Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Steering angle

[skidlids]

Just thought I would point out that the RRW/X model Fireblade having the tank slapper at the TT has nothing to do with increased ride height, in 2002 we took Weeksy old Fireblade (same model) to the TT fitted with a Ohlins rear shock, every practice session we added more rear ride height until we finally ran out of adjustment. Bike was perfectly stabe aided by the Ohlins steering damper and after starting in 89th place on the road finished 29th in Bronze Replica time with DJ wining on a GSXR1000. The Blade lapped at around 115mph.
There is far more to bike setup than meets the eye, tyre profile and construction for starters and Trail as mentioned by Shazaam is a major contributor.

[Shazaam!]

You're right, the damper force IS significantly smaller than the road forces generated by the trail dimension moment arm. It's particularly interesting that when this restoring moment drops (as you reduce the downward force on the front wheel - accelerating out of a corner, for example) is when a tankslapper usually starts. It can take you by surprise, it sure did for me.