Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Steering Dampers Steering Dampers
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 155
Steering Dampers
I've posted this before (with no response) but has anyone fitted a steering damper to a GSPD?
There are some excellent looking ones for a host of dirt bikes but can they be made to fit? The reason is to improve the bikes awful performance in sand.
__________________
Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Jan 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
Tim,
Not having ridden the said motorcycle in sand, what is wrong with it ? I would be suprised if a damper would help.
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Jan 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
BMW dirt riding tutorial
it's scary but is the best method. Momentum is your ally!
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 22 Mar 2009 at 00:21.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Jan 2009
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
I have tried a R100 with steering-damper. Personally I didn’t see much difference but the bike had awful suspension so I’m not sure how valid the test was.

As Mollydog said you should look far ahead and keep speed up.
You should allow the bike to move freely under you. It will get where you are looking so don’t worry when the handlebar is moving in odd directions.

Keep suspension-setting soft. Rear suspension is also important because if it is to stiff your front wheel will be pushed down in the sand when the rear hits something.

My impression is that driving technique is far more important then a steering-damper. To look far ahead can’t be stressed enough.
On the other hand it wouldn’t hurt to install one, so if you fancy modifications…








Most important, have fun
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Jan 2009
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
If you don’t reach the top first time…..



…. gain more speed:
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Jan 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
Sorry but I feel I need to say this, it makes the posts much more enjoyable when the pics are there. Before anybody says anything i'm not trying to be a pain in the arse or add " oh nice pics" etc because we all hate that and it just cloggs up a thead.

Sorry again
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cape Town / South Africa
Posts: 207
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Add a fork brace as well to those spindling little fork tubes.
Patrick
The 100GS's are fitted with forks that I would not really call spindling little fork tubes. The stanchion diameter is 40mm and travel is 225mm.
You might be referring to the 80G/S forks which were borrowed from the road models and were 36mm forks. Besides the fact though, a fork brace will always add stiffness and be a bonus if fitted.

Steering dampers does have a negative influence when doing slow technical riding even when set on the softest adjustment. Riding sand a damper will help nothing and might even make things more tricky when you need to counter steer when the front start to wash out in the sand.
The only time that a damper will really be an aid is when you ride fast on rutted tracks where you cross the ruts at right angles or when you have many deep cross tracks in the sand. Hitting this or aggressive washboard at high speed can tent to shake the steering clear of your grip and in these circumstances a steering damper is invaluable and reduces rider fatigue.

Sand riding is all about technique and practice and a steering damper is not going to help making you a good sand rider.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cape Town / South Africa
Posts: 207
If you still would like to fit a damper I would recommend a Scott or Ohlins and if I can help with the design of the dampar mount and tower.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Feb 2009
Solo Lobo's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Shoreline, WA USA
Posts: 42
Here's a link to a replacement top triple clamp for para GS's that include the ability to add a steering damper... and it's inexpensive as well! $150

Guy's stuff is first class, and he provides great service as well.

New Style Top Triple for Airhead GS - ADVrider

This guy also makes replacment odomoter reset buttons and re-mans BMW driveshafts with circlipped ujoints and three choices of urathane dampers...

__________________
\"I empty a bottle I feel a bit free\" Mick Jones
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 Feb 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
I disagree regards dampers and sand riding.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 22 Mar 2009 at 00:23.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 155
Damper experience
Well, I've had the damper for some time now. I've found on sealed roads it imparts a definite feeling of stability, but on dirt I'm not too sure if there's any benefit. While recently riding on wet dirt (greasy) I had the damping on max and when I got into one of those awful snaking series of S shaped heart stopping moments, I found the extra damping was almost too much. It restricted (obviously) the speed at which I could correct the steering. I did have a road tire on the front though. My riding colleagues were much faster than I (of advanced years) so maybe it just comes down to technique? Maybe I haven't watched enough Charlie and Ewan?
__________________
Tim ('91 R100GSPD)

The only baggage you carry should be in the panniers
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Steering dampers roamingyak Equipping the Overland Vehicle 7 9 Oct 2012 14:48
iveco 4010w dampers marky116 Equipping the Overland Vehicle 7 22 Mar 2009 23:48
Steering dampers Tim Wood BMW Tech 1 7 Oct 2006 10:13
steering off-set Mr. Ron BMW Tech 14 25 Oct 2005 10:51
Steering a bike John Roberts Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 14 25 Feb 2005 22:31

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:32.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top