It seems that I need to start thinking about steering dampers as a result of a wicked headshake experience last weekend at Barber. What do you all use and why do you think that it is the best choice? Thanks for your advice.
Answering that question is a bit like answering "what tire brand is best?" Virtually all of the dampers out on the market today are more than adequate for track and club level race use. I personally use a pit bull rotary type damper and i am VERY happy with it, but i was also very happy with the piston type Ohlins i had on my Aprilia. I have also ridden w/ a Scotts that worked very well too. For my money, i would say the Pit Bull is a great product that is well made and well backed by customer service. It may require drilling into your frame though, so look into that if it is an issue. I had to on my R6, but it wasnt a big deal to me. all will set you back +/- 400 bucks.
Oh crap. Since all the bikes are in my living room I think I know who's going to be installing this new device...
Some damper info, believe or disregard as you choose. I have heard from a number of sources that something like 7 out of every 10 GPR dampers leak and the company will repair it for a cost. They consider it normal maintenance and it is not cover by the warranty. Scott damper (which I think now owns GPR or visa versa) looks the same, does not leak and if does, it is cover by the warranty. I have seen some brand new Ohlins piston type dampers which had very little resistance to the rod movement, regardless of the setting.
I've heard the same things that Kozy listed above. I've used Scotts (a few years ago) & Hyperpro (this year) so far, and both have been decent performers, although the Scotts did develop a leak within a year or so. The Hyperpro I'm using has been in use for about a year and shows no signs of leaking or wear. It's been working like a champ, and didn't require any frame modifications, which was one of my requirements when I was looking for a new damper...
I am reasonably certain that Scott's and GPR are separate companies still, and that Scott's has an alliance of some type with Ohlins. I have seen many Scott's dampers with Ohlins stamped on the front of the body. I have been very pleased w/ my Pit Bull, and after two years of (AB)use, it is still working just fine. No leaks or issues to note.
I stand corrected, it's Scott and Ohlins who are now working together and not Scott and GPR. I knew Scott and a well know damper manufacture joined together, just could not remember which one.
Pit Bull started making them & if they are like other Pit Bull products, it's probably excellent quality...
Justin, Being a rotary damper and positioned under your chin/neck in a race tuck, have you noticed any clearance issues with the Pit Bull? It looks like nice unit, I was thinking of picking one up for next season. Thanks.
I have bumped my head on my damper exactly twice... and both times it had nothing to do w/ clearance between me and the helmet. It was more to do w/ the throttle mgmt system overwhelming the back tire and then a sudden gain in traction! I prolly shoulda been spit on my head, but hitting the damper put me back in the saddle!
Try Matris. You can read a little about them here: http://www.departmentofsuspension.com/matris-steeringdampers.htm
Is Matris still active in the USA? I thought they pulled out of the market here and were dumping inventory last year at bug discounts... Are they back? They do make a nice product no matter what.
i use a scott and am very pleased with it.i also use the same damper on my racebike,supermoto and streetbike.scott offers mounting kits sold sepratly with out the damper.once you have installed the mounting kit on your bike or bikes its a matter of removing 2 allen bolts and the damper and put it where you please lol.that option saves me from buying 3 different dampers i dont know if the other damper companies offer these options but all that said scott may cost a little more but i get the most bang out of my buck.................hope i helped.......wayne