does a steering stabilizer really help
Depends on who those "people" are and what exactly they are saying...
Also depends on how you're riding. On a track only (or a race) bike, yea they help but they're still not all they're cracked up to be even then. For 90% of the average street riders out there Nope won't do a damn thing except make the steering feel more vauge, and make them think it's working great becaue they have it turned up so high it's hard to turn the bars.
Of course there are exceptions (like the suz TL1000R's.. Those things get slap-happy if you look at them wrong).
Also depends on how you're riding. On a track only (or a race) bike, yea they help but they're still not all they're cracked up to be even then. For 90% of the average street riders out there Nope won't do a damn thing except make the steering feel more vauge, and make them think it's working great becaue they have it turned up so high it's hard to turn the bars.
Of course there are exceptions (like the suz TL1000R's.. Those things get slap-happy if you look at them wrong).
Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) is a rotary type steering damper that electronically modulates steering damping based on road speed and acceleration. An ECU unit senses road speed and acceleration and then sends a signal to a solenoid. The solenoid controls an oil pressure relief valve within the damper unit. At slower speeds the relief valve is open, allowing for a free flow of oil through the damper unit, resulting in reduced damping force and lighter steering effort. At higher speeds the flow of oil is restricted, resulting in increased damping force and additional stability. HESD is the first steering damping system that makes it possible to increase high-speed performance while maintaining low-speed handling.
I'm putting the GPR dampering on my bike next week. I've heard both sides which commonly say unless your riding hard or track'n you don't need it. I plan to do the track so I got it. It won't hurt, so its your bike & $$$. I'll let ya know what I think after I've tested it out.
I just rode an 02 954RR and id didn't have a stabilizer on it. I shifted into second gear and ripped on it over less then perfect pavement...but it wasn't bad either. I've been on MUCH worse pavement with my 06 1KRR and not had a problem.
Well the 954 without a steering stabilizer gave me a serious headshake and I thougt I was going down.
After that little adventure I won't own a bike without a steering stabilizer.
Well the 954 without a steering stabilizer gave me a serious headshake and I thougt I was going down.
After that little adventure I won't own a bike without a steering stabilizer.
I dont believe it would, It just makes your steering tighter at higher speeds, so I guess in a way if you doing high speed wheelies it would keep you from turning the handlebars after you pull up....
It really depends on how you ride... if you put around the city, its a waste of cash. But, if you ride a little harder, there are those times where the front end gets a little light under acceleration. The steering damper seems to add confidence when riding under those conditions... I feel like I have more control.


