Ralle moto steering damper install!

[Aleksandar13]

Hi all, 

 

Since I've changed the bike and being used to having bikes with steering dampers always wanted one for the T700Sm. 

I've been in touch with Msc in Australia and they have shipped one for me a, took longer than expected but I'm very pleased with the purchase. 

It's all made from aluminium and bolted with stainless bolts machined to a high standard. 

On to installing the unit... 

Remove side panels of the bike and remove all the bolts so that the tank can be removed, lift the tank and push it backwards 100 to 150mm as shown below.. 

Once the tank is out of your way the installation of the bracket begins. Remove the bolts from the top part of the bracket and put on top of the middle part of the tank support. This is where it is a bit tricky and hard to explain but I will do my best... Top part and bolts need to face the tank and then you can secure the lower part with in. (lower part has machined legs to grab the frame once installed and they need to be fitted on the outside with machined edges facing the frame). 

Secure top and lower part only by hand until you can still get movement on the round part. In order to position this you need a mallet or a hammer and a piece of wood. 

Tap the front of the bracket until it fits into position... I've tapped until the bracket pin was parallel with the support frame underneath the stem nut. 

Secure the for bolts in an x pattern and then remove the stem nut with 27mm spanner. 

I have used this because this way you don't need to remove the handlebar, if you choose another wrench then you'll need to remove it as there is not enough room. 

Once the stem nut is removed fit the bracket then the washer and stem nut and tighten to spec. (side note : I think 145 Nm is to much and mine didn't feel close to that figure)

Once the bracket is fitted insert spring and pin inside the lower bracket and then secure the damper to the top bracket with Alan bolts. Test maximum lock and you are good to go. 

Hope this guide helps people if they decide to buy this damper, to me it was worth it and although it's not cheap I feel that this now completes the bike. 

First impressions are that even with 5 clicks in out of 20 the bike feels smoother to steer and much more refined... Boost of confidence when pushing hard into corners and on uneven surfaces with wide open throttle... Very very happy with the result. 

Price paid directly shipped into UK ; £365 and then the queen had her bit (customs £65). 

Aleks 

[Rich TT]

Cracking write up @Aleksandar13 . Looks mint too.

[Ride & Shine]

HAHAHA! Dude if I had a penny for every time you've said "I feel that this now completes the bike" after fitting yet another mod....I'd stop work and ride round the world for the rest of my life! Just admit it, you've got a serious problem, you're forever tormented by the possibility that one more mod could be the one that brings it all together. Oh sweet agony....:-)

[Aleksandar13]

35 minutes ago, Ride & Shine said:

HAHAHA! Dude if I had a penny for every time you've said "I feel that this now completes the bike" after fitting yet another mod....I'd stop work and ride round the world for the rest of my life! Just admit it, you've got a serious problem, you're forever tormented by the possibility that one more mod could be the one that brings it all together. Oh sweet agony....:-)

God luck with the trip around the world...

 

[Advrider74]

Any updates on your thoughts of the steering damper add on. Well worth the money? I just ordered one, never had one before and never really felt the need to have one till I got this bike. Hopefully it’s worth the investment. 

[Rider 101]

Had mine since I got the bike in March. Every bike I have had since 2001 WRF400 has had one of these. I was given the first to trial and was hooked.

Easy fit and the price is right.

[cstatman]

ordering a scotts for mine next paycheck -  dampers are the bomb

 

[Hogan]

@Aleksandar13

Hi, I'm wondering how you are feeling about the steering damper now you've had it for a while.

I've been looking at the same one (they are made very near where I live).

My question to you is how does it affect the bike when it is on the lowest setting?

I really only want the damper primarily for sand riding, and don't want it to really work at all on the pavement.

 

[Danot86]

35 minutes ago, Hogan said:

@Aleksandar13

Hi, I'm wondering how you are feeling about the steering damper now you've had it for a while.

I've been looking at the same one (they are made very near where I live).

My question to you is how does it affect the bike when it is on the lowest setting?

I really only want the damper primarily for sand riding, and don't want it to really work at all on the pavement.

 

I've got one on my t7. Have been running it for 4 weeks now. I have mine set in the middle at 10 clicks and barely notice it on the pavement. What I have noticed is less movement from cross winds on the freeway. Have only had one ride in the sand with it and it seemed pretty good! 

[Aleksandar13]

10 hours ago, Danot86 said:

I've got one on my t7. Have been running it for 4 weeks now. I have mine set in the middle at 10 clicks and barely notice it on the pavement. What I have noticed is less movement from cross winds on the freeway. Have only had one ride in the sand with it and it seemed pretty good! 

Mine is set a bit more aggressive and still have the same feeling as you, not intrusive on pavement, it does fit nice one the bike and is quality..  

[FAR&FURTHER]

@Aleksandar13 Thanks for the good write up. I'm now waiting for the dampener for more than 2 months, I really believe (and hope) that the dampener, quality and function will out-weight any frustration I acquired over that time

 

@Danot86 & @Aleksandar13 Did you try some rough off-road / high speed / rocks etc with it and have a comparison to the time before? I imagine it's not the best weather now...

[FAR&FURTHER]

So mine arrived just for the Christmas so I've put it on the bike, set to 11, and took it for some off-road tracks around and the initial impressions is that it does give the bike off-road more confidence and stability.

 

I'm not entirely sure but in terms of cornering on the road I feel like the bike "falls" more into the corner especially in mid section. Weird I know but that's my feeling. Anybody else has it?

 

I've made a short unboxing & installation video, more for fun than anything else. Speaking about installation, I have a question @Aleksandar13. The position of the washer... I was not sure if it should be under the nut or under the mounting block but I put it on as you have it in your guide as there is no guidance from MSC.

 

 

[Rider 101]

Back it off to a minimum on tar road. Do the same in deep sand. Works best over ruts, roots, rocks, and rough ground.

[bth2]

5 hours ago, FAR&FURTHER said:

So mine arrived just for the Christmas so I've put it on the bike, set to 11, and took it for some off-road tracks around and the initial impressions is that it does give the bike off-road more confidence and stability.

 

I'm not entirely sure but in terms of cornering on the road I feel like the bike "falls" more into the corner especially in mid section. Weird I know but that's my feeling. Anybody else has it?

 

I've made a short unboxing & installation video, more for fun than anything else. Speaking about installation, I have a question @Aleksandar13. The position of the washer... I was not sure if it should be under the nut or under the mounting block but I put it on as you have it in your guide as there is no guidance from MSC.

 

 

the feeling you have on the road will be similar to too tight head bearings.  back off damping when on the road.

have fun

[FAR&FURTHER]

@bth2 Will give it a try, it's true that on road (unless going 170km/h which I'm not) I don't need the damper action. Good point.

 

@Rider 101 Back it off in the deep sand? Interesting, I'd thought there I'd also use it (eg 11 or something). It is indeed mainly for terrain you mention. I'm going to deep sand in 2 weeks so I'll try it.

[Aleksandar13]

After more than 2k miles on the road with the damper and playing with setting, still think it is worth the money especially if you are using the bike like I am... The steering input is so smooth now and it just makes the bike feel more solid at higher speeds and corner exist when accelerating hard. 

Off road is not my think so others have reported above. 

Aleks 

[Rider 101]

On 1/7/2021 at 10:00 PM, FAR&FURTHER said:

 

@Rider 101 Back it off in the deep sand? Interesting, I'd thought there I'd also use it (eg 11 or something). It is indeed mainly for terrain you mention. I'm going to deep sand in 2 weeks so I'll try it.

The theory is to be a little "loose" in sand and go with the flow. If the damper is too tight it will steer you  rather than yo being in control.

Let us know how you go in 2 weeks.

[NotGoodAtUsrnms]

I'm curious if most people who are fitting the damper have aftermarket fork springs or stock? If stock, are you lightweight (fit the fork profile)?  I'm thinking I should spend cash first on a good set of springs and only after that look at this kind of enhancement.

[Aleksandar13]

On 2/5/2021 at 5:57 PM, NotGoodAtUsrnms said:

I'm curious if most people who are fitting the damper have aftermarket fork springs or stock? If stock, are you lightweight (fit the fork profile)?  I'm thinking I should spend cash first on a good set of springs and only after that look at this kind of enhancement.

I have changed both the front and the back springs on the bike and fitted the ralle motto after... But my bike has a different geometry now with the 17 inch wheels ... 

[FAR&FURTHER]

Hello everyone, especially owners of the RM3,

 

I had a problem with mine that the adjustment knob got stuck. After MSC got back I've put together quick video how to fix it - just clean it.