Steering Damper

[dreamchaser]

Does anyone make a steering damper for our Valks?  Gary

[Ricky-D]

Trying to alleviate a handling problem with an aftermarket device

may mask the symptom but will not correct the cause of the problem

and can effectively leave a possible dangerous situation unattended.

***

[salty1]

Trying to alleviate a handling problem with an aftermarket device

may mask the symptom but will not correct the cause of the problem

and can effectively leave a possible dangerous situation unattended.

***

I totally agree!  What are the handling characteristics of your bike that requires a damper? I have never had any kind of an issue that requires a damper on a Valkyrie.  FWIW

[dreamchaser]

I am still having an issue with low speed handling, making the bike feel top heavy.  I tend to overcorrect and at that time only, the steering feels too loose and hard to get the right line on slow sweeping turns in parking lots and gas stations.I have never had this issue with any other bike I've owned, and there's quite a list.  Gary

[Mobile Mayor]

quite possibly the stem bearing(s) are worn,  wheel bearings on both ends, and the swing arm bearings also.

[Firefighter]

My 2000 IS did that too. Slow speed was a hand full, even below 30 mph the bike seemed to hunt back and forth. Had to be carefull at stopping and starts, especially when I was tired. I tried adjusting the stem bearings (cheated-- never took it apart) never helped,  I finally changed the steering stem bearings and that corrected it. I changed tires several times the last couple of years and would turn the handle bars or the forks back and forth, trying to check for bad bearings, I never could feel anything wrong.  But when I took the forks off, wow! the bearings were indexed so bad it felt like it would lock in the straight forward position. All is well now, good luck, let us know!      Firefighter

[8Track]

What air pressure do you run? Anything under 34 will make the front end real a handful. Try 38 - 42 psi and see if that fixes things. If not, problem is likely to be loose head stem bearings.

[dreamchaser]

42 front 46 rear and the stem bearings have less than 1k on  them....new shock bushings, complete rebuild on forks with progressive springs and new Avon Cobras.  Both front and rear wheel bearings were checked out.  I really can not see any mechanical, air or rubber reason for the slow speed misbehavior.  I have had all work done by a shop that has specialized in Wings and Valks for years & the owner has a Valk.  I am willing to try anything & that's why I asked about a steering damper........to dampen my actions just in case its me.   I am not infalable.   Gary

[R J]

Relax your death hold on the handle bars.

Just relax as you make your parking lot turns.

This will not hold true if the parking lot is all busted up wiith grooves and chuck holes in it.    But, you can still relax your grip to manuever around the lot.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Relax your death hold on the handle bars.

Just relax as you make your parking lot turns.

This will not hold true if the parking lot is all busted up wiith grooves and chuck holes in it.    But, you can still relax your grip to manuever around the lot.

+1, The I/S is top heavy compared to the standard but like RJ said a relaxed grip and smooth roll on of throttle will go a long ways to helping slow speed handling.

[Chrisj CMA]

I would put the front end up on a lift and do the bounce test on the forks and also grab the wheel and lower forks and lift and pull checking for any unusual play.

If all checks out, then its practice time.  Counter steering and counterleaning is necessary on these big girls where on the smaller bikes you could get by with much less technical riding.

[97Valk_CT_Euless]

I didn't see where you'd checked the swingarm bearings.  Just changed mine (Tourer, not IS) and made the whole bike feel like new.  I know most dont' have problems with them but mine was apparently mistreated at some time in the past because that did it for me.  Head bearings were next but I don't think I need them now.

[dreamchaser]

Thanks guys.  I'll let you know if I am still wobbly in a couple of days.  Gary

[Jess from VA]

Many have had improved slow speed handling (and smoother stopping) with taller risers (than OE).

[R J]

Many have had improved slow speed handling (and smoother stopping) with taller risers (than OE).

Also take the learners and the advance MSF courses.    Learners, you use their bke, advanced you use your own.

I'm not saying you don't know how to ride, I'm just saying you can learn a lot from the courses.     I rode Motors for 30+ years as a CHP, and I still take the advanced course every 3rd year.    Only have Trikes now, so I'll probably not take any more courses.   Unless they create a course for Trikes.

When I was working, we had to qualify every year to keep our motor.   I saw a few guys/gals fail the CHP course and have to drive a Cruiser for a year.   You could go to the Motor garage, and check a motor out to use for practice.   I came close to failing one year, I know the sweat was rolling during my test.  I had made Lieut. and wasn't on the highway on the motor very much that year.    You no ride, you loose your riding techniques.

I'll get off my soap box now, good luck in your practice and MSF courses.

Peace
RJ.

[Momz]

Steering dampers are not a cure for handling issues,

They may help if you are installing a sidecar.

They may help on certain sport bikes with extremely steep rake angles.

Tire pressures and proper adjustment of the steering stem bearings should cure any issues you may have.

But all Valkyries can be a handful at very slow speeds.

[Daniel Meyer]

Thanks guys.  I'll let you know if I am still wobbly in a couple of days.  Gary

Also make SURE your shop REALLY knew what they were doing on those head bearings. The Valk is VERY picky about them and they will suck unless done exactly to manual spec.

If everything's right, the Valk should  be smooth and stable from 5mph to full out.