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My first tank slapper didn't end well

Anata

Anata

2012-09-27 00:02:00 UTC

Hi all, it's been a while since I've been on here so I thought I'd share my recent misfortune

Hotbrakes

Hotbrakes

2012-09-27 00:09:00 UTC

That sucks.

Drag racing is geh. Thanks for confirming that for me.

evilwerkz

evilwerkz

2012-09-27 00:35:00 UTC

that sucks....hope you`re ok

PBRnr

PBRnr

2012-09-27 01:41:00 UTC

Sorry to hear/see that! At least it appears you have another one sitting in your garage ready to go

omky756

omky756

2012-09-27 01:53:00 UTC

Looked a bit of a surprise...
what caused you to get slapped down like that.????
My high speed wobbles were at 105mph..
and alot different...
Always a bummer seeing all the repairs
to be made after...
Feel for ya man..

Lowrance

Lowrance

2012-09-27 02:25:00 UTC

That's precisely why I run a steering damper.

Looks like you had it saved until you realised you were running outta road then a hand full of front brake locked and tucked the front.

Bummer. Hope you're not too bruised and battered.

omky756

omky756

2012-09-27 02:31:00 UTC

Post missing.

Duke4Dirk

Duke4Dirk

2012-09-27 05:12:00 UTC

How Fast? Looked like 70 to me?

Colonel_Klinck

Colonel_Klinck

2012-09-27 07:43:00 UTC

Fooking heel nasty. Didn't crash too well either! Double unlucky

TLS_Russ

TLS_Russ

2012-09-27 07:55:00 UTC

Thats damn unlucky, strange slapper though, very slow oscillation.. your feet coming off the rests probably stopped you saving it, the first one is always the worst

Mr_Trecolareco

Mr_Trecolareco

2012-09-27 08:21:00 UTC



That's not a good thing, hoppefully it'll buff right out with small costs.

The lovely front end we have does have this "little" side effect.

With all the modifications my front end has become lighter and more willing to head up to the sky, so while it's fun...I'm saving for scotts damper too.

TLS_Russ

TLS_Russ

2012-09-27 08:45:00 UTC

A little tip for SDs, crank them rubber bar mounts up to 30nm (the nuts under the top yoke) and check them regular

jmann

jmann

2012-09-27 09:46:00 UTC

Hope you are Ok.

Superdan

Superdan

2012-09-27 10:15:00 UTC

Bummer dude

Teebaggin

Teebaggin

2012-09-27 10:50:00 UTC

faaaark bugger dude!!! Looks like ya've put the wheel crock when the fronts come up slightly.

Stratkat

Stratkat

2012-09-27 12:21:00 UTC

sorry about your off, i was throw off my Hawk GT once just like that. thing is, i still dont find the SD needs a damper. i have 30k miles of hard riding, hard acceleration, wheelies landed off center, shake accelerating over crests in 3rd and 4th, never once have i felt it get to the point where i wanted a damper.

are you guys just scared of a little shake (which any bike will do given the right conditions... cept maybe Harleys...) or have you all been thrown down the road?

Willh

Willh

2012-09-27 13:49:00 UTC

Post missing.

DribbleDuke

DribbleDuke

2012-09-27 14:29:00 UTC

If you run a camera, you need a damper.
Glad your OK, get that camera off and you'll be alright.

Mr_Trecolareco

Mr_Trecolareco

2012-09-27 14:32:00 UTC

Well I'm not scared, like you said it's just a little shake...until the day it goes up to a tank slapper ehehe And that day I want a scott damper to save my ass

I'm not an agressive rider, but my yamaha diversion didn't went up and gave a light feeling, neither did my honda vfr 750 and my SD 05 always did.

From day one, needed a few km's to adjust to the feeling an beeing able to go faster.

fatbob

fatbob

2012-09-27 14:46:00 UTC

I would definately say the bike needs a damper if you are riding it hard...
Some peoples hard is maybe a little gay

Stratkat

Stratkat

2012-09-27 14:55:00 UTC

i should have clarified, most light, high performance bikes, will shake if you are aggressive with them, and yes the 05 SD was more prone due to a diff geometry.
ive owned multiple Ducati 748s, the second year CBR900RR, a TLS, and quite frankly my 07 SD has never gotten outta shape even jumping it. it will slap, but rides it out every time. i stand by that.
you have to relax though you cant ride with a death grip. its a great bike.

TLS_Russ

TLS_Russ

2012-09-27 15:32:00 UTC

Oh the old 'must have a steering damper' debate.....

I think with poor old Anata it was his first one and to me looks like he panicked,shut off, legs flailing and then hit the front brake......
With experience that would not have ended the way it did,
Some will always say if a certain bike has reputation for slapping you MUST fit a steering damper, BUT a damper is just masking the problem that causes the instability, much better is to work on the suspension settings,tyres, tyre pressures, chain tension,wheel alignment, head bearing adjustment and any defects in the chassis or steering to dial it out, once this is done you will find even the bikes with the most evil reputation for slapping can be almost completely cured,
Yes you may still get the odd waggle in brain out mode but nothing that cant just be ridden through with experience,
The damper fanatics will just throw a steering damper on the bike.............
Hmmm, I know which way makes a safer, better handling and more fun to ride motorcycle

DribbleDuke

DribbleDuke

2012-09-27 16:48:00 UTC

The fact of the matter is we have all been shaken into panic at some time or another.
I had an RD 350 that refused to behave at anything aproaching a ton. It was disconcerting to say the least. After getting rid of the death grip approach and learning to stay calm, I did not freak at the entrance into tankslap speed and it relieved the tankslapping from reaching epic proprtions.
I say place a damper or ride through it. Its a personal preference and Nancy has nothing to do with it.

TLS_Russ

TLS_Russ

2012-09-27 16:51:00 UTC

Post missing.

SDNerd

SDNerd

2012-09-27 16:53:00 UTC

Post missing.

Mr_Trecolareco

Mr_Trecolareco

2012-09-27 16:56:00 UTC

I totally agree about it.

Like I said from day one it wasn't easy to ride fast, after changing the grip with the legs and relax the hands it went better and better, can go crazy fast ( for me lol ) and the wobble are minimal.

As you can see I got all the "go fast" bits and later will come the steering damper.

I believe all that suspension setup can do the business, but I for now a carefull right wrist will have to do

_____//________

Anata: is there a parts list yet?

TLS_Russ

TLS_Russ

2012-09-27 17:22:00 UTC

Post missing.

Mr_Trecolareco

Mr_Trecolareco

2012-09-27 17:31:00 UTC

Post missing.

omky756

omky756

2012-09-27 17:38:00 UTC

Post missing.

Stratkat

Stratkat

2012-09-27 17:41:00 UTC

Post missing.

Stratkat

Stratkat

2012-09-27 17:46:00 UTC

I haven't riden sports bikes for ever like many of you...
I'm learning...All my crash n burns have been doing other things..
Dirt bikes at a younger age I was fearless...
Broken bodies at the ripe age of 56..???
Rather not...Shit I've almost gotten killed on my mtn bike...
I'll take the security and the confidance the Scotts damper gives me...
Just another thing I don't worry about...besides washing the front out...
If I could just get past that fear...
[/quote]

you can get past your fear, learn and benefit from those who have been there already, or you can bolt expensive hardware to your bike and ignore the reasons.
thing is riding more relaxed is a good thing, it will reward you in so many situations, try it. dont be afraid of your bike, and keep it in good condition tyres, air pressure.

omky756

omky756

2012-09-27 18:00:00 UTC

Post missing.

Anata

Anata

2012-09-28 00:00:00 UTC

Yea, if my feet hadn't have come off the pegs I might have been able to save it but too late now. They didn't come off because I panicked that's for sure, I was nearly thrown off. I haven't had a damper on either of my SDs and I actually like the light feel from the front. I've ridden through many wobbles before on and off track but this time I'm sure it was as simple as the wheel not being straight when it touched down. I've done this 1/4 mile course 50-60 times now and 90% of the time the bike is mainly unsettled from start to finish as you can see here due to the cambered surface and thick white lines.



Anyway, it's happened now. I luckily ended up with only a badly bruised and grazed knee from where my leathers ripped open, a trip in an ambulance where a couple of tasty nurses were waiting and a silly limp for a week.

The bike looks ok (still haven't had a proper go over it). Damage looks like headlight, crash bungs, axle sliders, gear linkage, left Akra and scratches to a few bits including tank.

Lowrance

Lowrance

2012-09-28 03:35:00 UTC

Some of you guys ripping on people using steering dampers should mount one on your bike and experience the difference before you apply deragatory statements regarding their manhood.

You obviously do not ride at a quick enough pace on this bike that would necessitate a damper...nothing wrong with that. Those of us that do prefer (just as every racer on the planet does) the added security of a steering damper.

If you think I'm blowing smoke up your ass, come on out to some of the bumpy roads we ride here in So Cal...you will soon see the need for damper if you are so inclined to try and keep pace.

For fook Sake

kowekiller

kowekiller

2012-09-28 03:37:00 UTC

Post missing.

Teebaggin

Teebaggin

2012-09-28 05:49:00 UTC

Nothing wrong with a dampner! no ones ever to hard or to big when it comes to safety on a bike!

41KS

41KS

2012-09-28 07:37:00 UTC

Well f...ck the slapper, most important you seem to be fine...

fazer_1000

fazer_1000

2012-09-28 10:53:00 UTC

You're famous dude, just saw your vid through Fast Bikes mag's facebook page

Stratkat

Stratkat

2012-09-28 12:48:00 UTC

Post missing.

DribbleDuke

DribbleDuke

2012-09-28 14:54:00 UTC

Post missing.

Linga

Linga

2012-09-28 15:23:00 UTC

Post missing.

Lowrance

Lowrance

2012-09-28 20:18:00 UTC

Post missing.

DribbleDuke

DribbleDuke

2012-09-28 21:33:00 UTC

Post missing.

DribbleDuke

DribbleDuke

2012-09-28 22:09:00 UTC

Double WOW

Linga

Linga

2012-09-28 22:44:00 UTC

Jeez oh!

2 posts later and "Fakujak72" sounds sensible?

Must be mellowing?

Stratkat

Stratkat

2012-09-28 23:03:00 UTC

Where some folks have a momentary lapse of reasoning, you are inclined to a momentary lapse into it.
I, myself have witnessed this same anomaly. It even sparks a feeling of mediocrity instead of my ussual delusions of grandeur. Which, delusions seem to be running haphazard thusly.

TLS_Russ

TLS_Russ

2012-09-28 23:41:00 UTC

Sorry Mate.

Lowrance

Lowrance

2012-09-29 08:21:00 UTC

Post missing.

Stratkat

Stratkat

2012-09-29 14:04:00 UTC

of course it is and thats what a forum is all about.

Superdan

Superdan

2012-09-29 14:36:00 UTC

Im sitting on the "if you dont have a steering damper you not riding hard enough" fence

TLS_Russ

TLS_Russ

2012-09-29 17:13:00 UTC

Post missing.

Anata

Anata

2012-09-30 02:51:00 UTC

Post missing.

Anata

Anata

2012-09-30 02:55:00 UTC

I've never had a damper on a bike so I'm not sure but do people think from watching the clip that a damper would have prevented or at least limited the slapper?

Or really, should I have just landed the front straight like I've done 1000s of other times.

TLS_Russ

TLS_Russ

2012-09-30 03:43:00 UTC

Post missing.

Stratkat

Stratkat

2012-09-30 11:25:00 UTC

exactly. a damper provides resistance/dampens and will slow the oscillations. i took the damper off my TL and it was a different bike.
now i know that was a factory unit and had no adjustability whatsoever.

Willh

Willh

2012-09-30 11:42:00 UTC

You can't really compare a telescopic damper with a rotary like Scotts/Ohlins. Personally don't like using telescopic dampers and wouldn't advise one. The rotary is a more complicated device with high and low speed circuits, and goes unnoticed until needed depending on adjustment. Adjustment can be made on the fly and can be handy when going from say high speed highway work, back roads blitzing, or fresh graded dirt road shortcut to parking lot maneuvering/city driving or the other way around.

Mr_Trecolareco

Mr_Trecolareco

2012-09-30 14:33:00 UTC

Post missing.

Ducati Pete

Ducati Pete

2012-09-30 15:18:00 UTC

15 years ago the hyperpro reactive damper was a great bit of kit.

Duke4Dirk

Duke4Dirk

2012-09-30 22:00:00 UTC

wont know how much mine is needed until my standard one breaks, after fitting the nichols I have'nt had as much headshakes not that any were bad before

JohnJJr

JohnJJr

2012-10-09 22:48:00 UTC

So... should I get a steering dampener or not?

Fordon

Fordon

2012-10-09 23:15:00 UTC

I've had a few dampers fitted to my bikes through the years. '89 Yamaha FZR600.(Dunno what make?)/'95 Ducati 748SP.(Standard. Ohlins?)/'99 Yamaha YZF600.(Ohlins.)/'05 KTM Superduke (Whitepower.)/'07 Yamaha YZF R1(GPR Pro) and now my '11 SDR(Whitepower).

Never had a hint of instability in use from any.

I can find, easier ways to crash.

My '05 Superduke used to shake its head now and again before fitment. But that was all. It cost a fortune to fit KTMs damper. You also needed new headstock. But it was very stable afterwards. However The third owner of my bike mentioned that the mounting bracket had broke through time.

Anata

Anata

2012-10-10 00:34:00 UTC

Damn that sucks .
as difficult as it is to see on your last photo it looks like your fork tubes are setup like factory sets em up - ie: a little of the fork tube sticks above the triple clamp. Alot of guys have pushed the tubes downward which helps the wobble . You surely know Tri Valley Moto makes that NIchols triple clamp facilitating pushing the tubes downward . My bike used to feel strange to me during hard cornering , felt like the front was going to wash out - then i saw Tri Valley Moto video ( Infineon raceway ) and was able to see by the video exactly what was happening - that's when i pushed my tubes down inside the triple clamps about 1/4 inch total from factory setup. World of difference. The bike's able to be pushed into the turns as hard as i know how to now without that strange un-nerving feeling of a washout .

One of the other benefits of doing the above was it helped with head shakes bike used to get sometimes at about 100 mph on a dippity doooo road i love to take. One time i was passing on the right side of the road and got into some light rises in the road under hard acceleration and came real close to a full on tank slapper ... DO NOT LIKE that feeling at all - anyway pushing those fork tubes down has almost completely eliminated head shakes . Sometimes i even come down from little wheelies mid turn where front wheel is not centered up and the bike just straightens right back out like it's supposto. ( Loose grip on handlebars ) Seems like holding onto bike with my legs/knees is better idea than trying to hold on by handlebars .

Anyway i'm a big believer in pushing those fork tubes down . The bike is still damn quick handling too .

2 cents

john