Suggestions on what (if any) steering dampener you use?

Starting an exploration of what works well to slow down the steering head on a 2016 Speed Triple. I realize not all of us are on new model bikes. I do think any and all input on what fits and what you like about various types would help me. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

CHEERS,

Chris

 

Good one mate .I nearly spit my coffee on the keyboard, lol. Now I don't have guns like those in the picture yet still fit at age 62. Just recognizing I my body will not recover as quickly from an off as it used to. Starting to explore the bike's potential and finding the front a tad twitchy and light, under full power at corner exit. My muckers that race Classics on IOM suggest adding a dampener but as their rides are classics they had no suggestion as to what works well on these. Was actually watching 2015 and 2016 IOM Duke videos yesterday trying to get a glimpse of what Jessopp and also Johnson were using on the 675's. No luck or I missed it as I didn't recognize the name on the decals (helmet and bike).
Trying to sleuth it I was .

 

Turn in seems fine, it is the light steering head behavior at corner exit, under power that is yielding the concern. All else seems spot on. Am still thinking it is sag related as the front is done but the rear is not since the new GP10 was installed. Thanks for thoughts, most helpful.

 

^darkman, yes I get your point about consistent rider position and it being correct. Arms stay flexed and this chassis really does respond well to foot input on the pegs. Just want to address any potential head shake, if it still exists, after I complete the rear sag adjustment. Apparently no one is using a steering damper on their S3. I will keep looking and report back after some further testing.

 

Short answer is no track....all "real roads" stuff. We have such a variety of road types here in the Southwest. Anything from canyon carving, high speed desert, mountains, chicanes and challenging bumpy roads to nowhere. The heat here heaves up the roads the way the frost does up North. Bike has been remarkably brilliant as I have gotten to know it. This GP10 rear shock has unleashed more potential for me at corner exit and the slight headshake got my attention. May be, most likely is, just a sag setting not yet completed at rear. Otherwise this bike seems to ride on rails and I love it. I am not adverse to adding a stabilizer yet as with many things there are few options for this new a bike. I have emailed a few builders and we shall see what they say. More to follow.

 

^ I will check out that brand. My mates racing at IOM like the GPR product but GPR says they do not fit our bikes as they would have to drill a hole in the frame. Still researching it all.

I do have a meeting with Dustin Apgar next week Wednesday to set sag and fine tune my set up. He is a Pro AMA racer and has done set up on several bikes for me. Will report back once bike is done and see if headshake is gone.

 

^ I think you are spot on. I will find out tomorrow. Thank-you.

 

Update as promised - Went to see Dustin Apgar at his shop DTR Racing, Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ, USA. He is an active pro-AMA racer. He will be at Daytona the weekend of 3/18, known as the Ghilli man because his riding kit is all camo as is the bike (he is a vet). Racing in Texas end of April if any of you follow it on the tube. He checked rear sag and it WAS SPOT ON AT 33mm as it came from Maxton (NICE JOB). He dialed in a tad more rebound front and rear and the bike is now sublime. He coached me on the importance of carrying max weight on the pegs at all times and little on the bars!! I recall Hutchy talking about that and watching his videos confirms it. Learning the cool stuff I needed reinforcing on at age 62 . Incredible ride now, tracks effortlessly out of the high speed corners and any down pressure on pegs
is enough to change lanes even without hooking a knee into the wind. Headshake at corner exit is gone. Am I happy, hell yes. Need a steering damper, hell no. 2016 Triumph Speed triple S and Maxton for my personal win!

CHEERS

Chris