Newbie Question - When would steering dampers save your neck?

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When do steering dampers come into play? I have an 848, I ride it fairly aggressively (in my opinion, though I'm sure I'm slower than most aggressive riders), mostly highway miles and back roads. I don't go to the track (but I'd really love to someday - the nearest one to me is just a bit too far). I'm all for safety, so I've been thinking about a steering damper. Plus, to be honest, the bitubo's that bellisimoto sure does look pretty.

Since I don't go to the track (yet), is a damper totally superfluous for my bike?

Thanks for the input guys.
 
Adding to this to make my question more specific - dampers are meant to prevent "tank slappers", right? When do those happen? What mistake leads to them?
 
Tankslapper is most commonly caused when the front wheel lifts and hits the pavement. Usually caused from a wheelie and the wheel touch's down at an angle. Or under hard acceleration out of a turn where you are pushing on the handle bar tight, the wheel just lifts slightly, then kinks up when the wheel comes back down. Under hard acceleration and high speed, it does not take much for the front wheel to kink up all of a sudden. A more technical definition is when the front tire lifts and then regains traction outside the alignment of the rear tire. Thus causing the front tire (handle bars) to bounce from one side to the other in an increasing fashion.

Solution: First have your suspension dialed in. Spend a few bucks (~$40) and take it to a suspension specialist to get your suspension on your bike set up properly for your body. I'd say on the street, most people don't have their suspension set up correctly, which can lead to the bike not handling properly, which just makes getting into a bad situation that much easier. Second, get a steering damper....ohlins is nice.

What mistakes lead to tankslappers? I think the biggest mistake would be having your suspension incorrectly set up. Otherwise, usually happens when you least expect it..especially the ones where you accelerate out of a turn. They are one of the more butt-puckering things to experience.
 
Thanks Rye. That's really helpful.

Since I like to ride on the faster side and my skills are pretty undeveloped, I can see this happening to me. I realize I'm a little ham fisted on the throttle sometimes coming out of turns.

I'll look into having the suspension looked at and will probably buy the damper. (More importantly, I'm gonna take one of those "Total Control ARC" courses to develop my skills)

A follow-up question: I've read on this board that its unlikely that a non-track rider / newbie would ever need a damper on the 848 because he/she is unlikely to push the bike past its limits... what do people mean when they say that? Is the 848 suspension already so well tuned-in that tank slappers are unlikely?

I know these are elementary questions. I've tried to read the past threads but most discussions on this topic are just above my knowledge level for me to understand.

Thanks Rye and to anyone who gives me some input.
 
Tank slappers are also related to the geometry of the bike. A shorter wheel base and/or a steeper steering angle can relate to a less stability, quicker steering, twitchy etc bike.

Some people (racers) will adjust these to suit both the track they are riding and there riding style.

I have had two tank slappers on the road as a direct result of a very short chain, one almost spitting me off the bike whilst in a straight line. (a result of acceleration, bumps and bike geometry combined)

My track 748 SP is also set up on the steeper steering angle and when changing gear down the straight there was a small wobble in the bars. Not a problem if you are aware of and used to it. A couple of clicks on the steering damper also alleviated the wobble.

If one is fitted then you have the option to adjust it as suits your riding. minimal on a smooth road at legal speeds through to a stiffer setting on a bumpy road when pushing.

I also agree that getting the suspension done is a must.

Remember the steering damper is only an aid.
 
Deacon,
I used an 848 for a demo ride and had a slapper. It really scared the crap out of me as i had not been on a bike in years. It happened on the freeway as I was accelerating with a slight lean angel. Just like stated above, slight wheel misalignment as the front end came back down, and i didn't even realize it was up. SLAP SLAP SLAP SLAP, close throttle and back to normal. I bruised my left hand because it was thrown off the grip into the bottom of the left mirror. My feet came off the pegs. Read very violent wobble!!
I may be biased but because of my experience but it just might be the best $400 you ever spend. If it save you once in the life of the bike it is worth 20-40 times what you pay for it.
My 2 cents.
 
This is a great description.

I also had one like this on the track accelerating out of a curve. Thought I was gona loose her but somehow held her straight as she settled down and managed to keep up upright as I ran into the cat litter.

Also had one on the road doing 70 on a straight. Hit a patch of really warped asphalt causing the steering to suddenly shake fast and my knees to slap the tank. Noticed the other day they've now repaved the 30ft stretch of road.

Basically you have no real control of the bike when they happen which is why they scare the shit out of you. All you can do roll of the throttle and hold on lightly and hope the slapper calms down.

Guess who's getting his BiTube next week
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD6jruSIELA

If this guy had a good damper, this would not have happened. But wobbles can happen with a lot less. If you choose Ohlins, buy the adjustable one.
 
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