Ducati Sporting Club UK > DesmoDue Race Series > DesmoDue - General Questions and Chat > Steering Dampers

[Spjallen]

Do DD'ers use steering dampers? Do you need them? I see the rules allow them.

[Cranker V2]

Some do. I dont in class B. not sure of class A guys.

[Sorted]

I had one but only because I was used to the feel of one on my other Ducati's and it felt too loose without one. Think it helped a bit at Oulton Park, exiting Lodge.

[antonye]

I never used one but there were a couple of times when the handling would probably have been improved with one - there are some nasty lumps and bumps at Castle Combe and Oulton as Sorted says.

[bradders]

nah - only poofs use em

not ridden a 620 yet in anger, but loose is good isn't it? Just allows the geometry to sort itself out doesn't it?

never had the need on an 848 which was never ridden that quick on track but was on bumpy roads...its just extra weight

[dunlop0_1]

Deffo no damper, as Paul said it is much more fun with the bike all loose.
A bit like if you imagine what it might feel like if the steering head was about to detatch itself from the frame.

[bradders]

Originally Posted by dunlop0_1

Deffo no damper, as Paul said it is much more fun with the bike all loose.
A bit like if you imagine what it might feel like if the steering head was about to detatch itself from the frame.

that's it!! Soft suspension helps....

seriously tho, isn't a SD there to stop the head stock moving too far on mainly bumpy straights at speed? I doubt we get much upto 120 so what's the need? Soft hands and it sorts itself out - it wont stop that hinge-in-the-middle affect due to incorrect or rubbish set up or inadequate chassis will it?

[paynep]

Originally Posted by dunlop0_1

A bit like if you imagine what it might feel like if the steering head was about to detatch itself from the frame.

Been there, done that.

[steve41]

Simon,

If you speak to Chaz, he has never had one on any of his bikes as it was not required, but I run one as I have too. My bike is light and I have it set up low at the front for my riding style, but it needs the damper over the bumps to calm it down a bit.

Try it with out, if it scares you fit one!!!

Steve

[skidlids]

I fitted one to my 583 in 2005 knowing how bumpy Castle Combe is, turned out I didn't need it on the SS so took it off as it was only adding weight to the bike and something else to damage in a crash.
Still haven't found the need to refit it