Yamaha TRX850 Enthusiasts Forum

Got an offer for a steering damper for $150.. Its a NHK precision steering damper... shaft length 380mm... shaft diameter 11mm... barrell length 220mm... Barrell diameter 25mm.. only thing fork clamp diameter is 52 mm..... 11mm too big..I spose this can this be shimmed down??? or is the whole unit for a larger heavier motorcycle as such???

do you need a steering damper

I'm sure the .95kgmm springs will improve the headshaking issues but after bolting on at least 15h/p of late its only got worse. Frame/forks/bars wheels been checked by Dave Kellett and alls straight once again after rebuild 12mths ago.

head shake seems odd - the TRX is an inherently stable bike

mine makes over 100 bhp and, due to the different front end and other changes, is more 'radical' than stock but I still don't need one.

I'd spend some time sorting out your suspension settings (getting the sag right is important) before you spend money

Well like I mentioned the front end spring wise is pretty pityful at present so no doubt this is the cause as originally the bike handled like a dream but forks replaced on rebuild and springs a lot softer there in may lie the problem and with more power and lower gearing and bluespots I'm pushing boundries...
mmmmmm spose its pretty simple isnt it.. work on the root of the problem and go from there instead of trying to work on the problem that has manifested and subdueing that...

I'd agree with Phuk: steering dampers can cure the simptoms of the problem, but not the problem itself, and if the bike is set up right (suspension, head bearings, tyres etc) at the front end, the TRX shouldn't need one. Suppose its an extra bit of 'bling' but thats about it!

Yes bit like a carrot dangled infront of me by a salesman .. Gotta keep my mind focused... Thanks for the kick up the butt guys... Much appreciated

Hi, I'm interested in mounting a steering damper on my TRX 850 and wanted to know if anyone has mounted and the type you have installed (name, model and technical requirements) and if you see a picture of himself mounted on motorcycle. Thanks and greetings from Italy, Angelo.

cobbadiggabuddyblooo wrote:Yes bit like a carrot dangled infront of me by a salesman .. Gotta keep my mind focused... Thanks for the kick up the butt guys... Much appreciated

I´m thinking of putting one on...but more as a safety when frontwheel is up in air and land on a rough patch. And i guess it would stabilize one handed riding as well.

sounds like a damper for a USD forked bike to me

cobbadiggabuddyblooo wrote:I'm sure the .95kgmm springs will improve the headshaking issues but after bolting on at least 15h/p of late its only got worse. Frame/forks/bars wheels been checked by Dave Kellett and alls straight once again after rebuild 12mths ago.

Maybe the back tyres a bit tired

Mine use to headshake if I relaxed the grip on the bars, but when I changed tyre brand, the problem went away.
Bridgestones would headshake violently, changed to Metzler, no more headshake.

Rear tyre was Metzler, but as they are hard to come by now,I have changed to Pirelli. still no problem.

+1 on replacing the front tyre. Mine did this on the old tyre - cant remember the make. Replaced with a Pirelli Angel and all good.