Author Topic: Steering dumper(?) (Read 4762 times)

GreekBandit · « **on:** February 07, 2006, 01:33:13 PM »

Good day everyone, my first posting. I'm running a '98 Bandit 1200 and having some serious trouble finding a steering damper for it. I've recently installed a Renthal fat bar and the shaking after 120mph has become very scary. I've checked Hyperpro, WP and Ohlins and they don't produce kits for the bandit anymore (at least in Europe). Any ideas would be appreciated..!

jeepskate99 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2006, 10:40:37 PM »

If you have shake you have problems. That is not normal on that bike unless you are hitting a good cross wind. Check your front tire out, if not there maybe steering head bearings.

Cruisecontrol · « **Reply #2 on:** February 08, 2006, 03:00:22 AM »

Did the Ohlins rear shock increase the height at all? That can also contribute to high speed instability.

GreekBandit · « **Reply #3 on:** February 08, 2006, 04:40:49 AM »

Quote from: "jeepskate99"

If you have shake you have problems. That is not normal on that bike unless you are hitting a good cross wind. Check your front tire out, if not there maybe steering head bearings.

Problems indeed. I never used to have any type of headshake. My tyres are new (changed 5 times, always use Metzeler M3) and I recently had my rims sent to be checked and painted black, so my guess is I have to change my bearings (?)..

I just wanted to be sure it has nothing to do with the increased width of the Renthal.

GreekBandit · « **Reply #4 on:** February 08, 2006, 04:46:22 AM »

Quote from: "Cruisecontrol"

Did the Ohlins rear shock increase the height at all? That can also contribute to high speed instability.

Nah the Ohlins has been installed since 2000 and does a great job. Problems started when I fitted the Renthal, but it might be just a coincidence. I'm repainting the frame (probably gold) as a winter project so will check everything from the beginning.

chevsuz12 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 08, 2006, 09:28:33 AM »

Yeah, I have the same problem. I am running the Hayabusa shock on my '99, and have not lowered it. I assume that is what causes it. According to my GPS the shaking begins exactly at 125mph, each and every time.

tacoman · « **Reply #6 on:** February 09, 2006, 03:03:51 PM »

i've seen in the Dennis Kirk catalog some universal steering dampers. Being the Bandit has dirt-bike style handlebars, the Scotts unit might be modded to fit.

Tundrahog · « **Reply #7 on:** February 09, 2006, 08:23:05 PM »

Holeshot has a kit for a 2nd Gen. don't know how close it would be. Check it out

http://www.holeshot.com/bandit/bndt_steeringdamper.shtml

jwalters · « **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2006, 01:41:40 AM »

I am in the same boat, I have a '97 1200 bandit, that I am turning into a track bike, and so I would also like a bit of front dampening. If not for top speed, at least the front wheel will hold steady if I accelerate a bit too hard and bring the front wheel up. Anyway, I bought a "like new" GSXR damper, that I am going to try and retro-fit. I have friends with GSXRs so I can see how they mount and see if I can create a bracket to fit it on our banditos. Down the road, I may choose to buy a better aftermarket GSXR damper for the bike, since I'll know it will fit. I'll place a writeup if I get it working.

Quote from: "GreekBandit"

Good day everyone, my first posting. I'm running a '98 Bandit 1200 and having some serious trouble finding a steering damper for it. I've recently installed a Renthal fat bar and the shaking after 120mph has become very scary. I've checked Hyperpro, WP and Ohlins and they don't produce kits for the bandit anymore (at least in Europe). Any ideas would be appreciated..!

Red01 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 24, 2006, 01:01:14 PM »

JW, if the GSXR damper is a Scotts unit, you might wanna look at the pics I posted on how they mount in this thread..
Might be helpful.

smooth operator · « **Reply #10 on:** February 25, 2006, 09:10:36 AM »

I have a 98, I needed to put a damper on and didn't want to spend $400. A friend gave me a Daytona damper to see if I could use it. I found only 1 place where it could live. I welded a mounting tab on the inside of the frame on the right side under the tank. Had to mount the right side coil about 1/4"-3/8" back farther. And clamps on the forks between the tripple trees. The throw is under the tank,and behind the fairng out of harms way. You can adjust it by turning to the right,and its easy to get at. (no adjusting on the fly) Dan