steering dampers

had a lazy search for any discussions on this topic but couldn't find any. so i was wondering if any one had any thoughts or preferences on steering dampers. what kind are good/ bad, do they reduce feed back, really reduce high speed wobbles, any info at all would be good. i'm thinking on putting one on my cbr954 (are they called fireblades in the US) but have never really had much info on them. only now are they standard equipment on the bigger bikes. my previous bikes never had them and i always spent the money on other parts.

The 954 is still just called the 954 in the US. Just letting you know.

I know that Scott's is a name I've heard for steering dampers before. I think they are supposed to be pretty good, but maybe they are pricey? Everyone who put one on their bike (that I know) seems to like the added feel of stability. I suppose not everyone likes it, though.

Muzzy - very pricey but great quality (zx only)
Scott's - Brand name steering damper, and probably the best, many applications at big prices ($500~)
Ohlins - great damper but pricey also ($400~)
Harris - decent quality dampers, great price, usually sub $200
Hyperpro - dont really know anything about this one

Steering dampers can easily save your life on a sportbike if you ride really hard on imperfect surfaces.

If you want the best, be prepared to kick out about 450 bucks. Otherwise you can get a lesser brand for alot less money.

Get a scotts. I got one for my r6 and its worth every penny. Ohlins is really nice but ive seen them get busted up in a crash where the Scotts would be almost impossible to jack up. Go for any rotary style damper. GPR also makes a great damper and is about 100 bucks less than the scotts however I got my scotts for really cheap so I couldnt pass up. And if you dont want to pay for a damper I would tune your suspension a little more. Have you set your sag and messed with rebound and compression at all? That could be a cause of your problem but with the 954 I have heard of problems with headshakes just like the R6.

thanks for the info. i'm not sure if scotts is available in Oz but i'll find out.
ive heard Hyperpro can leak and be useless but the guy who told me that stacked his 954 on the first day he owned it. my 954 gets the wobbles under power as the front gets light but can get the shakes pretty bad mid corner if its bumpy. i know i'll sound like a tool but i'm not to keen on wheelies due to the wobbles and fear of the wife response if i drop my bike. if a damper can stop this, i might get the confidence back like my old gixer750. oh and R1, our dollar is sh1t compared to yours so 450 bucks of yours is about $750 of ours.approx 1 weeks wage for a good tradesman.

Yeah avoid hyperpro. Everyone whos had one that I have talked to hates them because they leak like no other.

my mechanic/aftermarket supermarket reckons that the old ones leak but the new hyperpro's don't and recommends one for the 954. i'm sceptical because he may be biased. Scotts is not a popular one down under. haven't come accross someone who knows of it yet. ohlins is just too expensive.
I'm getting the suspension sorted out next week when she's serviced, so i'll try that first while i convince the wife i need a damper.

the new hyperpro active damper is the way to go no leak and automatically works when u need is most i have one on 04 zx 636 my brother has it on a r1 best friend on a gsxr 750 and we love it

You get what you pay for.

thanks jason. i have heard that there is a new model of hyperpro. still its on my "things to do when my wife isn't watching" list