Are you a motorcycle riding enthusiast? If so, you will be well aware that steering it can be a massive challenge. This is especially true when you are riding on the open road and want to take a sharp turn.
This is where a high quality steering damper can come in quite handy. Steering dampers can help offer you a great deal of stability to make sure you can ride with total control.
In this post, we will talk about everything you need to know about steering stabilizers for motorcycles and much more. In addition, we will also discuss some helpful maintenance and installation tips that almost every biker out there can greatly benefit from.
Everything You Need to Know about Steering Stabilizers for Motorcycles
A motorcycle steering damper or a stabilizer helps to reduce the vibration you may notice in your motorcycle’s steering system. Rotary steering dampers are often located close to the front wheel of your bike.
Steering dampers work by absorbing a certain amount of energy from roads, reducing the vibration that goes towards the steering wheel. On the market, you can find them as linear dampers or linear stabilizers. However, you will have to learn the function of different versions to know which one would be best for you.
A steering stabilizer can greatly improve control and comfort, making it a vital safety feature. Steering dampers are particularly beneficial for those who usually drive on rough roads, especially at high speeds. Vehicles that usually carry heavy loads can especially benefit from a steering damper as they greatly minimize the chances of losing control because of too much vibrations.
You are highly recommended to this device on your motorcycle if you live in a place with bumpy roads. A steering stabilizer absorbs vibrations and gives you better control of your bike by letting your hands have a strong grip at all times.
How to Select the Right Steering Stabilizer
If you are a motorcycle rider, there is a good chance that you are on the hunt for high a quality motorcycle steering damper. Since there are plenty of linear steering dampers out there, choosing the right one for your front tire can be quite a challenging task.
That said, there are some things that you must consider to make sure you get your hands on the right linear steering damper.
What to Consider
First off, you must consider your bike’s size before getting a steering stabilizer or new steering dampers. If the steering damper you have purchased is too big or too small for your motorcycle, it can lead to issues.
Secondly, you must consider the area you plan to ride your bike on. If you are someone who usually rides on smooth areas, you will require a different steering damper than the one used for off road riding.
Budget should arguably be your most important consideration. There are a variety of high end stabilizers available these days. However, a lot of them can cost you a pretty penny. So, before you start looking for steering dampers, it would be best to read some reviews and do some research in order to make a well informed decision.
How to Tell Whether You Require a Steering Damper for Your Bike
If controlling your bike seems difficult or if its front wheel is wobbling too much, there is a good chance that there is something wrong with your steering dampers. As mentioned earlier, this component is vital for making sure that your bike remains stable, especially when riding fast.
There are some easy ways to determine if your steering dampers are working properly.
1st Way
Observe your bike’s shock absorber. If it is leaking, there may be something wrong with the steering dumper.
2nd Way
Riding your bike at a high pace can help you determine whether it is easy to control or not. If you are struggling to keep your bike straight, its steering damper may be compromised.
3rd Way
If you notice any damage or rust on the component, you may need to finally replace it. Fortunately, the cost of a steering damper is not too high, making it quite easy to replace.
Different Linear Steering Dampers to Choose from
You can find a wide range of steering damper options these days. These include spring loaded, hydraulic and mechanical dampers. Each variant has its pros and cons, so make choose you choose one according to your particular riding style. Mechanical stabilizers tend to be the most affordable and simple options out there.
That said, they can cause some friction to your steering, making it difficult to move. Hydraulic stabilizers tend to be the better option as they make use of oil for freedom of movement. That said, they are slightly expensive compared to other options.
You can also opt for spring loaded stabilizers for your motorcycle. This option is quite similar to hydraulic variants, but it uses coil springs.
What is the General Cost of a Steering Damper
Steering stabilizers are essentially a shock absorber variant mounted on vehicle frames. The main purpose of this device is to minimize the vibrations created by wheels while they travel on rough terrains and other uneven areas.
In most cases, steering stabilizers are used on SUVs and trucks. However, you can also install a steering damper on cars. Steering damper costs usually tend to vary, depending on the vehicles model and make. However, it generally ranges between fifty to two hundred Dollars.
Common Questions Regarding Steering Stabilizers
Does Every Vehicle Require a Steering Stabilizer?
Depending on the terrain type you are driving on, along with your driving habits, steering stabilizers could or may not be vital for your motorcycle. That said, if you go for regular off roading trips or prefer driving on rough terrains, high quality steering stabilizers can offer a great deal of value to your bike. Some motorcycles may come with factory installed stabilizers too.
Do I Absolutely Need a Motorcycle Steering Stabilizer?
As mentioned abundantly, a high quality steering stabilizer can be a great addition to almost any bike. This is particularly true if you prefer driving fast and on uneven terrains.
A steering stabilizer can greatly reduce driver fatigue along with steering vibration, making sure your riding experience is enjoyable and comfortable. Additionally, a steering stabilizer can also improve your vehicle’s overall handling greatly.
Should I Check my Steering Stabilizer Regularly?
Checking your steering stabilizer on a regular basis would be a wise choice as it will help ensure that your front wheel is working properly, especially if you have to frequently ride on a rough terrain.
The steering stabilizer will also make sure that you don’t have to worry about losing control of your car when you are driving.