Steering Dampers for More Stability and Control in the Steering

Dampen quick and unwanted steering movements with a high-quality steering damper properly mounted on your motorcycle

A steering damper controls rapid movements of the handlebars. This can provide more stability when the front wheel becomes light during acceleration, when riding over uneven surfaces, or during sporty riding. Slow steering movements should remain sufficiently free so the motorcycle can be controlled normally and predictably.

• Helps dampen quick and sudden steering movements
• Can provide more stability during strong acceleration and sporty riding
• High-quality steering dampers from Öhlins
• Model-specific mounting parts from CNC Racing
• Various colors and finishes available

In this collection, you will find steering damper parts from Öhlins and CNC Racing. Depending on the application, this includes a standalone damper, a mounting clamp, or a model-specific part used to attach the steering damper to the motorcycle.

Always check the full scope of delivery. A standalone steering damper cannot be installed without the appropriate mounting kit. Conversely, a CNC Racing mounting clamp is usually supplied without the required Öhlins steering damper.

What Does a Steering Damper Do?

The damper creates hydraulic resistance when the handlebars move quickly. This slows down sudden steering reactions while allowing normal and smoothly executed steering movements.

A steering damper is especially useful for powerful sport motorcycles and bikes where the front wheel can become relatively light during acceleration. However, the damper does not change the basic geometry or mechanical condition of the motorcycle.

Not a Solution for Technical Problems

Unstable steering behavior can also be caused by incorrect tire pressure, worn tires, play in the steering head, improper suspension settings, or misaligned parts. A steering damper should not conceal such issues.

Therefore, always check the technical condition of the motorcycle first if the steering behavior suddenly changes. The steering damper is an additional component and not a substitute for proper maintenance and good chassis setup.

Check Stroke Length and Mounting Kit

The stroke length of the damper and the position of the mounting clamp must match the available steering movement. An incorrect combination can cause the damper to reach its end position before the handlebars reach their normal stop.

Therefore, select the exact motorcycle model, year of manufacture, and the specified steering damper. Also, check whether the correct horizontal or vertical clamp and any spacers are included.

Installation and Adjustment

After installation, the handlebars must be able to move fully from left to right without the damper, hoses, or cables being under tension. Start with a light setting on an adjustable steering damper and increase the damping gradually.

A setting that is too heavy can make the motorcycle unnecessarily sluggish to steer, especially at low speeds. If in doubt, have the installation done by a specialist and regularly check all fastenings.