Went to look at bikes today, everyone is oh so correct...

[ofblong]

I think you guys almost confused me but didnt succeed yet .

[VermilionX]

I didn't ask whether it was adjustable as that is irrelevant.

Do you think the damper makes it harder to turn the bars or easier?

not sure... haven't ridden a sportbike w/o a steering damper so i can't really compare.

but can i guess and then you give me the right answer?

[Mintbread]

Well, they don't make turning easier. Sportsbikes have stiff frames and suspension, steering dampers and short clip-on bars to restict unnecessary movement. At speed things get lighter and more dangerous so fickle steering is not what is wanted.

I was out riding with a mate on a new litre Blade ( I was on my Bandit with a set of MX bars fitted) and I was right up his stovepipe in the tighter stuff but above 170 he was way out in front. I was blasting around corners with all sorts of flex and a loose front end and his bike sat on the road like a rock on rails.

[VermilionX]

Well, they don't make turning easier. Sportsbikes have stiff frames and suspension, steering dampers and short clip-on bars to restict unnecessary movement. At speed things get lighter and more dangerous so fickle steering is not what is wanted.

I was out riding with a mate on a new litre Blade ( I was on my Bandit with a set of MX bars fitted) and I was right up his stovepipe in the tighter stuff but above 170 he was way out in front. I was blasting around corners with all sorts of flex and a loose front end and his bike sat on the road like a rock on rails.

thanks.

"sat on the road like a rock on rails."

that's a good thing right? like the expression cornering as if you're on rails.

anyway... it's getting cool now over here, almost night time. i'll go wash my bike. i'll also clean the chain for the 1st time. i already bought a brush and a chain cleaner spray.

catch up w/ you later.

[Mintbread]

It sure beats a pogo stick with wheels.

[Sev]

ROFL. That was great.

Just for those who are wondering. Longer bars will give more leverage and make steering take less effort, though you need to move the bar end further. This is why huge cruisers have REALLY wide bars.

[GrandGT]

[Zaax]

I took 21 street lessons (where I come from, 15 is mandatory, I failed the first test (a single foot-down on the fig. 8's in the lot part fails you) so i then took 6 more) on a Kawasaki street bike ER500.

Its great.
Of course I got nothing to compare it too, but it has a pretty linear throttle/ acceleration rate, is forgiving of mistakes, and is comfortable (at least for 1.5 hours - the longest I ever rode non-stop on it).

not sure if thats what the OP ment though, but how many 500cc street bikes does kawa make??

[roscowgo]

V i just have to clue you in.....Minty hates you.

bunches.

[VermilionX]

V i just have to clue you in.....Minty hates you.

bunches.

there's several peeps who hate me. minty is just one of the more prevalent ones.