NinjaNick
Needs a job
'08 ZX14 (Blue)
Posts: 4558
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posted March 06, 2008 06:03 PM
Anybody using damper?
I wasn't planning on purchasing one, but buddy I ride with mentioned that I should get one with such insane power. I laughed and said I don't need one. What do you all think? Overrated? They are really good for roadracing I know that, but just WOT on the road...I don't see the use.
Thoughts?
  
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lucky14
Pro
Posts: 1439
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posted March 06, 2008 06:27 PM
1. Here's what ECTA says about it:
"Steering damper on all bikes no exceptions"
2. ZX-10R comes with one stock.
3. The Hayabusa and the GSX-R 600, 750, and 1000 come with a damper stock.
What does that tell you?
Gonna putt around? Don't need one.
Gonna push it to the limits? You do need one, IMHO.
____________
You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
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NinjaNick
Needs a job
'08 ZX14 (Blue)
Posts: 4558
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posted March 06, 2008 06:30 PM
Looks like I'll get one. I'm far from a putter...lol.
I had many highspeed wobble out on the country roads on my older 636, I should've got one then. I guess I'll try one out.
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joemugg
Expert Class
Posts: 109
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posted March 06, 2008 07:14 PM
I've got the Scott's damper.Riding I-10 back from Daytona at 100+MPH I got some slight wobbles. I had the damper set to its lowest setting, but turned it up after that. I wouldn't ride anything without one.
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'06 ZX14 blue, Muzzy M14/M10, flies out, BMC filter, PCIII, SpeedoHealer, Scott's Steering Damper, 16 tooth Vortex
'97 GSXR600 street sweeper
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lietoome
Needs a job
Posts: 2033
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posted March 06, 2008 09:55 PM
+1
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Hawkman
Zone Head
Posts: 747
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posted March 06, 2008 11:16 PM
Dampers are for pussies...
...anyone know where I can get a good deal on one? 
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zxbob
Pro
Posts: 1692
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posted March 07, 2008 05:00 AM
quote:
Dampers are for pussies...
...anyone know where I can get a good deal on one?
We are what we eat !
Bob
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Good parts aint cheap and cheap parts aint good !
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slates
Expert Class
Posts: 377
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posted March 07, 2008 05:03 AM
I agree that you're better safe than sorry. All it takes is a little slide and power wheelie out of a corner to get the front and rear wheel out of alignment...tank slapper, then high side.
I think most places are offering pretty good deals on the original GPR steering dampers...check Motomummy.com...I think around $350.
I just ordered and received a GPR V4 with black housing and a gold dial. The gold dials where a special run for the Coronal Extra Superbike team. I hope to have it mounted this weekend. I've gotta find the right mm socket size to fit the steering stem nut.
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black zx14 - Brock's Gen3 Carbon, PCIII, no secondaries, Carrozzeria wheels, Sato rearsets, Pazzo levers, GPR V4 steering damper, Puig windscreen, Tiger Racing chain guard
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted March 07, 2008 05:08 AM
32 mm
I run a scotts/ ohlins rotary.
The geometry and weightbalance on the 14 makes it THE most stable bike i have ever rode, I have only had it wag its head twice before the damper, due to ridiculous speeeds crossing deply rutted pavement while leaned over, reentering my lane afetr passing cars.
Cheap insurance though for sure.... considering you can get agood one for about $400 and guys are paying up to $200 for frame sliders...
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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KikonZX14
Pro
Novice
Posts: 1813
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posted March 07, 2008 07:34 AM
Hi guys,
I have a couple of questions in regards of the damper. How does it affect your steering while cornering at slow speeds (U turns, etc.)? I saw at eBay a Scott's Performance one without any cylinder..... What I don't like at all is the fact that I will need to drill holes in my Baby's frame to install it.
The other question is: Do you feel that a full stock bike (with stock flies, stock cans, etc.) should need a damper too?
Thanks in advance.
Best Regards,
David
____________
Feel the need for SPEED2007 ZX-14 Black with Red Flames (Helibars, Sliders, Yoshimura TRC Ti 4-2 Slip Ons, Fender Eliminator, Zero Gravity SR Windscreen, Custom Heel Guards , Speedohealer V4, Pazzo Levers -soon to come: Flies out / PCV w/A/T kit and later 16T sprocket)1990 Honda Steed (Japan model same as Shadow)1993 Kawasaki Vulcan EN 500 (gone as I trade it in for the ZX-14)Santiago, Chile, South America
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smokinzx14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
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posted March 07, 2008 07:54 AM
We are very lucky with the zx14 ... It so well built that i doesn't need one .. I have never had a problem at crazy speeds ... BUT i still think it's a good idea to have one .... It's allways better to be save than sorry ...
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Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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702fowler
Novice Class
Posts: 64
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posted March 07, 2008 07:58 AM
the need for a damper comes from speed not from the add ons that we do to the bikes. no one gets the 14 to casually cruise to church and back on sundays. get the gpr its quickly adjustable and no drilling
____________
how do you spell relief ?
G U M B A L L !
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KikonZX14
Pro
Novice
Posts: 1813
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posted March 07, 2008 09:01 AM
Thanks 702fowler, I will wait until next paycheck arrives to buy a GPR one (otherwise Wifey will get mad at me because all stuff I'm buying for my Baby). Most likely I will buy the GPR V4 model.
Thanks again and Best Regards,
David
____________
Feel the need for SPEED2007 ZX-14 Black with Red Flames (Helibars, Sliders, Yoshimura TRC Ti 4-2 Slip Ons, Fender Eliminator, Zero Gravity SR Windscreen, Custom Heel Guards , Speedohealer V4, Pazzo Levers -soon to come: Flies out / PCV w/A/T kit and later 16T sprocket)1990 Honda Steed (Japan model same as Shadow)1993 Kawasaki Vulcan EN 500 (gone as I trade it in for the ZX-14)Santiago, Chile, South America
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02zx12rbob
Expert Class
Posts: 496
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posted March 07, 2008 09:46 AM
To me, dampers just make sense if your gonna anything at speed.
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KikonZX14
Pro
Novice
Posts: 1813
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posted March 07, 2008 11:56 AM
I guess if you buy a ZX-14 is to get as much speed as possible. For us newbies on sportbikes it might take longer (depending on the learning curve and skills being developed), but the result will be the same. Most likely once I dominate the "stock" power I will be eager to remove the flies and cans, PCIII, etc., etc. I suppose that should be part of Darwin's evolution theory......LOL.
Bottom Line......damper is on its way to my Baby as soon as I can afford it.
Best Regards,
David
____________
Feel the need for SPEED2007 ZX-14 Black with Red Flames (Helibars, Sliders, Yoshimura TRC Ti 4-2 Slip Ons, Fender Eliminator, Zero Gravity SR Windscreen, Custom Heel Guards , Speedohealer V4, Pazzo Levers -soon to come: Flies out / PCV w/A/T kit and later 16T sprocket)1990 Honda Steed (Japan model same as Shadow)1993 Kawasaki Vulcan EN 500 (gone as I trade it in for the ZX-14)Santiago, Chile, South America
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KikonZX14
Pro
Novice
Posts: 1813
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posted March 07, 2008 11:59 AM
As mentioned earlier by Smokin...better be safe than sorry (that's part of the justification statement I will use with Wifey to spend the $$bucks on the GPR).
BRegards,
David
____________
Feel the need for SPEED2007 ZX-14 Black with Red Flames (Helibars, Sliders, Yoshimura TRC Ti 4-2 Slip Ons, Fender Eliminator, Zero Gravity SR Windscreen, Custom Heel Guards , Speedohealer V4, Pazzo Levers -soon to come: Flies out / PCV w/A/T kit and later 16T sprocket)1990 Honda Steed (Japan model same as Shadow)1993 Kawasaki Vulcan EN 500 (gone as I trade it in for the ZX-14)Santiago, Chile, South America
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted March 07, 2008 01:36 PM
I still say scotts/ohlins is best if you don't mind drilling your bike....
High and low speed circuits, sweep control, rebuildable.... best consumer suspension in the business....
I drill the wife all the time, whats a bike? LOL
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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FastBlur
Parking Attendant
Posts: 23
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posted March 07, 2008 02:27 PM
+1 on the GPR, I've got the older model and the newer model and they both work great. I've had a Scott's and a Factory Pro damper and I like the GPR just as much, not to mention it's much more affordable.
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jeff martin
Pro (closed)
jamming
Posts: 1168
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posted March 07, 2008 02:33 PM
 Edited By: jeff martin on 7 Mar 2008 14:35
quote:
We are very lucky with the zx14 ... It so well built that i doesn't need one .. I have never had a problem at crazy speeds ... BUT i still think it's a good idea to have one .... It's allways better to be save than sorry ...
Totally agree..The 14 doesn't need it at all unless you come down on the front wheel with the bars turned..Then the bitch will slap you..Your wasting your money on a Damper for the 14..And no effect on cornering..More importantly run correct tire pressure..Spend the money on pipe's..If you ride around with a damper on a 14 the first thing my friends would say "ROOKIE"
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i play with boats my wife plays with my dingy.
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted March 07, 2008 02:34 PM
Kikon actually I wouldnt worry about it right now. Spend your money elsewhere, because the 14 is one stable ass bike. I've had it over 150mph at least a dozen times on varying surfaces and not a single wobble of any kind. Also had it crossed up a few times, and power slid out of a couple corners, and nothing at all. Hell, on one of those cross ups the rear tire hit some sand and dropped the front with the bars turned... and nothing. I wouldnt worry about it with the way you have stated you are going to ride: lots of highway, 70mph cruising and not getting over 7 grand. Just enjoy the bike, and add it when you do some serious mods later.
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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kikonzx14
Pro
Novice
Posts: 1813
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posted March 07, 2008 04:02 PM
Thanks Jeff & Stick_n_Stones, well I guess a damper is off my wish list for the moment.
Yeah, I will try to ride mostly on highways in order to avoid heavy traffic, otherwise I will have a nice pair of roasted chicken legs instead of feet caused by the heat that comes out of my engine while jammed into traffic. Man I can wait until break in is over and my engine runs a bit cooler.
BTW, Jeff, which is your recommendation for tire pressure?, Kawi's manual says 42 psi each.
Best Regards,
David
____________
Feel the need for SPEED2007 ZX-14 Black with Red Flames (Helibars, Sliders, Yoshimura TRC Ti 4-2 Slip Ons, Fender Eliminator, Zero Gravity SR Windscreen, Custom Heel Guards , Speedohealer V4, Pazzo Levers -soon to come: Flies out / PCV w/A/T kit and later 16T sprocket)1990 Honda Steed (Japan model same as Shadow)1993 Kawasaki Vulcan EN 500 (gone as I trade it in for the ZX-14)Santiago, Chile, South America
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