(Steering) Damper

A steering damper, stabilizer or spirit damper is a controlling device designed to inhibit an undesirable, uncontrolled movement / vibration of a motorcycle steering mechanism.

Steering dampers stop wobbling and 'tank slappers'

Modern motorcycles are less likely to suffer from front end wobble thanks in part to better dampers and stiffer front ends, as well as improvements in design and tyre technology.

Sport motorcycles have especially short wheel bases and aggressive steering geometry, with the end result of making it easier for the rider to make very quick changes in direction. This undoubtedly has the effect of making the motorcycle less stable, and the ride is more likely to suffer from varying road conditions.

More often than not, with larger motorcycles and larger, more powerful engines, motorcycles are more likely to wheelie. If the front end deviates from the direction of travel after even the slightest wheelie, when the wheel touches down it will cause a certain amount of wobble, causing instability and the rider's loss of control. Steering dampers limit the wobble suffered, increasing stability with lighter and more powerful motorcycles.

Steering dampers are also fitted to off road motorcycles (i.e. motocross). A steering damper will help the motorcycle negotiate various types of terrain such as sand, mud, rocks, and also aid the rider in controlling the motorcycle over jumps. An added benefit in racing is rider fatigue is reduced as less strength is needed to control the handlebars.

On standard motorcycles, the steering damper is fitted at one end to the steering yoke and at the other to the motorcycle frame.

Steering dampers fall into two main categories - linear and rotary. Linear steering dampers resemble a telescoping shock absorber and operate in a similar way. They are aligned either longitudinally to one side of the steering mechanism, or across the motorcycle itself. Rotary steering dampers resemble small boxes attached to the center of the steering yolk (the steering head) and operate via a rotating pivot.

An additional point - for motorcycles fitted with sidecars the use of a steering damper is especially useful as in many cases low speed wobble occurs at slow speeds (less than 20mph)