Can someone please explain to me what a tankslapper is and what exactly a damper does? Thanks

 

Here are a couple examples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUBwCX_Mv2Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxasT...eature=related

A steering damper keeps the front wheel from shaking.

 

Ive got 10000 on my f4i, and ive only got on it hard enough to bring up the front a handfull of times. Twice getting on the freeway accellerating down the grade. I felt the front come up and I felt the wheel start to turn, but I am pretty sure it was just because my throttle hand wasnt relaxed. When it got light enough, my hand pushed down on it just a little bit, enough to feel. I think if you are controlled and careful youll be alright. All these things like dampners and slipper clutches just allow you to be a sloppier rider or be lazy. Sure, some people are good enough to push it to the point where those things become an advantage. Just dont let it be something that puts you at ease with getting on it. Dont let it get to the point where you are over confident, because that is the point that something will slip. The only place that you can have that confidence, and where that confidence is necessary is on the track.

If you havnt already, get some books on riding, there are some excellent ones by former racers. Read about how to control panic reactions and what the right things to do are in different situations, before that situation confronts you. Heres some that I have;

http://www.amazon.com/Sport-Riding-T...47&sr=1-13
http://www.amazon.com/More-Proficien...47&sr=1-14
http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Saf...317&sr=1-6
http://www.amazon.com/Total-Control-...317&sr=1-9

Also, Twist of the Wrist is a great series of books, written by Keith Code. Smooth Riding by Pridmore is also a good book.

 

you need to get your suspension reworked for your weight...and that means if you're over 160ish...ain't gonna work with stock parts...and it's costly too.

best you can do is adjust as best for your weight as possible and then make sure your well maintain your forks by changing fluid every other year (at least) or 10K (if you ride alot every season).

i had about 20K on the F4i without a damper...and it's well behaved. usually only come about (very small ones) when the tires are worn. otherwise very stable.

 

Got tank slapped once, didn't even have time to react (overtaking a car, leaning over with the gas on, bump on the road and wooaahhhhh). I just managed to ride it out. Very forgiving bike the F4i.

A tank-slap can put the fear of death in a corpse! I've learned a lot.

 

Sounds like someone has damper envy!

And you had to bring slipper clutches into the fray as well! just... WOW.

So I guess all those guys who ride 2007 and up GSXR 600/750s are all LAZY. And of course the guys with the R6/R1 LE... lazy, sloppy riders.

I hope that some day, while you're lying face up in the runoff gravel, staring up at the sky, comtemplating why you just lost the rear enddownshifting into a corner trail braking at the very edge of what a mere human can manage to control... you'll wish you had a slipper clutch.

(/sarcasm)

tbw

 

slipper clutches are cool! i think that will help save some newb riders who just can't stand engine rpm vs. gear vs. ground speed.

ever wonder why some of those bikes come with a damper in the first place?

 

Just like everyone else said, get your suspension set up before you do anything else. Ride it and get used to it. The F4i is VERY stable and doesnt really need a damper. I got mine for extra insurance incase i ever need it. I had a tank slapper once and would rather be prepared if it ever happend again. The best thing you can do for your bike is havwe the suspension set up for your weight, especially if you ride more aggressive as you get more used to the bike.