Hi folks,Im a newbie to the forum,just bought a 954,(pick up tomorrow).whats your opinion on steering dampers,ie absoutley necessary or only useful on bumpy back roads? also whats peoples average fuel consumption on these beasts?and is it possible to put a 180/55 rear tyre on or will that effect handling/safety?

 

I was doing about 100mph today on bumpyish roads on my 954, it wasn't so bad, but I definitely wanna get a scotts damper..

 

steering damper for me is a must, going over rocks, sneaky rail road tracks, ect. it will keep down the chance of you putting down your 954. not to mention the over all smoother ride. a 180/55/17 is just a little taller in the center of the tire than stock, but should be a little easier to turn her. as far as options on steering dampers it just depends on your pocket, scotts, ohlins, gpr are some of the top. I'm on a buget and got a shindy daytona steering damper and it works just fine for me. mpg? will be based on riding style, i varied from 33-39 on my 954. Is this your first bike? throw up some pics asap! be safe and wear gear as well!

 

A damper is one of those pieces of equipment that you don't realize you needed it until it's too late. If you've ever experienced head shake, you'll want a damper.

I get about 35mpg on fuel. Have gotten as much as 46 on a sedate, long cruise with some cruisers (stock gearing).

Lots of folks at track run a 180 on their liter bikes, makes it more "flickable", but I don't know anyone who runs a 180 on the street.

 

I will never ride without a steering damper again.Headshake is a B@#ch.Mileage the most I got was 42 mpg stock gearing.As far as tire size the 180 is more flickable in corners, saves you a little bit of money as well.Riding on the street you will not notice a difference between the 180 and 190.

 

ive had 3 instances where i got tank slappers from random potholes and **** and almost lost it. after each time it happened i told myself id get a damper. when the 3rd one happened i realized it would be dumb not to get one because the price of the damper will be significantly less than the repairs to my bike and myself WHEN i go down from not having one.

 

just a update found this steering damper on ebay Hyperpro used $85
link-http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hyperpro-steering-control-honda-cbr-929-954_W0QQitemZ390140217689QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorc ycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item5ad62b4959

 

On another honda based forum I am on here were some of the comments I recieved.

"I would think it would be better to spend the coin on getting the front forks re valved and resprung. could be wrong thou"

"Oh yeah, I probably should have mentioned that after fitting ohlins carts and springs, my headshake issues ****ed off on their own for a while, it was only after I picked up a bunch more pace that they reared their heads again."

"you will get more benifit doing suspension first than a bolt on damper"

 

the scott is my fav, savin bucks rite now for it....