Author Topic: Steering Damper  (Read 18904 times)

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Offline Albertan

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Steering Damper
« on: September 07, 2009, 09:13:31 AM »
I'm going to install a Scott's steering damper, and I'm thinking the weld-on would be more rigid and effective than the bolt on version.  Any comments from members who run one?

Offline Platypus

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2009, 09:20:15 AM »
Weld on is way more solid.  I have two bikes with dampers.  One is weld on one is bolt on.  Weld on is the only way to go imo. 

Offline Albertan

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #2 on: September 07, 2009, 09:29:14 AM »
Thanks, that's exactly the feedback I was looking for.

Offline Danger4u2

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #3 on: September 07, 2009, 04:50:38 PM »
My friend did my weld on.  Weld a little and let it cool, weld a little more, don't over heat the seal and bearings. I don't think Scott's offer a bolt on for the KX500.  No problems with the bolt on for the KX500AF (KX450F).

(Updated:9/16/09)
I need to say it was tig welded.
« Last Edit: September 16, 2009, 05:09:01 AM by Danger4u2 »
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Offline Albertan

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #4 on: September 15, 2009, 04:06:47 PM »
Thanks for the photos; these are great.  The welding advice is appreciated too.

Offline Dutch-K5 Fan

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #5 on: September 16, 2009, 04:03:01 AM »
How does a bolt on held in place??? Only by the tank bolt Danger????



Dutch
Proud owner of a KX500AF

Offline Danger4u2

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #6 on: September 16, 2009, 05:04:39 AM »
Yes, the tank bolt and it's a split ring that goes over the steering head bolt.  The mount has a bolt in the split part in front.  It then squeezes around the neck of the frame.  The set up is very secure.
« Last Edit: September 16, 2009, 05:16:34 AM by Danger4u2 »
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Offline Dutch-K5 Fan

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #7 on: September 18, 2009, 04:48:26 AM »
Maybe I'll buy a scotts once. wanted to know how it bolt on.



Dutch
Proud owner of a KX500AF

Offline martinfan30

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #8 on: November 24, 2009, 01:52:16 AM »
I have a GPR unit on mine that was there when I bought it. Do these things need to be serviced? I see no leaks... It seems to have gotten softer since I bought it, but maybe I',m just used to it?
2000 KX500
2005 XR650L

Neither are stock, and both are great desert bikes.

Offline Danger4u2

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #9 on: November 24, 2009, 03:23:22 AM »
I have a GPR unit on mine that was there when I bought it. Do these things need to be serviced? I see no leaks... It seems to have gotten softer since I bought it, but maybe I',m just used to it?
Are you saying you set it on a number and it feels like it's getting softer?   I thought the stabilizers are good until they leak. 
I change the setting to the type of terrain and or the speed I'm going.
In one of the motorcycle magazines I get they were giving people a hard time about calling them dampers.
I've always called them steering dampeners, I found there is no such word.  Dampeners:The word you've entered isn't in the dictionary.  They should be called a steering stabilizer.
Scott, the brand I use, calls them steering stabilizers.  But if you look around on their web site they call them dampers also.
It's kind of like a Crescent wrench, we all know what it is but there actually called adjustable pliers.


Main Entry: damp?er
Pronunciation: \ˈdam-pər\
Function: noun
Date: 1707
1 : a dulling or deadening influence <put a damper on the celebration>
2 : a device that damps: as a : a valve or plate (as in the flue of a furnace) for regulating the draft b : a small felted block to stop the vibration of a piano string c chiefly British : shock absorber
3 Australian : a simple usually unleavened bread of a kind made originally in the Australian bush

Main Entry: 3damp
Function: adjective
Date: 1590
1 a archaic : being confused, bewildered, or shocked : stupefied b : depressed, dull
2 : slightly or moderately wet : moist <a damp towel>; also : humid <damp weather>

synonyms see wet

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Offline jfabmotorsports.com

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #10 on: November 24, 2009, 03:50:43 AM »
I guess you don't realy want to dampen the steering. You want to stabilize it.
Don't just float through life, make waves!

Offline martinfan30

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #11 on: November 24, 2009, 01:38:04 PM »
Someone told me that part of the outrageous purchase price is lifetime servicing of the unit for free. Also that it should be sent in every year...
2000 KX500
2005 XR650L

Neither are stock, and both are great desert bikes.

Offline Johnniespeed

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #12 on: December 01, 2009, 10:56:03 AM »
If your GPR doesnt work right send it in, they stand behind thier product, I wish all companies were as good as GPR. I think I have had mine for about eight years and did send mine back once, they upgraded it to the latest model and color.  Yes for free and included more stickers. ( gotta love stickers )
 John
Spring is here and the Mighty 500 wants to ride.
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 Michigan has the best groomed and mapped trail system, check out the Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan trail maps.

Offline kxraptor

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #13 on: December 03, 2009, 03:12:19 AM »
I have a weld-on and a bolt-on,on 2 differrent bikes,both work equally great.

Offline Swe_K5_89

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Re: Steering Damper
« Reply #14 on: December 25, 2009, 08:09:05 PM »
Pefect! Now I know what to do during christmas!
 :-D
1989 KX500
1981 YZ465
.