Steering stabilizer vs no stabilizer on the Super Tenere?

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ballisticexchris

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Seems like every now and then questions pop up on steering stabilizers for the ST.

I have a spare Scotts waiting to go on. I've decided (for now) that it's just not needed for the riding I'm doing. I actually had the Flex Bars and damper mount budgeted into my ST purchase. It's just so darn comfortable with the OEM rubber mounted bars and Heli risers, that I'm keeping it like it is right now. The Ergo's on this bike are perfect and I can do long miles without being beat up like on my Beta.

After I take this beast off the highway I'll re-evaluate. As we all know, the dampers are nothing more than a safety feature. There is a tradeoff that's worth mentioning. They actually hinder the steering at slow speed. Even properly adjusted it takes getting used to the heavy feeling at the bars. There is no way to get around it. Even with it adjusted on the lightest setting. Only the rider can decide if it's worth it.

Of course I would not even consider going without one on a bike that's being used off road at speed. It will save you when you hit that hidden rock or deep rut. If you are a guy that regularly gets flat spots on his rims, then a damper is a must. I have been running the Scott's on all my off road bikes for over 20 years.

After having some saddle time on this bike I have come to the conclusion it will be nothing more than fire roads for me on this beast. OTOH, I still want to be able to get through the occasional sand wash or rutted washed out section without turning around. I have a feeling once I hit the dirt on this bike the suspension will let me know that I'm pushing too hard way before a damper is needed.

For the guys that have these mounted on the ST, how is it working out for you? Have you noticed more flat spots on the rims? Are you going so fast as to bottom out the suspension regularly?
 

whisperquiet

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Feb 20, 2011
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No stabilizer for me......I have never noticed any twitchiness requiring one on the four S10s I've owned. But, I only ride the S10 on the street as my 690 Enduro is used for the dirty stuff.
 

Sierra1

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Now, if I understand this correctly, the stabilizer keeps your bars from going full lock (left or right) when you hit a rock or hole? I don't see how they can prevent rim damage. I'm a pavement princess though, so no stabilizer needed for me. Just curious.
 
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ballisticexchris

Guest
Now, if I understand this correctly, the stabilizer keeps your bars from going full lock (left or right) when you hit a rock or hole? I don't see how they can prevent rim damage. I'm a pavement princess though, so no stabilizer needed for me. Just curious.
It basically keeps the bars from ripping out of your hands and helps the bike recover quickly when hitting obstacles at speed. The Scotts damper free valves back to center. The GPR's are either on or off through the whole sweep of the bar. Both brands can be adjusted to how "stiff" you want the steering to be.

On a groomed motocross track and GNCC enduros you don't see them as much as out here in the desert. You will be hard pressed to find a bike without one in a Hare and Hound, Grand Prix, or Hare Scramble.

I'm sure there are a few forum members here that are very talented and can push these bikes well past what I do. The guys that are disconnecting the antilock system are probably a good candidate for the damper. I simply hop on my Beta for that kind of riding. IMHO a guy has to be a young expert AA racer to ride this beast like a lightweight dirt bike. Even then I don't think this bike is designed for it.

So far, I'm finding it's just not needed on this bike. I'm actually surprised. The weight of the bike and suspension are giving me ample warning well before the need for a damper.
 

Madhatter

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buda texas
my crf450x has a damper …… a good friend went through a large pot hole at 70 plus mph and the bike hardly wiggled , it is a very stable m/c doing what it is designed for . the pot hole was as wide as the lane , and 4 to 5 ft across with a lip on it …. it compressed the suspension and it compressed him some what , the bike stayed straight and that was what mattered .
 

Sierra1

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One example of WHY Yamaha made her 600lbs; that's a lot of inertia with two gyroscopes. But, I agree with Chris; a certain level of "proficiency" is required to ride her through the desert like a motocrosser. That being said, I still don't think she feels like she weighs 600lbs.
 

ord13

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Nov 2, 2015
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Marseilles (France)
I've a Scott from OTR on my bike (2011 ST) for years now, and it saved me some bad falls on road as well as off road.

But as it is not a magic tool, it needs to be adjusted according to the use that is planned to be made, e.g fast rocks or wet tarmac, otherwise you fall like a fried egg in the same way as if you did not have any steering damper at all.

Moreover, this equipment is almost embarrassing in tracks or winding roads with sharp turns at lo speed, where it can be difficult to maintain bike's stability without using too much force on the handlebar to overcome the Scott's strength.
And as it's not strength sensitive (like e.g Hyperpro RSC) the strength adjustment that you decide is the strength that you have all the time until you change it.

So mixed opinion for me, knowing that there is no average setting position that can suit all terrains nor riding conditions.
And also, keep in mind that cold oil does not react like oil at operating temperature, so the efficiency will not be the same at the beginning and after a riding time.

To sum up, If you drive fast on rough roads or tracks, the Scott is really useful when correctly setted.
But there are enough setting options to any rider to find his own Graal without necessarily being a gladiator out of context :cool:

P.S : This is only a personal opinion about this steering damper, and as I ride mostly as a (sometimes angry) chick, it's not an absolute must trust appreciation ;)
 
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Tenman

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Natchez Ms USA
If you ride in deep sand. You probably won’t want to do it again. Same with mud. You ain’t going far. 600 lbs plus don’t work. Steering damper? Are you doing high speed whoops. Get real.
 
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jmz

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Feb 1, 2015
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Gonzales TX
I've had a Scott's damper on my bike for a while and I really like it . I believe part of having a damper for me is psychological ,making me ride more relaxed.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
 
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Flat lander

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Feb 9, 2018
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Lawrence Ks.
I don't see the need on a damper on my bike. If I'm ridding at that level of needing one I hope to be on a bike that weighs 200 pounds less.
That being said it would make for great eye candy.
 

ord13

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Nov 2, 2015
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Marseilles (France)
You never know if you don't try?

Hook it up!
Full agree :cool:

It's very odd that some people who seem to speak about it so knowingly have never tried it for real.
I'm not the best test pilot in the world, but it makes more sense for me to give my opinion on something after having tested it first, just to really know what I'm talking about, old schooled coherence principle I'm afraid... :D
 
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