Motorcycle steering damper: definition and use

With radical geometry, a rigid frame and a stiff suspension, sports cars perform amazingly on flawless surfaces. On the other hand, such a choice of modern architecture can also present frequent surprises on open ... and bumpy roads, in extreme cases with the famous rudders. There is a way out: the steering damper.

High-performance motorcycles are equipped with radical geometry, rigid frames and rigid suspensions to optimize their performance in extreme conditions on flawless surfaces. On the other hand, these modern architectures can also provide frequent surprises on the open road... and bumpy, in extreme cases with the famous handlebar, that is, a sharp directional reaction that manifests itself in the rapid movement of the fork back and forth relative to the side stops. This phenomenon occurs in most cases under the influence of strong acceleration on broken ground and / or due to poorly adjusted suspension, improper, worn or poorly inflated tires. That's why the most efficient cars - sports cars, of course, but also some BMWs, for example - are often equipped with a standard steering damper (or steering damper in English).

Its operation is simple: for the combined shock / spring intended for suspension of motorcycles, this hydraulic device slows down the forward and backward movement of the fork this time and therefore prevents ... a fall in this particular case. Thus, it allows you to maintain smooth trajectories, increase stability at full speed and, ultimately, feel more protected in all conditions. If your motorcycle was not originally equipped with this, although its characteristics are suitable, you can still offer it an adaptable shock absorber. This is exactly what White Power, already renowned for its fully rebuildable spring / damper combinations, offers you in its top-of-the-line model based on the competition lessons below. But among other brands that offer steering shock absorbers, as well as Öhlins, Hyperpro, Toby.

Guide or wiggle?

Differences

While steering is all about the fork's harsh response under certain conditions (most of the time when accelerating over bumps), sway manifests itself in a variety of ways. Usually this is slow motion, ripples from the fork or the rear of the motorcycle. The reasons for this are many: unsuitable, poorly inflated or worn tires, insufficient frame or suspension rigidity, worn suspensions, badly braked or poorly adjusted, poor rider posture, unreliable aerodynamics, fairing mounted directly on the fork, etc. This phenomenon is no longer occurs except on older motorcycles, and today there are some special cases such as Honda STX 1300 Pan European or scooters, for example. Darts are well known. In addition to completely repairing his motorcycle, if possible, we will slow down, particularly when approaching corners, and we will artificially compress the suspension, temporarily braking from behind, for example by not releasing the throttle.