Need 954rr steering damper

hallford · 02-06-2009, 10:51 AM

Ok, just got this bike and it took less than an hr for 4 people to tell me I need one, so let me know what you got and how much.

Thanks

reeseyboy · 02-06-2009, 10:56 AM

These people telling you that you need a damper; is it from experience? I have an Ohlins damper on mine and I don't think that it makes that much difference. It's fully woulnd off. Looks nice though

sscottab · 02-06-2009, 11:00 AM

the people that told you to get a damper are smart i believe they are needed on the 954, i have a ohlins on mine and it has saved me a couple times,

hallford · 02-06-2009, 11:01 AM

2 of them ride 954s and another rides a 1000rr don't know about the 4th guy

standuprick · 02-06-2009, 5:50 PM

I wouldnt ride a sportbike without a damper. Personally its to easy to get a headshake on a bumpy road or coming down from a wheelie. Is it worth a few hundred dollars to save an accident?

Twincam · 02-07-2009, 9:09 AM

Ive been riding my 954RR for a few years and honestly haven't felt the need for a steering damper. Of course it would be nice to have one, and I have experienced a head shake and speed wobble a few times but I believe it depends what you will be using the bike for e.g. track or just weekend blasts.

Scotts also make the piston type which I have seen a few times on eBay - I would say thats the best place to get a damper. Beware of the cheap copies.

standuprick · 02-07-2009, 10:59 AM

all it takes is one bad headshake that you cant recover from and thats it. Todays sportbikes have such a steep rake, I feel its a good insurance policy. Also, if you have an out of balance front tire or slightly bent rim it will help dampen vibration. Coming down off a wheelie crooked will save your ass. Its a must if doing stoppies or rough roads like ohio where I live.

hallford · 02-07-2009, 3:19 PM

I really just ride, I commute and travel on it. No track days, no wheelies, or stoppies, just riding.

standuprick · 02-07-2009, 4:41 PM

Keep in mind that gixxers have come stock with a damper since 1986. There is obviously a reason they put them on. Even if they are a very basic non adjustable one. Shaft ones are ok but not as much adjustment and if the shaft gets bent its useless. Everything is internal on a scotts or gpr. Recently honda came out with the electronic one. I dont kno about others but a scotts can be used on anybike just have to buy another mount. So if you switch bikes it could save you money in the long run.

Twincam · 02-07-2009, 8:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by standuprick

Also, if you have an out of balance front tire or slightly bent rim it will help dampen vibration. Coming down off a wheelie crooked will save your ass. Its a must if doing stoppies or rough roads like ohio where I live.

I see where you are coming from, but depending who changes your tyre and where you bought your bike and what you use your bike for, you shouldn't really have any of those problems unless (talking about the last two) you are either too hard on the throttle or front brake.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hallford

I really just ride, I commute and travel on it. No track days, no wheelies, or stoppies, just riding.

I Live to Ride, and Ride to Live. Simple.

The only time I have experienced them is under heavy acceleration (where the front has just started becoming light)

standuprick · 02-07-2009, 8:25 PM

Your definetly right upon heavy acceleration with a light front end can contribute to a bad head shake. Sometimes once one starts its hard to stop it. Especially if the wheel comes down a little crooked. We have alot of bumpy roads, potholes and bridges with uneven surfaces. I feel its a must to have. To me its worth $400. to possibly prevent a crash. Everybody makes choices when they ride. I try to minimize possible accidents. Some ride on a bald tire. Well good luck in your choice. All I can do is give you my opinion and 20 + years of riding expierience.

Twincam · 02-07-2009, 8:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by standuprick

Well good luck in your choice. All I can do is give you my opinion and 20 + years of riding expierience.

I'm not saying your opinion is incorrect, or that its not valid - to be perfectly honest I would say buy one (I would if I had the spare cash and nothing to spend it on) but again its not needed IMO. Same way a PC3 or an end can or flushmount indicators are not.

Again, its down to personal preference. Some like Bridgestones while some don't. Its down to the rider and their experience.

Hallford - Its wise to buy one to be on the safe side (look on eBay, there are plenty on there) and the good thing about buying one second hand is that the price you pay will probably stay the same. Make sure its straight and not been crash damaged - also there are two main types.. The piston and the other (cannot remmeber the name) - do a little bit of research and look at some reviews.

I have lost count of all the years I've had riding bikes... Ive lost count of how many days I havent ridden for

Bloody Weather!

lanbrown · 02-07-2009, 8:45 PM

The two types are the piston and rotary. The rotary is made by Ohlin's and they do not sell them for road bikes. Other companies have made brackets for the Ohlin's rotary to be used on road bikes. I would not go that route.

Twincam · 02-08-2009, 3:38 PM

Well there you have it (Thanks LanBrown!)

Its now down to you.

Good Luck

lanbrown · 02-08-2009, 3:40 PM

Maybe I should clarify a bit further. Ohlin's has both models, they only sell kits for the piston type for road bikes. The rotary you have third-parties making brackets for the use on road bikes. Ohlin's does not believe the rotary is a good product for the street. They could make money by selling them, but they don't.

partyhardryan16 · 02-11-2009, 3:27 PM

I have a red GPR in very good condition I just got, but don't like the color with my black / titanium 954. Would be willing to sell to get funds for a different color.

Comes with all needed mounting gear, including head bolt. PM me for a price.