But that won't happen guys. Get real.

If you want a damper just to have a damper, go ahead. But don't try to make an ultra-stable, ultra-smooth bike into a reason to get one.

Not one of you have ever had a head shake on a ZX14 requiring a damper. If you had, you would be posting about it. And how many millions of miles have we ridden as a group of ZX14 riders?

If it was a problem, it would be all over the trade press, Brock would be advising us to install dampers, Muzzy too.

If I couldn't get mine to shake, including going over railroad crossing leaned over in a curve and all sorts of stuff that would make a ZX10R go nuts without its damper, you can't use the "but it might happen" argument without being laughed at.

We might have been destroyed, all of humanity, on December 21st past, but the odds were pretty long on that happening.

I've had quite a few bikes that needed dampers. The ZX14 doesn't, and never will, unless you mess it up.

Well...I wonder....maybe the guys here who want on(some already HAVE one)ride like Valentino or someone....maybe?I could see that.....maybe.Have to agree though...none of my 14's ever shook one bit in lots of situations.Wiggle on a wheely landing...a bit...but nothing koo koo.

If you want a damper just to have a damper, go ahead. But don't try to make an ultra-stable, ultra-smooth bike into a reason to get one.

Not one of you have ever had a head shake on a ZX14 requiring a damper. If you had, you would be posting about it

Thanks guys and sorry for opening up the hornets nest on this one...
If I was going to get a damper I think it would have to be an Ohlins.
Does anyone have an Ohlins for sale or possibly can recommend where to get a descent price for an Ohlins damper and 2007 ZX-14 mounting hardware as a kit?
Just in case Privateer, just in case...

I see Privateer point but when you start the mods: taller tire, firmer/better suspension etc... I haven't even seen ZX-12's shake and they have a shorter wheelbase. However, I need to compensate for my lack of skills and hazards. I pulled 2 huge wheelies by accident (meaning I didn't know they were going to be big wheelies) and both time the wheel straightened back before it landed. Also, head shakes could be due to riding style so whether you experience them or not has probably nothing to do with how hard you ride. Bottom line is that: a damper will not necessarily make you faster but it won't slow you down. I really appreciate it when I'm leaned over in the triple and going over small bumps. Think of it as comfort blanket, that is until the day you're like: "crap! I could have used one after all!"

I had just finished 600 km cottage country ride,was on my way home on the 401w just about to exit on the allen road north ,a nice fast sweeping RH ramp.I was on the outside edge of my lane,next thing I know my ass is in the air and the 14 is shaking her head.What caused it,I don't know,maybe I was tired,holding on too tight.Next day checked area for cause,nothing to be found.I'm for steering dampers

* Last updated by: darryle on 1/26/2013 @ 4:18 AM *

I had a huge tank slapper at low speed. It was a cold night (about 4 celcius) and the tires were cold and there were lots of dry leaves (like maple leaves) on the ground.
I had to brake hard for a speed hump I hadn't seen, the tire skidded and went into a wild full lock "holy crap" moment.
Luckily when the front wheel hit the speed hump it snapped upright and I got my feet to the ground and saved it.
I sat for a few minutes trying to decide if I needed new underpants.....

This is a once off. My thinking is that I can afford the damper (just, even from Motomummy they are still $$$) and no one has said they make the bike worse, so I'm going to get one.

Are there any convincing stories of a damper making things worse.....

The HyperPro is a little more pricey than some other dampers. Check around.

Maybe I should get one as well.....sheesh....couldn't hurt,right?

CAn't hurt. Above is the first I have heard of a steering oscillation on the 14. As for myself, I can attest that there is a difference without the damper once you get used to riding hard without it. You might never need the damper but it is nice to have IMO. I wouldn't say it is something you MUST get on the bike right away but a cool piece to have when it is feasible.

That heavy front wheel spinnin is pretty good at gyroing the frontend at speed.

I suppose. Maybe having lightweight rims will make a damper something that is more of a necessity on the 14.

im getting one when I can

If you get a hyperpro do not use red loctite,you have to remove the damper to change your air filter,blue loctite is a better option

I don't think I am using any lokTite on mine but yeah, don't use red! The tank cover needs to be removed to get at the air filter and possibly to remove the side fairings depending on how you have them situated. I have had no problems with any screws coming loose on my HyperPro.

If you lower your bike, race, or even ride HARD in the twistys I could see wanting or needing a damper, on the street at semi-legal speeds probably not. The 14 has enough rake and trail built in to keep it super stable under MOST circumstances. Some racing organizations REQUIRE a damper so you have no choice if you want to participate.

I've never had a 'tank slapper' on my 14, but I do get an unnerving head 'wiggle' at times. There is a spot were this road opens up a passing lane for about a mile and I try to get past as many cages and coal trucks as I can before it goes back to a single lane. There is a 'hump' in the road that gets the front wheel airborn at anything over 140 and I always have a headshake that makes my butt clench when it comes down. (It also does this at the dragstrip sometimes.) The other spot is where there are a series of frost-heaves that haven't been fixed yet. The 14 is a very stable bike, but for me a stabilizer would be nice for peace of mind.

It's just like tires - the stock tires are 'fine', so why would anybody need to buy 'better' tires... Ummm, because I want to... what's the argument. No bike NEEDS a steering stabilizer if you ride it slow enough.

YOU NEED ONE FOR SURE

Just ordered the hyperpro.
See. I do listen to you guys...

YOU NEED ONE FOR SURE

Disagree.

While I can't argue the potential benefit that may never be realized I think we're a long way from establishing every owner of a 14 "needs" a damper.

You don't need one like a liter bike needs one. you need one because its a cool piece of equipment.

you need one because its a cool piece of equipment.

Like a No-Mar tire changer?

Look what just arrived!

Will post pics when installed...

Jealousy!

I'm definitely going the HyperPro route but I'm spending clams like they've stopped making them.

Dammit.

* Last updated by: hagrid on 10/21/2014 @ 6:21 PM *

Hey Hagrid,
I went with the new titanium version.
Looks great up close.

And perhaps race the dog for some extra dollars.
It looks fast...