Author Topic: 1200 Sport - Adding a Steering Damper/Stabilizer  (Read 2060 times)

Offline sdhow

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1200 Sport - Adding a Steering Damper/Stabilizer
« on: July 24, 2015, 02:46:58 PM »
 
If I remember correctly, some of the spine frame V11s came from the factory with steering stabilzers.  Was this the case with any of the big motor Breva-chassis bikes that followed?  I know the Sport was short-lived, as it kinda gave way to the naked Griso and Piaggio refocused on the V7s as the sportier offerings...and the bigger sport bikes were delegated to Aprilla. 

Vasco DG

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Re: 1200 Sport - Adding a Steering Damper/Stabilizer
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2015, 04:25:56 PM »
Last thing a 1200 Sport needs is a steering damper!

Offline sdhow

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Re: 1200 Sport - Adding a Steering Damper/Stabilizer
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2015, 05:36:36 PM »
Last thing a 1200 Sport needs is a steering damper!

ok...please elaborate.

Offline ohiorider

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Re: 1200 Sport - Adding a Steering Damper/Stabilizer
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2015, 05:39:21 PM »
Well, I can think of a few other items I'd do first.  But, there must be some reason you're asking about a damper,  so let us know.  I'm at 57,500 miles on my 1200 Sport, and have found it to be as stable as a gyroscope, whether running 80-90 on the slab, or working my way through the twisties.  Never a sign of instability.

Now, I will say, that the original tires left a lot to be desired.  My bike took loads of counter steering pressure to enter a turn, then, abruptly, the bike would want to fall into the turn, requiring reverse counter steering to recover.

I first changed to ME880 tires, which cured the problem, but were slightly harsh.

A switch to Michelin PR3 tires front and rear was the solution to nice handling and good mileage.  I may try the PR4 next.

Bob
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

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Re: 1200 Sport - Adding a Steering Damper/Stabilizer
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2015, 05:39:21 PM »

Vasco DG

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Re: 1200 Sport - Adding a Steering Damper/Stabilizer
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2015, 06:22:34 PM »
ok...please elaborate.

It has very conservative steering geometry and a wheelbase like a Mack truck.

Petr

Offline ohiorider

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Re: 1200 Sport - Adding a Steering Damper/Stabilizer
« Reply #5 on: July 24, 2015, 06:28:12 PM »
 ...... and only slightly shorter than that of the Griso, which is Mack Truck plus.
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
2014 Honda CB1100 (Traded Nov 2019)
New:  2016 Triumph T120 (Traded Dec 2021)
New:  2021 Kawasaki W800

Vasco DG

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Re: 1200 Sport - Adding a Steering Damper/Stabilizer
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2015, 06:46:00 PM »
...... and only slightly shorter than that of the Griso, which is Mack Truck plus.

Quite! It's absurd!  :grin:

Offline bad Chad

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Re: 1200 Sport - Adding a Steering Damper/Stabilizer
« Reply #7 on: July 24, 2015, 08:44:39 PM »
The 11/1200 Breva needs a steering damper as much as it needs Ape Hangers.
2007 Breva 1100  Red Arrow (and faster than yours!)
2016 CSC 250TT Zongshen
2017 V9 Roamer

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