Why use a steering damper?

Steering head bearings must move smoothly. Isn't it contrary to this to install a steering damper? No. The steering head bearings must be able to transmit the driver's steering impulses easily and without delay. However, there are impulses from the environment that have a disturbing effect on the handling charcteristics until loosing control completely. Handlebar shaking at high speeds are such impulses. Of course, you want to prevent them or at least dampen them if they cannot be prevented by design (caster, steering angle, tire selection). The majority of Harleys will never really need one. On the other hand, properly adjusted steering dampers are a nice-to-have. And they look race-like, too.

Steering dampers for Harleys

As said, there are two possible technical solutions: via friction discs or hydraulic. For Big Twins with Springer or Hydra Glide fork or the K-models and Sportster we offer components and spare parts to maintain or overhaul the steering damper to its original function. For a selection of models without original steering damper we have the hydraulic variants from Storz and Daytona. If you equips your Dyna, Softail or Sportster with one of these, you should keep in mind that at the next technical inspection the inspector will ask for the certificate or the operating permit.