Steering Damper for 1200GS?

[Bertie]

I've noticed ('cos I'm like that) that the 1200s and the 1200r both have steering dampers. Test journos comment on both bikes' "uncanny stability". As my GS gets a bit light on the front end under hard acceleration and at, ahem, 3 figure speeds (30.5mph m'lud ), I wondered if anyone had sourced and fitted a steering damper........

Thought please guys?

 

[JohnC]

I'm sure a damper would restrict the steering lock mind. I certainly notice the 12 wiggling its head, nothing much though. I'd ramp up the rear preload and see how you fair with more weight transferred to the front end.

 

[Shep]

Tyres seem to make a huge difference to a R1200GS's handling, the dual purpose nature of alot of the tyres fitted, also allow the bike to be sensitive to road surface changes leading to a twitchy feel sometimes

Jack up the rear and fit 020's & the stability returns, also, as with most bikes a light grip on the bars is much better than hanging on for grim death.

Perhaps the S and the R have more radical rake & trail to enable a quicker steering bike and so need a damper

IMO steering dampers should be avoided at all costs on a dual purpose bike like the GS, on the nadgery off road bits they would slow the steering too much, restricting manouverability

If the 1200 steering is too sharp, and the bike too agile for you, i'm sure one of the older guys on here may have an old 1150 to sell you

Shep

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Steering damper

That last remark was a little uncalled for - and anyway who are these older guys ? Certainly a lot younger than I am! (Alright; I know it was a bit of what is called English humour out here); Anyway to get to the point I do not believe that a steering damper will make any difference and as has been said the choice of tyres & suspension settings are more important. If you are running at 100 mph on these dual purpose tyres it is not reasonable to make a comparison with sports bikes on road tyres. However if, as I do, you use the bike on rough roads as well as autoroutes then you must accept some compromise surely? I do not think there are many bikes that would corner as well as my 1200GS on some of the poorly surfaced roads around here.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Tyres seem to make a huge difference to a R1200GS's handling, the dual purpose nature of alot of the tyres fitted, also allow the bike to be sensitive to road surface changes leading to a twitchy feel sometimes

Jack up the rear and fit 020's & the stability returns

This man speaks the truth

Andres

 

[The Burpster]

Battlewings .... cheaper than damper!

My advice is get a pair of Bridgestone Battlewings which still look like trail tyres and are as good at the B020. They have nearly 10mm of tread on the rear when new as well so they last a long time, increase stabilty grip like a kid holding a lolly and arnet ridiculously expensive..... Bargain all round.
A damper will restrict your lock, slow down the flickabilty, and be an expensive (and probably difficult) project... one which IMHO is not neccasary.

 

[Wanderer]

No need for a damper in my opinion.

On accassion I used to accelerate hard from stand (front wheel slightly lifting) in different types of situations and never had a 'moment'. Just put your weight forward to help keep the front down.

As for high speed, on my way to the 'Ring the other year I did a few flat out spells on the autobahn (indicated 130 ish) with both panniers and top box full. No issues other a gentle friendly weave (no doubt assisted by the streamlined shape of the panniers!).

Save your money.

 

[The Bede]

Get a grip my friend ...

... But a light one. The GS12 can get a little skittish at the front when ramping up the speed (manics ride them in excess of 30mph I'm told ).

... Light grip on the bars beats hanging on, teeth clenched, for grim death.

... But don't leave your knees flapping in the breeze, tuck 'em in and grip the tank sides gently, that eliminates a lot of the wobble irrespective of the tyres you're running.

 

[Bertie]

Steering damper

Thanks guys - I concur with the consensus, and will try the suggestions made - tyre fitment seems to make the most difference, judging from this and other posts, and those Battlewings do look the business!

Thanks again