steering damper?

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kiwi_yamh_mxchic1324
New User | Posts: 40 | Joined: 06/05

Posted: 08/17/05
08:35 PM

whats the best brand of steering damper for a TTR125LE or do they even make them??

secondstringallstar
Guru | Posts: 836 | Joined: 01/05

Posted: 08/17/05
09:52 PM

I doubt they make one. I don't think they do anything to be honest. I've ridden bikes that have them and if anything they slow down your response when your turning.

Less is more, live pure, die poor.

TurnerJ
Enthusiast | Posts: 402 | Joined: 12/04

Posted: 08/17/05
10:20 PM

On a motocross track, yes, a steering damper is more of a hinderance than an aide. But as far as off-road, a damper is one of the best investments you can make. Especially if you're doing high-speed off-road stuff (if you've ever swapped out in fifth gear, you learn to appreciate steering dampers pretty quick).

As a girl, I find dampers especially useful because, let's be honest, we just don't have the upper body strength. If I hit something at speed like a rock, rut or clip a tree trunk, I don't have the strength to correct. A stabilizer would damper a quick, sharp blow like that and let me stay in control. But there are a lot of things to consider before saying, "yeah, I need one of those."

On a TT-R125, I can't say I could really justify needing a damper. A lot of your front end control has to do with your riding ability, strength (that bike isn't too heavy) and suspension settings. A lot of people don't realize that if the front end starts dancing around, it could be because your shock isn't loading properly.

A stabilizer can make life easier for you, but they're very expensive and they do have their drawbacks. There are some things I'd recommend doing to be sure you reeeaaallly want/need one before making the investment: Make sure the sag is set for your weight, work on your control (keep your elbows up, grip with your knees, etc.) and try lifting weights or doing push-ups and sit-ups. This is all stuff I did before determining that I really needed one. If after all that you still feel you could use the help of a stabilizer, then go for it.