed out some nice shakes for me. Having it for street use is more bling than function, IMHO.

skwyd · 10-09-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

No and you don't need leathers either..... oh wait you MIGHT and like leathers when the time comes you cannot change your mind. On a modern sport bike I consider a damper cheap insurance. Granted my RC has only gave a few wobbles (I ride it 99% on the track) and if the damper had been gone they would likely have been non-events. However a good damper is one you don't know it just worked

I went with the HyperPro RSC it is an active damper which only resists during a shock. I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything. They are cheap insurance and remember the money you could save on a damper will probably pay for about two hours worth of your deductable during reconstructive surgery.....

dicksneeed · 10-09-2007, 1:18 PM

I recently purchased a new Italian Matris piston style damper for my sp-2 only to realize it wont mount to my after market Attack Racing triple clamp because the steering stem top threads are only a Metric 22 rather than the stock M35. Any suggestions on a way to fabricate or a damper that doesn't require steering stem mounting.

slammp · 10-16-2007, 6:27 PM

Im going to chime in here. YES you want a damper. I have a GPR. I bought my rc51 in April (I had a Kawasaki before that and did not want to pay the $275 to swap out my GPR this season - I figured I'd do it next summer). Long story short I got a tank slapper going from having to jam on the brakes and busted my A^%$^$^. That was August 14th. It took me until last week to find a new exhaust system (I had a full Yoshi titanium and they dont make them anymore. As a matter of fact they dont make headers anymore so the system was really hard to find). I am still awaiting shipment on the exhaust - lost the whole season. Moral: PUT ON THE DAMPER!

.OrgOwner · 10-16-2007, 6:37 PM

Steering Damper Basics

I think they are a very good investment if your serious about how your bike handles.

skwyd · 10-17-2007, 9:07 AM

I agree whole heartedly, but if you aren't serious about how your bike handles, you could have saved a bunch of money by buying a buell....