Might be speed sensitive.
Steering Comparison 2013 vs 2014?
- Thread starter batman1
- Start date
Might be speed sensitive.
mcinlb
Registered user
Quote-
"The damper (if correctly adjusted/calibrated) should only come into play if the bike is subject to unusual steering input, whether by the rider or the bike.
So, under normal conditions, the difference should be little or none.
The faster the bars move, the more resistance of oil passing through the damper, so a normal ride 'should' be just that."
Agree with above - When in normal steering mode, there is very little turning of the bars and hence dampening. These are generally there only for "abnormal" steering inputs as mentioned above.
"The damper (if correctly adjusted/calibrated) should only come into play if the bike is subject to unusual steering input, whether by the rider or the bike.
So, under normal conditions, the difference should be little or none.
The faster the bars move, the more resistance of oil passing through the damper, so a normal ride 'should' be just that."
Agree with above - When in normal steering mode, there is very little turning of the bars and hence dampening. These are generally there only for "abnormal" steering inputs as mentioned above.
needlongerlegs
Registered user
probably being one of the only people here quaified to answer
After 7200 miles on the MY13 non damped bike and now 500 on the MY14 damped bike there is bugger all difference in day to day riding or the feel. My MY13 Would shake its head if I set it up to do it twat it out of a bumpy bend with loads of gas n hit a cats eye or similar in second I could get it a little over excited, The MY14 has not shown the same tendency yet.
After 7200 miles on the MY13 non damped bike and now 500 on the MY14 damped bike there is bugger all difference in day to day riding or the feel. My MY13 Would shake its head if I set it up to do it twat it out of a bumpy bend with loads of gas n hit a cats eye or similar in second I could get it a little over excited, The MY14 has not shown the same tendency yet.
Test rode a '13 for a day a few months back - was impressed by the quick steering response and sharp handling (as well as the motor, obviously), and put in an order.
Production of the '13 subsequently ceased while the Jerries went on holiday, and I had to wait for a '14, all the while getting a bit concerned that the addition of the damper would ruin everything.
I needn't have worried. 1000 miles into '14 ownership, I can't appreciate any difference in steering feel, although that clearly isn't in a back to back test situation. Still turns and handles great - and I guess the fact it's there in the background in case things get ugly can't be a bad thing...
Production of the '13 subsequently ceased while the Jerries went on holiday, and I had to wait for a '14, all the while getting a bit concerned that the addition of the damper would ruin everything.
I needn't have worried. 1000 miles into '14 ownership, I can't appreciate any difference in steering feel, although that clearly isn't in a back to back test situation. Still turns and handles great - and I guess the fact it's there in the background in case things get ugly can't be a bad thing...
quite.
and if anyone doesn't like it, it's probably not welded on, is it? why all the angst
Riden other bikes with a damper on and did not like it as feels hard to steer , I have thrashed the living daylights out of my 2013 and never had an issue , I think a damper would sterilise the ride.
needlongerlegs
Registered user
You might think that but I Know it don't, just in from another 100 mile wander (read as blast
) round Suffolk lanes there is no difference between the two in handling or feel if anything this one is better handling but that's probably just down to lovely fresh tyres. If anything the damper version just makes me a little more confident that it isn't gonna bit me... its all in my head. LOL.
Do you think that the new 'white' coil springs are a different spring rate, or just a different colour?
hey batman1
As usual , its hard to get any straight, mature reply
I have test ridden new LC with steering damper in Germany.
On the road apart from sudden change in direction on light bike , there is almost no difference, maybe a bit less shaky reaction to uneven surface, although knowing difference and being extra sensitive I might exagerated perception .
Fully loaded bike feels same as non damped bike.
Off road damped bike is a bit "slower" steering but noticeable by some pro riders not me.
Its more about personal feel or preference.
If you would ride one type of LC only, you wouldn't know any better.
As usual , its hard to get any straight, mature reply
I have test ridden new LC with steering damper in Germany.
On the road apart from sudden change in direction on light bike , there is almost no difference, maybe a bit less shaky reaction to uneven surface, although knowing difference and being extra sensitive I might exagerated perception .
Fully loaded bike feels same as non damped bike.
Off road damped bike is a bit "slower" steering but noticeable by some pro riders not me.
Its more about personal feel or preference.
If you would ride one type of LC only, you wouldn't know any better.
Thanks Baja, Reply appreciated!
that would just double the doubts
I rode the 2013 model when it was launched. Having just picked up my 2014 last week I think there is little to choose between the two. Handling at speed feels much the same and the steering doesn't feel sluggish even at low speeds. In any event if you don't like the damper it looks dead easy to remove!
Thanks for last post, hopefully will do a deal in the next day or so on a LC, not ridden a 2014 one, demo bikes rare it seems..
Tonopah
Registered user
I had the '13 and now have a '14. The front end of the '14 feels slightly more planted on dirt (a good thing) but otherwise, no discernable difference.
2014 steering damper
Hi
I have the 21014 model with steering damper, on first day out i was looking at the bike and not the road and drifted into a rut at the side of the road. The steering was trying its hardest to get a full
on tank slapper going but the damper held it steady and i was able to maintain control. That said it did not stop me contemplating my life, the damage and the pain in about 2 seconds. The only damage was a lot of grass and seeds.
I test rode a 2013 model and i am convinced that without the damper things would have had more to contemplate.
Hi
I have the 21014 model with steering damper, on first day out i was looking at the bike and not the road and drifted into a rut at the side of the road. The steering was trying its hardest to get a full
on tank slapper going but the damper held it steady and i was able to maintain control. That said it did not stop me contemplating my life, the damage and the pain in about 2 seconds. The only damage was a lot of grass and seeds.
I test rode a 2013 model and i am convinced that without the damper things would have had more to contemplate.
As mine is a 2013, I'll make sure I always look at the road, and not at the bike while I'm riding it then.
Fanum
Toubab
What do you suspect Mrs K.Ash would say?
david a hall
Registered user
Really? Which bit of the damper held the wheel straight? If you had got crossed up on 230kg of bmw then superman wouldnt of saved it even with a damper.
I think it is the basis of her claim Bill.
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