Steering Damper Options for the XSR700

2022 Views 9 Replies 5 Participants Last post by KLX678, May 21, 2022

geoffb

Discussion Starter · May 14, 2022

Hi all,

200 miles in, I am loving the bike but I do find the front end steering really light compared with my other bikes (past and present). I think this would be easily fixed with a steering damper but I am not sure where to get one for the XSR700 and where it would mount.

Has anyone else fitted a steering damper?

Thanks

Geoff

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EricV

· #2 · May 14, 2022

I haven't fitted one. I'm about 1k in on mileage now and don't feel the need for my riding style. I do understand what you're talking about though and have felt some pretty light moments under hard acceleration, but mostly I'm a steady rider rather than big throttle movement one.

How much do you want to spend? One the cheap end is Aliex Express Chinese stuff - LINK

Or you can go with Graves for a lot more on the high end - LINK You might need to contact them for what unit will work.

In the middle is this for the MT-07/FZ-07 that might work - LINK

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geoffb

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 15, 2022

I really appreciate the links Eric and something in the middle would do me. I am more of a sedate rider these days and I think it’s noticeable because I own other bikes with heavier steering. For example, my 350 LC has a damper because they were prone to “Tank Slappers” back in the day so I am not taking any chances. My Triumph Daytona 900 is just a heavier bike I guess and has no damper.

Thinking about the XSR, I really notice the light steering at slow speeds in traffic and at junctions where on other bikes I can keep the bike moving slowing without putting my feet down, whereas the XSR is sensitive to even the slightest movement.

Cheers

Geoff

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nickmac73

· #4 · May 15, 2022

Morning,
now are you sure you had your glasses on and had remembered where you were going? You could just have been wobbling about looking at the hanging baskets..

Joking aside, I know what you mean about the steering, wide bars rubber mounted add to the light twitchy feel.
But! that's one of the things I really like about the bike, how light and controllable it is. It handles great and tracks as straight as any thing Ive ever had.
As you ride it more you may get used to that side of the bike. If you get a damper you'll have to let us know how it goes, It has crossed my mind I'll be honest. Then Ive gone off for a blast and forgotten all about it.

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EricV

· #5 · May 15, 2022

nicmac73 offers a good point, just more miles on the bike will give you more of a chance to see if you get used to it and like it or if it still bothers you enough to add the damper. Don't be afraid to play with the tyre pressures and see how that impacts the feel to you as well.

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geoffb

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 18, 2022

I should probably add that I am a seasoned biker of 40 years but thanks for the tips.

I may just do what I have done on my LC and make my own brackets with a universal damper in the absence of an off the shelf damper kit for the XSR.

Cheers

Geoff

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EricV

· #7 · May 18, 2022

I don't really think it's apples to apples to compare a ~40 year old RD350 LC to the XSR700. Frame stiffness and geometry have improved a tad since two strokes left their smoky trails through the streets of a city.

You might consider the cheap version I linked to, then upgrade it with a Yamaha dampener. Or just buy the Yamaha part and as you said, fab your own mounts.

This may have some potential - LINK And the price is decent. Same seller has dampers for $35-50 USD.

This guy is painful to listen to, but shares some info that might give insight into fitment on the XSR700 for a MT-09 kit. LINK

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nickmac73

· #8 · May 19, 2022

We are of a similar vintage..

I did have a quick look for the xsr but the lack of a specific damper says a bit. The only other thing I did think of was if you are still getting the velocity moto kit you could have a word with them. They re-style the clocks in the fairing do they not? Might be worth bringing it all in together..

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hombacher

· #9 · May 21, 2022

Still not sure nor convinced that a steering damper is needed. During all my time in the XSR saddle never had the feeling, that a damper is missing.

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KLX678

· #10 · May 21, 2022 (Edited)

I think it's totally preferences. Some like more stability others work fine with quicker steering and a bit of "nervous" straight line stability. I'm one of the latter and have not put a damper on any of my bikes, but that suits my preferences and my riding.

Yesterday I was riding a couple of the winding roads, Ohio SR541 and SR751, yesterday in eastern Ohio going to my former home area for an optometrist appointment and back. Both are great motorcycle roads with some sweet sweepers and some 20-30 mph S turn sets and a lot of elevation changes. Roads that should be motorcycles only. I know the roads well and it's a great road for a quick pace while maintaining a good margin for safety.

It was one of the first times I was really working the XSR a bit at "the pace". For me, the bike handles rather slow. I've raised the forks about 10mm and am going to go another 10mm shortly. But then I prefer a bike with quick turn in and since I'm not running around at the ton, usually pacing around 60-75 mph I really don't run into much of an issue with higher speed stability. I like my license without points and my money in my wallet, avoiding speeding tickets and the roads are still a lot of fun at a 60-65 mph pace and half the turns cannot be ridden over 60 without marginalizing safety.

High speed stability won't be much in play for me and I definitely could have it steering quicker from that ride I took. I'm thinking the forks up around 20mm will do the job. But then again, that's my preference and we each have our own personal preferences.

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