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Does anyone currently use a steering damper on their XS, stock or moded front end? Do you feel the XS could benefit from one?
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'79 XS11 F
Stock except K&N
'79 XS11 SF
Stock, no title.
'84 Chevy K-10 "Big Blue"
GM 350, Muncie SM465, NP208, GM 10 Bolt with 3.42gears turnin 31x10.5 Baja Claws
"What they do have is an implacable, unrelenting presence and movement that bespeaks massive power lurking behind paint and chrome. They don't wail like a screeching ninja, the don't rumble like a harley. They just growl like a spactic, stressed out badger waiting to rip your face off and eat your soul." Trainzz~RIP~ -
I know if you get that steering head bolt too tight it will cause the front ends to shimmy at high speeds. I don't know if a steering damper would make one exhibit the same tendency, but it's something to think about. My personal feeling is that it's not needed. If everything's put together properly and within service limits these things are very smooth. What does help on the front end is a fork brace, as the front ends on these things are a little weak.I think I have a loose screw behind the handlebars.
'79 XS11 Standard, Jardine 4/1, Dyna DC1-1 Coils, 145 mains, 45 pilots, plastic floats - 25.7mm, XV920 fuel valves, inline fuel filters, speed bleeders, Mikes XS pods, spade-type fuse block, fork brace, progressive fork springs/shocks, manual petcocks, 750 FD, Venture cam chain tensioner, SS brake lines -
Generally speaking, a steering damper is needed when you reduce the amount of trail you have. Most bikes have trail numbers in the 5" range (typically 5.1 to 5.6") but when you drop below 5" a damper can help get rid of any tendancy to head shake or tank slappers. If you lower the front of the bike or reduce your tree offset, it's a good idea to recalculate trail to make sure you're staying in that 'safe' zone.
'78E original ownerFast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two
'78E original owner - resto project
'78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
'82 XJ rebuild project
'80SG restified, red SOLD
'79F parts...
'81H more parts...
Other current bikes:
'93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
'86 XL883/1200 Chopper
'82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...Comment
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Im going to be doing the FJ fork mod soon so hopefully that will help but I was just wondering what peoples thought were about using one on a stock XS. When I first got my XS I took it to a well trusted mechanic in my area for an initial inspection. He happens to be one of the most respected motorcycle mechanics in my area and a long time friend of my fathers, he said I could benefit from one. It doesnt have any wobbel or shimmy as long as im going in a straight line but it does have an awkwardness to it if your pushing it hard in the corners. Maybe its just my lack of finess or a combination of that and 30 year old suspension. I was just wonderin if it would help eliminate that hinge feeling...Last edited by WMarshy; 04-26-2010, 02:43 AM.'79 XS11 F
Stock except K&N
'79 XS11 SF
Stock, no title.
'84 Chevy K-10 "Big Blue"
GM 350, Muncie SM465, NP208, GM 10 Bolt with 3.42gears turnin 31x10.5 Baja Claws
"What they do have is an implacable, unrelenting presence and movement that bespeaks massive power lurking behind paint and chrome. They don't wail like a screeching ninja, the don't rumble like a harley. They just growl like a spactic, stressed out badger waiting to rip your face off and eat your soul." Trainzz~RIP~Comment
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Cody, formerly known as Maximan who briefly returned as Elevenator, put one on his spare-no-expense-resto and said it made a big difference. I imagine it is still buried in the abyss of the forum somewhere.'81 XS1100 SH
Melted to the ground during The Valley Fire
Sep. 12th 2015
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