| Author | Message | ||
     Gopher |
I finally decided to buy the XB12Ss (been on the fence for the last month) and get rid of the CBR..... I know I'm putting on some frame pucks and axle sliders but I'm trying to decide on a steering damper....does the bike need one? Any other suggestions would be appreciated | ||
| Olinxb12r |
Congrats Gopher. You won't regret the decision. It sounds like you've got a good plan for your first mods. A damper is never a bad idea, and I'm sure the people that have them wouldn't ride without one, but most don't have them on their XB (myself included). Put the pucks and axle sliders on it and ride for a while, and you'll figure out what you want to do next. If you think you need a damper you can get it from Al at American Sport Bike, and when you're ready to get a new pipe check out his XB exhaust shootout that is on the American Sport Bike site. The shootout will give you all of the information that you could possibly need when it comes to choosing an exhaust system. BTW, the 07s will be announced in July, so you may wait till that happens. You might want to pick up an 07, or you may want to wait on an 06 till the 07s hit the showroom so you can save some dollars! | ||
| Rackman |
Personally I have the same bike, I don't have a damper, I don't think it is needed for my riding. I believe from other posts I have read here in this board, if you are doing track days, some tracks require the dampers other's don't. With my "limited" experience on the SS, once I had the bike set up the way I liked, the damper really isn't needed. spend time with all of the wonderful adjustment that Buell provides and litterally tweek the bike to where it is an extention of your riding style. I am a large man, and the single largest item that helped me was changing to the crossroads handlebars, especially if you are used to riding a CBR. the stock bars although comfortable for cruising are not what I was used to nor liked. My son has a CBR929 that we trade off riding on and with the crossroads bars, I am more stable and considerably quicker in the twisties than the CBR, Just my 2 cents worth... | ||
| Jaimec |
Just came off the track last month with the XB12Ss. The Pocono East course is a nice, tight, technical track, no real high-speed runs, LOTS of turns. I didn't notice any kind of head shake, and I don't have a steering damper. Bike is all stock but for the Metzeler Sportec M1 tires. | ||
| Daves |
I ride pretty aggressive and I have not seen the need for a damper. That said, I do sell them. I carry the LSL and do a 10% discount off of list price for them. I could also hook you up with your pucks and axle sliders with the 10% discount You can PM me or call me at 920-757-1651 ask for Dave in the sales dept. Congrats on the great choice in bikes! What color are you getting? | ||
| Ds_tiger |
Great to go Gopher- I've got an Ss as well. My opinion is you determine if it needs a steering damper. First thing I put on it- but not every one else seems to see the need. Other advice - hang out on the forum and look for or post stuff you are curious about. I am not a "forum" guy for the most part, but this is a good deal working here, with from what I've seen, is a bunch of folks that genuinely helpful and enthusiastic | ||
| Buellistic |
Myself, a 2000 BLAST is what "i" bought !!! Thought the M2 was the most "FUN" BUELL until the BLAST came out ... | ||
| Diablobrian |
congrats and welcome to badweb! | ||
| Bodyshot1 |
Congrats!..welcome to the family..I've had an Ss since October...love the crap out of it! Enjoy..  | ||
| Vaneo1 |
Just yesterday I took the Buell up to Angeles Crest HWY and let her rip through those fast sweepers. There was a straight away and I was able to get the bike up to 130 MPH for the first time and although the bike got really light, I saw no need for a steering dampner. Others say the bike needs one after 80 MPH because the bars get a little squirelly. IMO they just need to curl a few pounds... (Message edited by vaneo1 on June 14, 2006) | ||
| 71sportster |
Daves, What do you get for the LSL damper for an '04 XB12S, where do they mount and are they adjustable, ala Ohlins? Thanks! | ||
| Eric_m |
I bought mine with the dampener and I would not ride without it. I turned it down to see what it felt like and did not like the results. It gives you a more planted feeling, makes MY riding much smoother. I would also say it is a preference thing. | ||
| Bake |
Good decission! Steering dampers are not necessary but definatey would be nice. | ||
| Brineusaf |
I ride some very twisty ( and bumpy) roads at an aggressive pace, as well as the autobahn... which has it's moments; and I haven't seen a need for the steering dampner. | ||
| Mcgiver |
Congradulations on the buell, I thought I needed a steering damper on my 12r until I replaced the stock tires with the m3's .Im glad I spent the money on quality tires. Brian |
