Steering damper

gnawit · Mar 26, 2020

Here is a question about the steering on two similar models. 2000 R1100R and the 2000 R1150R. The 1150 has no steering damper whereas the 1100 does. What is the difference in handling between the two? I am considering change out the trailing arm on the 1100 to the 1150 style but am apprehensive because I would have to eliminate the steering damper to do it. Any thoughts out there?
Thank you,
Greg

dieselyoda · Mar 26, 2020

Dunno if there is a benefit to a steering damper. I've owned a few Airheads that had them but they were full faired and rather heavy. Recently owned an R1100R with a damper but it was leaking so I took it off.

My buddy has a K1200GT with a damper. If I didn't actually see it, I wouldn't know it was there.

Some people say they are great at slow speeds when you hit the tar snakes in a parking lot. Others say that it really improves the handling at high speed.

36654 · Mar 27, 2020

gnawit said:
Here is a question about the steering on two similar models. 2000 R1100R and the 2000 R1150R. The 1150 has no steering damper whereas the 1100 does. What is the difference in handling between the two? I am considering change out the trailing arm on the 1100 to the 1150 style but am apprehensive because I would have to eliminate the steering damper to do it. Any thoughts out there?
Thank you,
Greg

IIRC the R1100R did, but the R1100RS didn't have a damper........which surprised me. In any case, as I understand it, the purpose of the damper is to avoid oscillation in the steering loads. The analogy would be replacing your shock with just a spring.........the pogo stick or old Cadillac ride. As the fork angle becomes steeper and the trail reduced to increase steering response, a damper will help constrain the potential oscillatory loads.

If BMW designed the bike with a damper, I would keep it.

Steering damper

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