How to Install a Steering Damper
A steering damper is a device that bolts to a motorcycle's forks on one end and the frame on the other end of the damper. The steering damper is a shock-like device that, as the name implies, stabilizes the steering of the bike by preventing or minimizing the back and forth oscillation of the forks. Dampers are used as a performance part as well as to improve the safety of the bike. One type of steering damper is the bolt-on damper.
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Instructions
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1
Install the frame clamp that comes with the damper kit with the supplied bolts. This is usually two pieces that bolt together on either side of the frame just in front of the gas tank. This will be specific to your motorcycle, so make sure you have the proper steering damper. Tighten the clamp with a torque wrench according to the directions.
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2
Bolt the bracket arm to the frame clamp with the supplied bolts and tighten to the proper torque with the torque wrench. This is what the damper itself will mount to.
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3
Preassemble the steering damper fork bracket and clamp if necessary. Use a socket to remove the large center nut. Protect the finish of the chrome nut with tape if you want to avoid scratching it with the socket. Remove the large washer below the nut.
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4
Install the fork bracket onto the middle of the forks where the center nut was removed. Replace the nut and washer and tighten it to the proper torque setting.
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5
Remove the plastic protector on the end of the steering damper (if there is one) and slide the steering damper through the loosened fork bracket clamp. Fasten the end opposite of the adjustment knob to the frame bracket with the supplied hardware.
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6
Position the steering damper in the clamp according to the directions and then tighten the clamp so that the damper is held securely in place.
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7
Turn the handlebars to verify that the forks can turn lock to lock. Adjust as needed to gain the proper lock.
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8
Adjust the damping of the steering damper. If the forks are turned slowly, there will be minimal or no damping, but a sudden movement should dramatically increase the damping. Adjust the damping with the adjustment knob until you are satisfied with the feel of the damping action on the forks.
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9
Carefully test ride the bike to ensure that the damper does not interfere with any normal operations.
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