WER Steering damper
- Thread starter saveaux
- Start date
I also have one on my 2000 KDX 200. Coming from a bike without one, I love the thing. Seems to make a huge difference, but as mentioned earlier, only on certain terrain and at certain speeds. The faster you go, the better it works. If you crank it all the way tight, you can barely turn the wheel at all. My dad has the Scott steering dampner and for the extra money, I can't see the difference. Good luck with whatever you get!
dirt bike dave
Sponsoring Member
- May 3, 2000
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Bushings in the WER do wear but they can be rebuilt. Fluid should be changed periodically (maybe once per year).
I had a WER on two KDXs and thought it was a HUGE improvement. Go faster with more confidence and crash less. I have a Scotts now and IMO the WER works as well (I like the adjust on the fly capability of the Scotts, though, but its more expensive).
Every trail bike needs 3 things: Correct jetting, suspension set up properly, and a steering damper. Everything else is optional.
My last ride without a damper was over 10 years ago. I broke my collar bone in a crash that never would have happened with a damper. A damper is cheap compared to breaking your collar bone into 3 peices. It's a safety device and a performance improvement. Get one.
I had a WER on two KDXs and thought it was a HUGE improvement. Go faster with more confidence and crash less. I have a Scotts now and IMO the WER works as well (I like the adjust on the fly capability of the Scotts, though, but its more expensive).
Every trail bike needs 3 things: Correct jetting, suspension set up properly, and a steering damper. Everything else is optional.
My last ride without a damper was over 10 years ago. I broke my collar bone in a crash that never would have happened with a damper. A damper is cheap compared to breaking your collar bone into 3 peices. It's a safety device and a performance improvement. Get one.
- Dec 1, 2004
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What is the function/effect a steering damper is supposed to have?
Mully
Moderator / SuperPowers
- Jun 9, 1999
- 4,234
- 115
Having your handlebars ripped out of your hands when your front wheel hits an unseen root, rock etc. Instead of the wheel deflecting fully to one side or the other from the root, rock etc., the damper keeps the front wheel more or less straight. It dampens the effect of the sudden wheel direction change.
Love mine, won't have a bike without one.
Mully
Love mine, won't have a bike without one.
Mully
- Dec 1, 2004
- 1,091
- 0
Ah I see. But dang 300+ $'s. WOW.
dirt bike dave
Sponsoring Member
- May 3, 2000
- 5,348
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When I switch bikes with someone who does not have a damper, it's obivous what a huge benefit it makes. I vividly remember swapping bikes with someone right before we got onto a long straight road with lots of loose rocks of all sizes. I hated his bike on that stretch, and he bought a damper before his next ride.
It really helps in many types of sections. Sometimes its subtle, sometimes the improvements are dramatic. On rocky, rooted technical uphills - you are way more likely to stay in control and on the line you want. Very important when any mistake means failure. High speed whoops - the bike is way more stable. Where you normally would back down out of fear, you will still be in control.
In the tight stuff, when you get tired and lazy and don't have your weight forward, the front tire is far less likely to wash out or deflect. When you are riding aggressively, you have more margin for error as you can 'save' the bike much more easily.
As you can tell, I am a huge fan of dampers. Best thing since sliced bread.
It really helps in many types of sections. Sometimes its subtle, sometimes the improvements are dramatic. On rocky, rooted technical uphills - you are way more likely to stay in control and on the line you want. Very important when any mistake means failure. High speed whoops - the bike is way more stable. Where you normally would back down out of fear, you will still be in control.
In the tight stuff, when you get tired and lazy and don't have your weight forward, the front tire is far less likely to wash out or deflect. When you are riding aggressively, you have more margin for error as you can 'save' the bike much more easily.
As you can tell, I am a huge fan of dampers. Best thing since sliced bread.
Quailchaser
Member
- Jan 30, 2004
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I have a W.E.R. on my KDX as well. The Scott and GPR units are very nice, but (in my opinion) not worth the extra money on my KDX.
With the W.E.R., the front end no longer wanders in the deep sand. Tracking through the whoops is a much more controlable. Crossing ruts are no longer intimidating. It is so much easier to point your tire where you want it on those nasty rocky climbs when the front isn't constantly deflecting.
All the dampers are more than worth the expense. That comes with this sport. Try racing SCCA even at the amature level. Frisbee golf...now that's a cheap sport. :nod:
With the W.E.R., the front end no longer wanders in the deep sand. Tracking through the whoops is a much more controlable. Crossing ruts are no longer intimidating. It is so much easier to point your tire where you want it on those nasty rocky climbs when the front isn't constantly deflecting.
All the dampers are more than worth the expense. That comes with this sport. Try racing SCCA even at the amature level. Frisbee golf...now that's a cheap sport. :nod:
dirtbikr99
Member
- Nov 21, 2002
- 180
- 0
I LOVE my new used 99 cr250, I only had it for a week. But today i was at the track and the thing gets alot of headshake, I feel I would be able to go alot faster with a dampener. I will be looking into the options. wer units r universal for all bikes??
Quailchaser
Member
- Jan 30, 2004
- 47
- 0
dirtbikr99 said:
Just like Version 1 GPRs and the Scotts, the W.E.R can be moved from bike to bike. However, you will need the bike specific mounting kit.
Whoops and crossing ruts will be much more manageable with a damper. A damper will also help with "headshake". However, an out of true/damaged rim, loose spokes, worn front wheel bearings, or worn/loose steering head bearings will cause "headshake". Make sure there is not a mechanical reason for the "headshake" before adding a damper.
Later
Robb
Glad that you guys got the deal done on the used one...you will love it. I was just going to chime in that my first crash was gnarly and it was caused by hitting a lateral root and the front wheel washing out. If I had the dampner, that would never have happened. I will not ride a bike without one anymore after that crash. Enjoy!