How necessary is a steering damper for street use? I will be using my 1600 Nomad as the tug. I plan to get a 6% rake for my triple tree in the front. Anyone have any guidance?
Wait to see if you need a damper. Many rigs don't need one and installing a damper does [very slightly] increase steering effort and quickness. IF you develop a wobble, head shake, etc. look to all the other causes before you add a damper. Check tire pressure, head bearing tightness. tire balance, lunar phase, wheel bearings, chrome vs. paint ratio and the like before you put down the bucks for a damper.
What Al said! He left out a few conditions to be aware of, like full moon, your birth sign, etc.
I've had three different bikes with sidecars and none of them needed a damper with stock front ends.
BTW, I'm Aquarius, so maybe that is an advantage! I dunno for sure.
Please enlighten me some more. I was considering putting dampers on my second and third rig. Maybe I shouldn't.
First rig is an Enfield G5 with Kozi Rocket. Shakes so bad under 10 MPH I couldn't control it. Smooths out at about 15 MPH. Put a damper on it. Now all is good. Found out tire pressure is very important...
Second rig Yamaha V-Star 950 with Velorex 562. Sidecar frame has been re-enforced. Has never had a damper but wants to wobble at about 5 MPH if you relax your grip. Easy to control with a good grip. Considered damper because wife is supposed to take this rig over when she gets her license (?).
Third rig Honda VT 1100 T with Dauntless tandem. Big and heavy and slow but tracks good. Have noticed only the slightest shake at low speed with very relaxed grip.
All have stock front ends. Am I better off leaving them alone. Like they say: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Thanks for input.
Mike in MS
