Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Steering damper question

So I have an 07 America with 16 inch apes and Speedmaster four and a half inch risers. Let me get your thoughts on how well a steering damper would help plant the front end. I have no complaints right now it's pretty solid but would the steering damper help more or is a waste of money your thoughts.

we had a big chat about that very thing a while back.
conclusion ? save your money for something else.

also if you have apes you are already realizing a savings on anti perspirent

If you want your forks and handling improved, go with Ricor Intiminators. If your steering head bearings are set up properly, steering dampers are a waste of time and money.

Ryk is correct, a steering damper is a waste unless your bike is running a really steep angle or you're rolling a sidecar. Your bike is around 32° and a damper is really for narrow angles like those found on sportbikes usually around 24°, all it would do for you is make the steering even more sluggish. Better front end suspension is the key, I found an upgrade to progressive springs sufficient but I understand the Ricor valve emulator system is even better.

Like these knowledgeable gentlemen said, more rake equals more stability, it makes the weight of the bike sorta "hang" from the fork clamps making it less apt to wobble, where a short rake, like a traditional Bonnie puts less weight there, making it want to wobble a bit. Some sport bikes look like the forks are nearly plumb.

Understood fellas...thanks for your input.