mooniac
Novice Class
Posts: 31
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posted September 20, 2007 05:47 AM
DO I NEED A STEERING DAMPENER
Why does anyone need a steering dampener. Isn't the bike supposed to be stable at high speeds. I have had mine to 135 with no apparent problems. Do I need a dampener to safely go faster?
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07 R1, 07 FJR, 07 ZX14
(soon),
F1 ROCKET(300 HP Home
built Airplane) And it is faster
then your ZX14!!! (alot)
  
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blue max
Expert Class
Posts: 214
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posted September 20, 2007 06:27 AM
does your plane have a steering dampener on it?
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted September 20, 2007 06:44 AM
quote:
does your plane have a steering dampener on it?
 steering dampers are just for show anyway.
seriously, your bike will be more stable at higher speeds and after the front lifts up and lands during gear shifts and such.
I don't have one on my 14. but many are pleased with theirs.
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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DrewZX-14
Zone Head
Andrew
Posts: 553
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posted September 20, 2007 07:51 AM
Well, from my knowledge dampeners help to avoid tank slappers. When the front looses contact with ground usually when you hit a bump or even a wheelie, the handle bars tend to flap back and forth violently with tremendous force as the front wheel regains contact with the ground. I find that it is sometimes a useful tool. My honda cbr1000RR comes stock with an electronic one. I can definetly say that it has saved my life twice. Especially when riding real aggressive on these terrible streets of new york, you need to be careful. I guess it basically boils down to preference. I would prefer not to have one on my 14 for now. Dont see the necessity of it. I will maybe change my opinion in a few more months, but for now just use your own discretion. Everyone always has the right and the wrong way to do things its all up to you in what works best. So good luck with that and keep the rubber side down.
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2013 Zx-14R Green ABS
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dutchzx14
Expert Class
Posts: 213
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posted September 20, 2007 08:36 AM
The last thing you need on a zx14 is steering dampener.. If its wobbels in the corners, just adjust your front in and out going dampener in your fork, and stay off the spring tensioner.
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flyboy
Pro
Posts: 1536
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posted September 20, 2007 08:41 AM
Dampeners are required for Land Speed Racing.
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jeff martin
Pro (closed)
jamming
Posts: 1168
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posted September 20, 2007 08:46 AM
The lighter the bike the more prone to head shake at high speeds with uneven tarmac. Forget the dampner for the 14 you are wasting your money.
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted September 20, 2007 10:57 AM
The 14 has to be the most stable sport bike ever made.
It is that stable.
Even when crossing deeply rutted pavement mine would only wobble slightly once, and I drove it out.
wobble =WFO
I never felt the need to use a damper, even at extended periods and speeds over 160 mph.
Nor on busrts to 190mph.
I have one simply to cover me for drag strip use, crossed up whellies etc.
I would concurr that it is a waste of money on the 14, unless your sanctioning body mandates it.
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Nelson Taylor
Zone Head
Posts: 927
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posted September 20, 2007 11:04 AM
IMO, No you dont need a damper.
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SticknMove
Novice Class
Posts: 39
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posted September 20, 2007 11:30 AM
I've done 192 on mines and it was smooth as butter, no damper.
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Da New King
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Tool Man
Needs a job
Posts: 4493
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posted September 20, 2007 12:10 PM
My 14 is very stable... My old 10 needed a little help from a dampener more than once 
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted September 20, 2007 12:13 PM
I know people who are pleased with the dampers on their 14. Was with one of them at the flag launch last night.
And its not hard to figure out for anyone who has been with/without a damper on their sportbike...... after a wheelie or accidental tank slapper, coming down is much more comfy and safer with a damper.
____________
2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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MasterBlaster
Expert Class
Posts: 297
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posted September 20, 2007 03:40 PM
Just look at it as safety gear. You may never need it, but what if? I probably need one least of anybody, but I am glad I have one. I feel the same about all the other gear. I jusy had a Bud get into a tank slapper with his heavy cruiser. Was a combination of unfortunate potholes that did him in. After all the stitches in his head, I think he is through with skid lids, and his hands didnt fare well either, no gloves. I guarantee he wishes he had all the safety gear available. Hindsight is a wonderful thing....
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted September 21, 2007 12:46 PM
extra weight unless mandated
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2006 Black ZX-14,6 inches over,16/42, flies out,BMC Street Filter,Brock's Street Meg,Brock's Radial Mount Strap,PClll with Race map,Dynojet LCD w/Techmount, ZX-14 fender eliminator,Pilot Power2CTs,Speedohealer,Pazzo Levers,Cox Radiator Guard, Garmin Nuvi 265WT
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fury
Expert Class
Posts: 427
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posted September 21, 2007 02:36 PM
I normally let go of the bar when going down hills and off ramps. No hands.
The ZX is as stable as it gets.
Awsome package.
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sczx14socal
Novice Class
sczx14socal
Posts: 57
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posted September 24, 2007 02:42 PM
you will only know if you need a damper when you finally need it you will wish you had it $500 cheaper than splat
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted September 24, 2007 03:20 PM
quote:
you will only know if you need a damper when you finally need it you will wish you had it $500 cheaper than splat
+1
thats the time one will wish they had a damper.
____________
2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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