Steering Damper - Anyone?

[Kawibunga]

So I finally got my 02 out in the bush for a rip this weekend (sad it took so long!). It's maiden voyage after being purchased in parts a few years ago. All though my boys (18 & 20) ride 220s, this was actually my first real ride. I've been on a KLX650R for quite few years, and came off a CR500 before that......

First impressions was it felt like being on a toy compared to those beasts. Sure it didn't have the grunt, but I was amazed at how well 1st gear luggged these tight technical steep rock strewn terrain.......... it was great!

But the biggest thing I noticed is how it would get tossed off line. Inertia and momentum is a thing with the big bikes. They typically hold their line............... so my question is, does anyone run a steering damper of any sort to help alleviate this? With how quick is seems to steer I think one might be helpful. So looking for some feedback.........

[SS109]

First off, happy that you got out there and rode your KDX!

I've run Scotts and WER stabilizers on my KDX's in the past. I think they can be useful if you do a lot of high speed off road riding like chunky dirt roads and/or sand but otherwise I'm not a huge fan of them.

I found that after I upgraded to some more modern 46-48mm USD forks that I didn't need one any more and removed them. What I figured out was that I really was fighting the flex in the stock forks. For slower stuff the stock forks were absolutely awesome IMO. However, when the speeds got up that's when I would notice the flex and it would send me off line enough that it caused me more than a few crashes.

Now, not holding your line is just kind of a 2T thing in my experience. They are just lighter and more flickable than front heavy 4T's. Try sliding up on the seat further and keep your elbows up and/or stand more in the attack position.

BTW, I still have my WER damper that I would be willing to let go for a really good price. It's the type that mounts between your fender and the lower triple clamp. Let me know if you're interested.

[Kawibunga]

Yeah, it's been a journey getting it on trail, will post more about that adventure later this fall....... But thanks for the feedback.... knowing that what I might do is do the fork swap first, and see how that feels. Technique I'm sure is another issue - can you teach old dogs new tricks ?? :) We only have another month and a half or so of riding left before winter shows it's ugly head. So hope to get out 3 more times or so with the boys. But am sure enjoying it so far

I have a set of forks off a 07 YZ250 & 08 KX250F (not sure which I'll install) I'll get those on this winter then reopen the damper debate come spring. And appreciate the offer of the WER damper! My riding is more single track in bush/foothills/mountains now. So lots of rocks, and not into 3rd gear very often. Mostly 1st & 2nd............ you can find some long awesome high speed hill climbs, but I don't bounce like I used too

[bufftester]

THe rotating mass of a 4T really helps in maintaining a line as well. I also ran a WER unit when I was riding a lot of desert, but I don't like it in the slow, techie stuff so removed it a couple years back. Every now and then I look at it and think "Hmmm, maybe try it again?" but it needs to be sent back for servicing, and it's one of the old units with the old shaft that has to be replaced....

[kdxdazz]

If I had to take a guess, somebody has put the wrong viscosity oil in your forks which makes the rebound too slow and throws you off line easily, I had the exact same thing in my early days of learning about suspension, even Motul 2.5w is thicker than the factory kyb fork oil

[Kawibunga]

Well, I hate to say it, but I did not service these forks as part of my "rebuild" so might be time........

[billie_morini]

Kawibunga, my $0.02: A steering damper will not help. This based on direct experience when riding different motorcycles, sometimes in the same day.

I have both KDX 220 and DRZ 400S. I ride both of them on the same trails and rugged, technical terrain. The DRZ plows through anything, requires less precision & focus, and requires less energy to ride. The KDX is very light and skitters across the ground surface. The KDX bounces around / off of surfaces, especially squarish cobbles & small boulder patches. Therefore, line selection / wheel placement is very important, even in dirt. The KDX requires more energy than the DRZ to ride, but rewards in other ways (Mostly by providing a different riding experience).

Know, too, the suspension on both bikes is sprung and dialed-in for my weight and how & where I ride. Before this was achieved, even the DRZ front would bounce sideways or backward on hard rock boulder hits at speed. It's important to have proper suspension set-up.

When going someplace I've never ridden, I take the DRZ because it plows through and requires less energy. When I know the new area and want to have more fun, I take the KDX. Most times, its lighter weight makes it enjoyable (because I'm an Old Guy).

Long ago, I roadraced at Laguna, Sears, Buttonwillow, & Thunderhill. This type of riding was at speed. A steering damper was noticeably beneficial with my relatively light, 2-stroke twin cylinder racer. Especially when I changed handlebar for clip-ons.

[Kawibunga]

Ok, well after the sage wisdom here, I've settled on riding the stock setup for the rest of the season. Do the kx250F fork swap this winter and try again when spring comes.......... but if a see a steering damper for sale locally here (for a good price) I may grab it to try. As can always sell it again. Don't think I'll shell out for new as the conclusion is it's not a cure for poor technique and sub par stock suspension!