Topic: Steering dampers

[Powderman]

Rules for my sanction require all bikes to be fitted with a steering damper. I haven't checked to see if the question I have is in the rules but is there a significant difference between a hydraulic piston type damper and the pinch bolt through the steering stem type damper in performance?

[Tintop]

You didn't specify what type of sactioning body (drag/road race/LSR), or if it's modern or vintage, but my .02.  If these are 2012/13 rules then they are very likely looking for the hydraulic type to be installed.  If it's not a vintage organization they probably don't even know about the old school stem type.

[Powderman]

Specifically in my case it would be ECTA LSR where the rules only say:
7.B.17 Steering Damper
Required in all classes.

[Tintop]

Given the application then (ECTA LSR) I would think they are expecting to see modern hydraulic dampeners.  Personally that would be my choice given the situation.  I would certainly want to have pre-approval from tech to use anything else, as this would be considered a safety issue.

[bear]

Yep your right Brian.
The friction dampers don't hold a candle to the hydraulic units.

Cheers,
Brian