steering damper

[Red Mist_imp]

Hi there,
i am willing to fit my CB1100 2013 with some kind of steering damper,
so far the only option seems to be a pretty expensive ohlins rotary one,
i have searched the forum and the web but can not find anything else.
Tips? Ideas?
Thanks

Hi Tattak. It appears that some of the responses to your question so far have been a question as to why you want a steering damper. Are you experiencing a tiny amount of head shake at approximately 45 mph? My 2014 Deluxe has shaken the bars at approximately 45 mph while decelerating. I can just barely feel it through the bars, and I took my hands off the handlebars once and could see the bars shaking a tiny bit; and this is with a bike that has less than 600 miles on it, so I wonder what will happen as the miles build up and the tires wear.

Thanks.

Hi Tattak. It appears that some of the responses to your question so far have been a question as to why you want a steering damper. Are you experiencing a tiny amount of head shake at approximately 45 mph? My 2014 Deluxe has shaken the bars at approximately 45 mph while decelerating. I can just barely feel it through the bars, and I took my hands off the handlebars once and could see the bars shaking a tiny bit; and this is with a bike that has less than 600 miles on it, so I wonder what will happen as the miles build up and the tires wear.

Thanks.
Sounds like wheel balance is out on the front.

A tank slapper happens under harsh acceleration not the opposite.

I once followed a pal on his 20mile old CBR600 (2000) and watched him gas it on a bumpy road, only to leave black sidewinder like rubber streaks on the road. He let go of the bars to avoid a crash.

That is correct. Even modern bikes equipped with steering dampers such as my GSX-R 750 will get unstable under hard acceleration as I found last Friday. Got an incipient tank-slapper as I pulled through redline in 1st gear, doing say 75 mph. Lifted the front wheel just off the pavement, the tire caught some irregularities, and wham-wham-wham, it started to slap. As soon as I got the front tire back on the ground all was well. But that bike has 23.5 degrees of rake, very steep.

The CB1100 is not going to have that issue. The Ferret is right, that deceleration headshake is common and not really a safety concern.

[tattak_imp]

Hi there,
i am willing to fit my CB1100 2013 with some kind of steering damper,
so far the only option seems to be a pretty expensive ohlins rotary one,
i have searched the forum and the web but can not find anything else.
Tips? Ideas?
Thanks

Hi Tattak. It appears that some of the responses to your question so far have been a question as to why you want a steering damper. Are you experiencing a tiny amount of head shake at approximately 45 mph? My 2014 Deluxe has shaken the bars at approximately 45 mph while decelerating. I can just barely feel it through the bars, and I took my hands off the handlebars once and could see the bars shaking a tiny bit; and this is with a bike that has less than 600 miles on it, so I wonder what will happen as the miles build up and the tires wear.

Thanks.

Hi Tattak. It appears that some of the responses to your question so far have been a question as to why you want a steering damper. Are you experiencing a tiny amount of head shake at approximately 45 mph? My 2014 Deluxe has shaken the bars at approximately 45 mph while decelerating. I can just barely feel it through the bars, and I took my hands off the handlebars once and could see the bars shaking a tiny bit; and this is with a bike that has less than 600 miles on it, so I wonder what will happen as the miles build up and the tires wear.

Thanks.
Hi, my point is that, even if i loved my CB from the very first moment i had it, i found it not 100% right for our italian crappy roads which is quite common when it comes to not super sport racing japanese bikes, so i fitted it with new suspensions (pics coming soon) and front springs but it still feels a bit too light in the front when accelerating so i want to give it a try with a steering damper

[HondaJon_imp]

Hi Tattak. It appears that some of the responses to your question so far have been a question as to why you want a steering damper. Are you experiencing a tiny amount of head shake at approximately 45 mph? My 2014 Deluxe has shaken the bars at approximately 45 mph while decelerating. I can just barely feel it through the bars, and I took my hands off the handlebars once and could see the bars shaking a tiny bit; and this is with a bike that has less than 600 miles on it, so I wonder what will happen as the miles build up and the tires wear.

Thanks.


Dave, I had the same issue on mine. Dealer replaced front tire (Bridgestone), issue solved...

[dave]

Hi Ferret, there's a lot of great stuff here, thanks! My 1976 CB750F (still own it) head shakes at exactly 47 mph on deceleration if you take your hands off the handlebars. (At least it did 10 years ago, the last time I rode it). I'm sure the front wheel was never balanced properly, and the steering head bearings are probably worn also. The races on my 1998 VFR steering head bearings wore out and I replaced them (little indentations caused by the balls in both the upper and lower), but this bike never shook the handlebars.

[flynrider]

Hi Ferret, there's a lot of great stuff here, thanks! My 1976 CB750F (still own it) head shakes at exactly 47 mph on deceleration if you take your hands off the handlebars. (At least it did 10 years ago, the last time I rode it). I'm sure the front wheel was never balanced properly, and the steering head bearings are probably worn also. The races on my 1998 VFR steering head bearings wore out and I replaced them (little indentations caused by the balls in both the upper and lower), but this bike never shook the handlebars.

My '93 CB750 has acquired this problem as it has aged (as have many of my older bikes). I've done the tires (speed balanced), fork oil and seals and I'm looking at the steering head bearings now. One thing I've been told is that the steering head nut can get loose over time. I'm going to loosen and retorque it before springing for new new bearings.

HondaJon, deceleration shifts the bike's weight forward and all of that stress goes to the steering head. If you're feeling that shake in the CB1100, I'd suggest retorquing the steering head to spec. I have run across more than a few fasteners that were not torqued properly at the factory. My CB11 shows no hint of a shake.

[lola_imp]

Quote:Hi, my point is that, even if i loved my CB from the very first moment i had it, i found it not 100% right for our italian crappy roads which is quite common when it comes to not super sport racing japanese bikes, so i fitted it with new suspensions (pics coming soon) and front springs but it still feels a bit too light in the front when accelerating so i want to give it a try with a steering damper
I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo

[Tortuga_imp]

Quote:Hi, my point is that, even if i loved my CB from the very first moment i had it, i found it not 100% right for our italian crappy roads which is quite common when it comes to not super sport racing japanese bikes, so i fitted it with new suspensions (pics coming soon) and front springs but it still feels a bit too light in the front when accelerating so i want to give it a try with a steering damper
I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo

I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo
Funny, I used to go to 'reputable tyre outlets' who always mentioned that my tracking was out, or I needed new brake disks. I go somewhere small and I dependant now who let's me buy the tyres I need and nothing else.

I think the important thing to remember is the only person trying to sell you a steering damper (and it's fitting) is the guy who would make money on the work.

I'll watch the video and see what he's got to say though...


------------------------------------

Ok watched the Dave Moss video, seems to know his onions and all of what he said was highly plausible.

I didn't catch the bit where he recommended ALL BIKES be fitted with a steering damper though. He seemed to pit the cause of tankslappers on either 'bad suspension set up' or 'poor riding technique', both of which aren't cured by a steering damper.

Putting a steering damper on a CB1100 because you've had some head shake is like ordering a bulk box of aspirin because you keep getting hangovers. It's not the lack of aspirin causing the headaches, it's the 12 beers the night before!

[tattak_imp]

Quote:Hi, my point is that, even if i loved my CB from the very first moment i had it, i found it not 100% right for our italian crappy roads which is quite common when it comes to not super sport racing japanese bikes, so i fitted it with new suspensions (pics coming soon) and front springs but it still feels a bit too light in the front when accelerating so i want to give it a try with a steering damper
I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo

I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo
Funny, I used to go to 'reputable tyre outlets' who always mentioned that my tracking was out, or I needed new brake disks. I go somewhere small and I dependant now who let's me buy the tyres I need and nothing else.

I think the important thing to remember is the only person trying to sell you a steering damper (and it's fitting) is the guy who would make money on the work.

I'll watch the video and see what he's got to say though...


------------------------------------

Ok watched the Dave Moss video, seems to know his onions and all of what he said was highly plausible.

I didn't catch the bit where he recommended ALL BIKES be fitted with a steering damper though. He seemed to pit the cause of tankslappers on either 'bad suspension set up' or 'poor riding technique', both of which aren't cured by a steering damper.

Putting a steering damper on a CB1100 because you've had some head shake is like ordering a bulk box of aspirin because you keep getting hangovers. It's not the lack of aspirin causing the headaches, it's the 12 beers the night before!

I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo
Funny, I used to go to 'reputable tyre outlets' who always mentioned that my tracking was out, or I needed new brake disks. I go somewhere small and I dependant now who let's me buy the tyres I need and nothing else.

I think the important thing to remember is the only person trying to sell you a steering damper (and it's fitting) is the guy who would make money on the work.

I'll watch the video and see what he's got to say though...


------------------------------------

Ok watched the Dave Moss video, seems to know his onions and all of what he said was highly plausible.

I didn't catch the bit where he recommended ALL BIKES be fitted with a steering damper though. He seemed to pit the cause of tankslappers on either 'bad suspension set up' or 'poor riding technique', both of which aren't cured by a steering damper.

Putting a steering damper on a CB1100 because you've had some head shake is like ordering a bulk box of aspirin because you keep getting hangovers. It's not the lack of aspirin causing the headaches, it's the 12 beers the night before!
dear Iola,
I respect your opinion, said so let me explain a bit better:
1) the mechanic who suggested considering a steering damper for the CB has been my mechanic (and personal friend) for more than 15 years , during all this time he has often convinced me to not do various expensive modifications on different bikes I had, because they were "not worth the money". He is an official Ohlins dealer but has fitted my CB with way cheaper Ikon suspensions (they work great btw) even if i was ready to go for the Ohlins. A vast majority of the local proper track and off road racers wont have their suspensions tuned by anyone else than this guy.
I think i can thrust his opinion...
2) I ride since 1980, but never mentioned being an amazingly talented rider, therefore if some gizmo can give me a slightly safer/more confident ride I will consider it.
3) I think that a well working Steering Damper on a CB makes as much sense as an ABS on a CB, its a safety choice with a cost, therefore a personal choice.
All the best.

[Tortuga_imp]

Quote:Hi, my point is that, even if i loved my CB from the very first moment i had it, i found it not 100% right for our italian crappy roads which is quite common when it comes to not super sport racing japanese bikes, so i fitted it with new suspensions (pics coming soon) and front springs but it still feels a bit too light in the front when accelerating so i want to give it a try with a steering damper
I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo

I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo
Funny, I used to go to 'reputable tyre outlets' who always mentioned that my tracking was out, or I needed new brake disks. I go somewhere small and I dependant now who let's me buy the tyres I need and nothing else.

I think the important thing to remember is the only person trying to sell you a steering damper (and it's fitting) is the guy who would make money on the work.

I'll watch the video and see what he's got to say though...


------------------------------------

Ok watched the Dave Moss video, seems to know his onions and all of what he said was highly plausible.

I didn't catch the bit where he recommended ALL BIKES be fitted with a steering damper though. He seemed to pit the cause of tankslappers on either 'bad suspension set up' or 'poor riding technique', both of which aren't cured by a steering damper.

Putting a steering damper on a CB1100 because you've had some head shake is like ordering a bulk box of aspirin because you keep getting hangovers. It's not the lack of aspirin causing the headaches, it's the 12 beers the night before!

I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo
Funny, I used to go to 'reputable tyre outlets' who always mentioned that my tracking was out, or I needed new brake disks. I go somewhere small and I dependant now who let's me buy the tyres I need and nothing else.

I think the important thing to remember is the only person trying to sell you a steering damper (and it's fitting) is the guy who would make money on the work.

I'll watch the video and see what he's got to say though...


------------------------------------

Ok watched the Dave Moss video, seems to know his onions and all of what he said was highly plausible.

I didn't catch the bit where he recommended ALL BIKES be fitted with a steering damper though. He seemed to pit the cause of tankslappers on either 'bad suspension set up' or 'poor riding technique', both of which aren't cured by a steering damper.

Putting a steering damper on a CB1100 because you've had some head shake is like ordering a bulk box of aspirin because you keep getting hangovers. It's not the lack of aspirin causing the headaches, it's the 12 beers the night before!
dear Iola,
I respect your opinion, said so let me explain a bit better:
1) the mechanic who suggested considering a steering damper for the CB has been my mechanic (and personal friend) for more than 15 years , during all this time he has often convinced me to not do various expensive modifications on different bikes I had, because they were "not worth the money". He is an official Ohlins dealer but has fitted my CB with way cheaper Ikon suspensions (they work great btw) even if i was ready to go for the Ohlins. A vast majority of the local proper track and off road racers wont have their suspensions tuned by anyone else than this guy.
I think i can thrust his opinion...
2) I ride since 1980, but never mentioned being an amazingly talented rider, therefore if some gizmo can give me a slightly safer/more confident ride I will consider it.
3) I think that a well working Steering Damper on a CB makes as much sense as an ABS on a CB, its a safety choice with a cost, therefore a personal choice.
All the best.

I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo
Funny, I used to go to 'reputable tyre outlets' who always mentioned that my tracking was out, or I needed new brake disks. I go somewhere small and I dependant now who let's me buy the tyres I need and nothing else.

I think the important thing to remember is the only person trying to sell you a steering damper (and it's fitting) is the guy who would make money on the work.

I'll watch the video and see what he's got to say though...


------------------------------------

Ok watched the Dave Moss video, seems to know his onions and all of what he said was highly plausible.

I didn't catch the bit where he recommended ALL BIKES be fitted with a steering damper though. He seemed to pit the cause of tankslappers on either 'bad suspension set up' or 'poor riding technique', both of which aren't cured by a steering damper.

Putting a steering damper on a CB1100 because you've had some head shake is like ordering a bulk box of aspirin because you keep getting hangovers. It's not the lack of aspirin causing the headaches, it's the 12 beers the night before!
dear Iola,
I respect your opinion, said so let me explain a bit better:
1) the mechanic who suggested considering a steering damper for the CB has been my mechanic (and personal friend) for more than 15 years , during all this time he has often convinced me to not do various expensive modifications on different bikes I had, because they were "not worth the money". He is an official Ohlins dealer but has fitted my CB with way cheaper Ikon suspensions (they work great btw) even if i was ready to go for the Ohlins. A vast majority of the local proper track and off road racers wont have their suspensions tuned by anyone else than this guy.
I think i can thrust his opinion...
2) I ride since 1980, but never mentioned being an amazingly talented rider, therefore if some gizmo can give me a slightly safer/more confident ride I will consider it.
3) I think that a well working Steering Damper on a CB makes as much sense as an ABS on a CB, its a safety choice with a cost, therefore a personal choice.
All the best.
Hello again tattak,

I think you were actually addressing me above, not Iola.

So you're saying this guy you know (and trust) has swapped out your stock suspension for this Ikon brand equipment, and set it all up for you?

Now the bike tank slaps when you ride it...hmm.

I think we're trying to cure one problem with another, as per my aspirin analogy.

You also state that this guy has advised you in the past to stop hankering for expensive modifications your bike doesn't need, rather like Red Mist, Spaceman and myself have tried to do in this thread...

If however you're just hell bent on having the steering damper, then it's your bike, and your cash, so get it fitted and I hope it works. Please let us know how you get on.

Who knows. It may become the next 'must have gizmo' for the CB1100, like those pesky rubber lever covers!

[tattak_imp]

Quote:Hi, my point is that, even if i loved my CB from the very first moment i had it, i found it not 100% right for our italian crappy roads which is quite common when it comes to not super sport racing japanese bikes, so i fitted it with new suspensions (pics coming soon) and front springs but it still feels a bit too light in the front when accelerating so i want to give it a try with a steering damper
I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo

I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo
Funny, I used to go to 'reputable tyre outlets' who always mentioned that my tracking was out, or I needed new brake disks. I go somewhere small and I dependant now who let's me buy the tyres I need and nothing else.

I think the important thing to remember is the only person trying to sell you a steering damper (and it's fitting) is the guy who would make money on the work.

I'll watch the video and see what he's got to say though...


------------------------------------

Ok watched the Dave Moss video, seems to know his onions and all of what he said was highly plausible.

I didn't catch the bit where he recommended ALL BIKES be fitted with a steering damper though. He seemed to pit the cause of tankslappers on either 'bad suspension set up' or 'poor riding technique', both of which aren't cured by a steering damper.

Putting a steering damper on a CB1100 because you've had some head shake is like ordering a bulk box of aspirin because you keep getting hangovers. It's not the lack of aspirin causing the headaches, it's the 12 beers the night before!

I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo
Funny, I used to go to 'reputable tyre outlets' who always mentioned that my tracking was out, or I needed new brake disks. I go somewhere small and I dependant now who let's me buy the tyres I need and nothing else.

I think the important thing to remember is the only person trying to sell you a steering damper (and it's fitting) is the guy who would make money on the work.

I'll watch the video and see what he's got to say though...


------------------------------------

Ok watched the Dave Moss video, seems to know his onions and all of what he said was highly plausible.

I didn't catch the bit where he recommended ALL BIKES be fitted with a steering damper though. He seemed to pit the cause of tankslappers on either 'bad suspension set up' or 'poor riding technique', both of which aren't cured by a steering damper.

Putting a steering damper on a CB1100 because you've had some head shake is like ordering a bulk box of aspirin because you keep getting hangovers. It's not the lack of aspirin causing the headaches, it's the 12 beers the night before!
dear Iola,
I respect your opinion, said so let me explain a bit better:
1) the mechanic who suggested considering a steering damper for the CB has been my mechanic (and personal friend) for more than 15 years , during all this time he has often convinced me to not do various expensive modifications on different bikes I had, because they were "not worth the money". He is an official Ohlins dealer but has fitted my CB with way cheaper Ikon suspensions (they work great btw) even if i was ready to go for the Ohlins. A vast majority of the local proper track and off road racers wont have their suspensions tuned by anyone else than this guy.
I think i can thrust his opinion...
2) I ride since 1980, but never mentioned being an amazingly talented rider, therefore if some gizmo can give me a slightly safer/more confident ride I will consider it.
3) I think that a well working Steering Damper on a CB makes as much sense as an ABS on a CB, its a safety choice with a cost, therefore a personal choice.
All the best.

I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo
Funny, I used to go to 'reputable tyre outlets' who always mentioned that my tracking was out, or I needed new brake disks. I go somewhere small and I dependant now who let's me buy the tyres I need and nothing else.

I think the important thing to remember is the only person trying to sell you a steering damper (and it's fitting) is the guy who would make money on the work.

I'll watch the video and see what he's got to say though...


------------------------------------

Ok watched the Dave Moss video, seems to know his onions and all of what he said was highly plausible.

I didn't catch the bit where he recommended ALL BIKES be fitted with a steering damper though. He seemed to pit the cause of tankslappers on either 'bad suspension set up' or 'poor riding technique', both of which aren't cured by a steering damper.

Putting a steering damper on a CB1100 because you've had some head shake is like ordering a bulk box of aspirin because you keep getting hangovers. It's not the lack of aspirin causing the headaches, it's the 12 beers the night before!
dear Iola,
I respect your opinion, said so let me explain a bit better:
1) the mechanic who suggested considering a steering damper for the CB has been my mechanic (and personal friend) for more than 15 years , during all this time he has often convinced me to not do various expensive modifications on different bikes I had, because they were "not worth the money". He is an official Ohlins dealer but has fitted my CB with way cheaper Ikon suspensions (they work great btw) even if i was ready to go for the Ohlins. A vast majority of the local proper track and off road racers wont have their suspensions tuned by anyone else than this guy.
I think i can thrust his opinion...
2) I ride since 1980, but never mentioned being an amazingly talented rider, therefore if some gizmo can give me a slightly safer/more confident ride I will consider it.
3) I think that a well working Steering Damper on a CB makes as much sense as an ABS on a CB, its a safety choice with a cost, therefore a personal choice.
All the best.
Hello again tattak,

I think you were actually addressing me above, not Iola.

So you're saying this guy you know (and trust) has swapped out your stock suspension for this Ikon brand equipment, and set it all up for you?

Now the bike tank slaps when you ride it...hmm.

I think we're trying to cure one problem with another, as per my aspirin analogy.

You also state that this guy has advised you in the past to stop hankering for expensive modifications your bike doesn't need, rather like Red Mist, Spaceman and myself have tried to do in this thread...

If however you're just hell bent on having the steering damper, then it's your bike, and your cash, so get it fitted and I hope it works. Please let us know how you get on.

Who knows. It may become the next 'must have gizmo' for the CB1100, like those pesky rubber lever covers!

I hope you get to find a steering damper for the CB since I am wanting one myself. Los Angeles is worst in having crappy roads but what makes it worst are crappy drivers on those crappy roads.

I had a reputable suspension tuner tune my suspension on my CB and he mentioned the benefits of having a steering damper Regardless of what bike...

Here is the bloke who tuned my cb with a video on a number of causes for a tank slapper...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmHU-gtlOKo
Funny, I used to go to 'reputable tyre outlets' who always mentioned that my tracking was out, or I needed new brake disks. I go somewhere small and I dependant now who let's me buy the tyres I need and nothing else.

I think the important thing to remember is the only person trying to sell you a steering damper (and it's fitting) is the guy who would make money on the work.

I'll watch the video and see what he's got to say though...


------------------------------------

Ok watched the Dave Moss video, seems to know his onions and all of what he said was highly plausible.

I didn't catch the bit where he recommended ALL BIKES be fitted with a steering damper though. He seemed to pit the cause of tankslappers on either 'bad suspension set up' or 'poor riding technique', both of which aren't cured by a steering damper.

Putting a steering damper on a CB1100 because you've had some head shake is like ordering a bulk box of aspirin because you keep getting hangovers. It's not the lack of aspirin causing the headaches, it's the 12 beers the night before!
dear Iola,
I respect your opinion, said so let me explain a bit better:
1) the mechanic who suggested considering a steering damper for the CB has been my mechanic (and personal friend) for more than 15 years , during all this time he has often convinced me to not do various expensive modifications on different bikes I had, because they were "not worth the money". He is an official Ohlins dealer but has fitted my CB with way cheaper Ikon suspensions (they work great btw) even if i was ready to go for the Ohlins. A vast majority of the local proper track and off road racers wont have their suspensions tuned by anyone else than this guy.
I think i can thrust his opinion...
2) I ride since 1980, but never mentioned being an amazingly talented rider, therefore if some gizmo can give me a slightly safer/more confident ride I will consider it.
3) I think that a well working Steering Damper on a CB makes as much sense as an ABS on a CB, its a safety choice with a cost, therefore a personal choice.
All the best.
Hello again tattak,

I think you were actually addressing me above, not Iola.

So you're saying this guy you know (and trust) has swapped out your stock suspension for this Ikon brand equipment, and set it all up for you?

Now the bike tank slaps when you ride it...hmm.

I think we're trying to cure one problem with another, as per my aspirin analogy.

You also state that this guy has advised you in the past to stop hankering for expensive modifications your bike doesn't need, rather like Red Mist, Spaceman and myself have tried to do in this thread...

If however you're just hell bent on having the steering damper, then it's your bike, and your cash, so get it fitted and I hope it works. Please let us know how you get on.

Who knows. It may become the next 'must have gizmo' for the CB1100, like those pesky rubber lever covers!
Sorry about that and hello again,
actually my CB is not really "slapping" (some one else brought that up) if i understand what that really means... it is more a feeling of a too light front when accelerating, i know it is common for naked bikes but would like a bit of a different feeling. Btw since you seem to know mechanical issues better than me this is the full picture: at the moment the bike has back Ikon suspension, front Hiperpro progressive springs and the steering plate has been lowered of a few mm, and it really works better now than with the original parts/settings. The steering damper would be the last touch to improve its stability another bit.
I think i will ride some more and then see if i want to do this experiment or not.
I will keep you posted