Sunny and 65 yesterday so I had to get out. There were 3 of us total, 2 06 R1's and me on the 954. We hit a long straight and all opened them up. I was topping out third gear and experienced the dreaded tank slapper. I am unsure how fast I was going, but am sure it was well above 100. This is the first time I have felt this on the 954. Needless to say, I was able to save it. I guess a steering damper just got bumped to the top of my Christmas list!

 

WOW, i bet that was a scary moment. I invested in a Scotts sterring Damper at the beginning of the summer and hadnt really noticed the difference until a few days ago on I 20. I hit 171(on the dash of course) and she rode just as smooth as possible. Glad you made it through. GET THAT DAMPER!!!!

 

Tank slappers suck ***! I had a few experiences with tank slappers comming down from a flamingo wheelie, not the best feeling when only one of your feet are on the seat....VERY SCARY. Havent rode the bike in 12 months but thinkin about investing in one maybe after a little bit more chrome. Learned real fast that you have to grab and hold on and muscle the forks straight..... still not the best feeling at all!

 

No offense man but that's a quick way to eat asphalt. From my experience you should do the opposite of that ... trying to "muscle" the forks straight causes the rear to kick out (shifting momentum/energy from front to rear) and possibly have a high side effect on the front .. best thing to do imo is to ride it out (hold bars LIGHTLY) and let the bike straighten itself out, inputs from you will counteract the straigthning out process. again, no offense just my .02.

 

I had a pretty bad one last weekend, big gust of wind caught me in a sitdown wheelie. I was blowing across the road so had to set it down and went straight into a big slapper (i do have a stabalizer). I dont know if there is a right way to get out of one, but i slammed on the gas and it lifted/lightened the front end enough for me to regain control.

 

with .71 kg spring rate set with a 1-5mm preload(if that!)-you sound surprised!!!!
revalve and respring the forks,add a damper-you will have a new bike
i am glad you made it through the tank slap-as alot of riders are not that lucky

 

That works too TK954 but only in limited situations .. e.g. assuming there's enough room to gain speed (straight road) and not needing to stop (coming to a light, etc..) and/or coming into a turn. Glad you made it out bro .. I know the terror in that situation.

 

now the search begins for a damper. hopefully I can run across a used one at a good price. If not, I will go GPR or the ugly gold one

 

Get the Scotts, it has high speed dampening that is ALWAYS on for just such an occasion as well as being fully adjustable at the same time. The ONLY way to go on the street. [sm=crossbonesgif.gif]