Rotary vs Linear Steering Dampers

[Petorius]

Anybody have any experience using both types at different times on the same bike? I've been waiting for a used Scotts damper to appear for a while now but dont want to wait any longer. Considering buying a $30 ebay GSXR damper and mounting it to the lower triple. $475 is a lot of dough for a new Scotts setup.

[Lxpony]

Is this for a track bike or street bike?

[LXnastynotch93]

I think they do the same job adequately. It really comes down to the mounting solution, as the rotary damper is less cumbersome than a linear damper, especially if the bike doesn't come from the factory with a damper.

[The Snowman]

I've used a Scotts rotary and an Ohlins linear on my 1st gen SV. They're both good at what they do. I didn't notice a difference one way or the other in function.

As for preference, I like the linear, because you don't have to remove the damper to remove the tank. On a 1st gen SV, that's a good thing, since part of my off-season maintenance is to clean the carbs and that requires the removal of a rotary damper and tank. I haven't touched the linear since installing it at the beginning of last season. Installation was easy with a GSX-R front end and an aftermarket bracket.

[lrrs699]

linear

[scubasteveRR]

they both suck, use your arms, best steering dampers out there...

[Petorius]

Is this for a track bike or street bike?

Track.

Sounds like I'm going to go the cheap way. Awesome!

[Jim]

linear.
if you're using a stock GSXR damper, drain the oil out of it and fill it with heavier fork oil. it's a cheap way to make your damper a little stiffer

[tls25rs]

I don't know your particular application but some of the original reasons people went with the rotary over the linear was the ability to place the rotary unit in a location that is far less susceptible to crash damage. In your case the linear may also install in a location where it will not be damaged in a crash but if not it is something to consider.

[The Snowman]

I don't know your particular application but some of the original reasons people went with the rotary over the linear was the ability to place the rotary unit in a location that is far less susceptible to crash damage. In your case the linear may also install in a location where it will not be damaged in a crash but if not it is something to consider.

On an 03 SV, a linear would mount in front of the lower triple, so it is less likely to be damaged in a crash than a tank-mounted linear or rotary would be.

[nhbubba]

I have no problem removing the tank on my gen-1 SV without removing the Scotts rotary damper. All I do is remove the mount assembly.. which is mounted with the two bolts that secure the front of the tank anyway. Can't imagine how one damages the rotary in a crash. It is mounted on top of the top triple well inboard of about eleventy billion other bits. If it gets wrecked, the rest of the bike has to be really fubar'ed.

[nt650hawk]

use your arms, best steering dampers out there...

that is what got you into the tank slaper in the first place

[Kurlon]

they both suck, use your arms, best steering dampers out there...

Some orgs (WERA) require them now.

[scubasteveRR]

that is what got you into the tank slaper in the first place

I honestly had nothing to add so I was merely making a joke, I've never had a tank slapper but I have a Scott's rotary type on my CBR so I wont.

[Viper897]

Rotary, I have a scotts on my gen 2, and will be getting the bracket for the gen 1 so i can swap between bikes.

Like some have said though, if you have the gsxr front end then a linear may be the way to go.

Just my .02 cents.

[nt650hawk]

I honestly had nothing to add so I was merely making a joke, I've never had a tank slapper but I have a Scott's rotary type on my CBR so I wont.

I know.

[Trajiks9]

I had a rotary GPR V.3 stabilizer on my 2001 CBR 929rr. I thought that fit and function were great. Easy to remove (two hex bolts) when I need access under the fuel tank. I can not speak for the linear style dampers. I have read that the OEM Öhlins dampers that come with the (09-12 ZX6r) are basically useless and need to be sent out for a re-valve job in order to be effective. I can not speak for the GSXR that is in question. If you buy it I would plan on having the oil and seals replaced, possibly a re-valve.

[Petorius]

I went for a $15 05-06 GSXR damper. Going to try it with 15wt fork oil and see how that works. Really just looking for help in 7-8 and 10-11 at NHMS.

[Jim]

pretty sure i used 20w on mine

[Chippertheripper]

Pete, if you still have my digits call me.