Steering Dampener question

[jodieKti2]

I've now ridden 2 R6s and both had rather frisky steering.  Basically feels way to responsive which for those track demons out there is perfect but for us mere mortals isn't very confidence inducing.   I've been informed that a steering dampener will help massively especially for someone new to such bikes.   From what I can understand it helps in high speed corners eliminating some head shake  and reduces the effect of tank slappers.  However if that's the case then surely slow speed cornering or manoeuvring is more difficult? Are they worth getting as a decent Ohlins one is rather expensive.  Cheaper ones are out there but I know Ohlins make the best suspension out there - my lotus had 3 way Ohlins on it plus my current car has them so it's a brand I trust.

Edited 8 hours ago by jodieKti2

[Tinkicker]

Instead of a steering damper, try a ride on an R6 with tyre pressures a bit lower than recommended, maybe 5 psi lower.  Steering dampers mask the symptoms of a poor setup, they do not cure the disease.

Edited 6 hours ago by Tinkicker

[Punts]

I would check and get the suspension set up for your weight first. Raising the rear or lowering the front will sharpen up the steering and vice versa.

If you are light and the rear suspension is too stiff, it will make the steering twitchy.

[jodieKti2]

20 minutes ago, Tinkicker said:

Instead of a steering damper, try a ride on an R6 with tyre pressures a bit lower than recommended, maybe 5 psi lower.  Steering dampers mask the symptoms of a poor setup, they do not cure the disease.

Won't this wear the tyre a lot quicker  and effect slow manoeuvring?   I used to run low pressures on my Lotus at track days but the tyre wear was very noticeable and the steering heavy when parking.  .

 

17 minutes ago, Punts said:

I would check and get the suspension set up for your weight first. Raising the rear or lowering the front will sharpen up the steering and vice versa.

If you are light and the rear suspension is too stiff, it will make the steering twitchy.

 

Makes sense.   Would a change of  rear spring help and what size would best fit someone not that heavy ?  I understand car suspension and spring rates but bikes are very different.  If I understand it correctly the lower rate the better it is for someone light.  So I'm guessing a 80 or 90nm spring?   

 

Dumb question time,  Is it best to upgrade the forks first or the rear suspension ?  The bikes I'm looking at are all high mileage ones anyway, so it's probably best to replace the suspension and get it setup first.  

 

Edited 5 hours ago by jodieKti2

[Punts]

Your right that a lower rate is better for a lighter person but would be better getting advise from a professional. 

Google "motorcycle suspension specialists near me" and you will get a list of professionals who, for about £70/£80, will set your suspension to suit your weight and riding style, advise you on what could be made better and how much it would cost. This is usually a ride in, ride out service.

Have a look at an R6 Forum to see what others have done or who they got to carry out they're work.

The front and rear suspension should match each other, probably rear spring first, as long as the shock is operating as it should.

The front can be adjusted by altering oil thickness and air gap, before having to change the internal springs or valves.

[Tinkicker]

5 hours ago, jodieKti2 said:

Won't this wear the tyre a lot quicker  and effect slow manoeuvring?   I used to run low pressures on my Lotus at track days but the tyre wear was very noticeable and the steering heavy when parking.  .

 

 

Makes sense.   Would a change of  rear spring help and what size would best fit someone not that heavy ?  I understand car suspension and spring rates but bikes are very different.  If I understand it correctly the lower rate the better it is for someone light.  So I'm guessing a 80 or 90nm spring?   

 

Dumb question time,  Is it best to upgrade the forks first or the rear suspension ?  The bikes I'm looking at are all high mileage ones anyway, so it's probably best to replace the suspension and get it setup first.  

 

Err no.  Recommended tyre pressures are not an exact science.  They are a one size fits all solution.  If you are female and if  therefore more slightly built than an 18 stone bodybuilder, then a lower pressure will slow the steering down a little.

 

I used to compete in trials and my tyre pressures varied from 18 psi to 4 psi depending on the conditions.

 

There is no such thing as one size fits all.  You have to find a tailored solution for you.  A steering damper is nothing but a cheap plaster over the cracks solution.

Edited 50 minutes ago by Tinkicker