How to Adjust a Steering Damper
Steering dampers are included as standard equipment on many of today's high-powered motorcycles to enhance stability by reducing excessive wobble and vibration in the motorcycle's front forks. To provide even greater stability, many steering damper manufacturers offer adjustable dampers that allow the rider to change the damping force settings as riding conditions change. Due to the demanding nature of motorcycle racing, these adjustable dampers must be accessible without much effort from the rider; they usually are mounted across the top of the handle bars or along the side of the motorcycle.
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Instructions
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Familiarize yourself with the layout of your steering damper. Rotary-type dampers are controlled by a dial on the face of the damper. Piston-type dampers have an adjustment dial mounted on the end of the damping rod or on the steering damper's housing.
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Set the steering damper to its maximum force by twisting the adjusting knob clockwise until it will no longer turn. The clicking sound you hear as you turn the knob indicates individual damping settings. Reset the steering damper to a maximum "soft" level by turning the adjustment knob counter-clockwise ten clicks.
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Take your motorcycle for a test ride. Adjust the steering damper to accommodate your riding style and road conditions. Smoother roads and light riding will require less damping, while uneven road surfaces or aggressive riding techniques will demand more damping force.
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Tips & Warnings
Ensure that the damper is at its maximum limit by turning the handle bars from side to side. If the handle bars turn easily, adjust the knob in the opposite direction and try again.
Adjust the steering damper to a firmer setting if you feel the front forks beginning to show any signs of instability, such as wobbling or excessive vibration.
Avoid using a maximum firmness setting while riding in urban environments. The added effort required to steer a heavily-damped motorcycle may dangerously affect your handling.
Do not use a steering damper to compensate for damaged or failing suspension components.
