Ok so I just bought a leather suit because I know that renting leathers at the race track add up, and now there's nothing stopping me from hitting the track. From what I've heard, the CBR954RR has gotten a bad rap for tank slapping and head shaking. I don't have a damper on my bike (yet). But I'm worried about something like this happening when I go to Jennings next month. The last thing I want to do is lay my pride and joy down. Is it an absolute necessity that I purchase a steering damper? Or can I survive without it? I'm not trying to be Nicky Hayden out on the track, I just want to improve my riding techniques and have a good time going fast. Also, any advice on raceday track for my bike? Thanks!

 

A full suit is just the start of your trackday expenses! A full rack of track tires, sprockets, race fuel, etc. No better way to spend $$ though. I would advise you to purchase a damper. It will only take 1 good wobble on exit to stain that nice suit inside the rear butt pucker section. During street operation the bike doesnt get the coals poured to her. Track conditions will allow you to push the envelope. The damper will help a ton in this department. The end result of some serious headshake at the track could end the experience all together. There are many on the market that you can get into without breaking the bank. Have fun out there and ride safe!

 

damper vs stabilizer? whats the differance

 

same thing

 

They are the exact same thing. If you go to Scotts website even, one sentence they call it a stabilizer, the next sentence a dampner.

Yes you should get one.

 

its the first mod you HAVE TO DO to your bike!!!! its like a wild horse with out one!!

 

FWIW, I took my bone stock '03 954 to Pocono East in September for my first track session. I did not experience any head shake at all, but certainly wasn't coming out of the corners like Nicky Hayden either. The focus was primarily on riding the proper line (turn-in points, apex points, etc) and body position.None of the "noobs" in my class had steering dampers and none experienced any issues. I think for your first time out, you'd be ok without one.

That said, it would probably be a very good idea if you plan to do a lot of track days and / or have the ability to progress quickly. The front end does like to lift easily on our bikes in the higher rpms.

 

Hey another good thing to invest in if you are going to be doing a lot of track days is a sprocket guard. To guard your toes from getting caught up in between the chain and sprocket on the bottom side of the swing arm. Seems stupid, but if you get a foot in there, you'll lose a toe.

 

Was at the track two weeks ago with my 954; if it wasn't for the damper, would have lost it on a particularly bumpy section of a very fast straight. Severe head shake due to bumps and strong winds; Scott's damper performed like it's supposed to. Get one!!

 

I've heard great things about dampers and I don't think you can go wrong by buying one, but I myself haven't found a ton of headshake yet. I've spun up the rear on hard acceleration, lifted the rear end on hard braking, but have had zero headshake, even when powering over the hump on the straight at Road America at 120+. The geometry of the bike is definitely... severe, but nothing that can't be cured by remembering to keep your weight off of your wrists. Stomp Grip for the tank is almost as good as a damper, imo.