Steering damper

[RonaldP]

The steering damper on my 99 R1100R has died for the second time in 18K miles! out of warranty!!! So the hunt is on for a suitable replacement. BMW part is just over $200.00. Does anybody know of an aftermarket replacement suitable for the BMW R1100R?
Thanks, Ron

[kbasa]

Do you really need it? I guess that's the question, more than anything. While S bikes, in some variations, at least, come with a damper, mine does not. It's never exhibited any headshake or done anything unseemly, so I haven't bought one.

In Motorcyclist magazine, they're testing a Replika and the first thing they did was take the damper off and throw it away. They said it made the bike more flickable.

[RonaldP]

I never considered not having one! I assumed that BMW in it's infinite wisdom wouldn't put one where it wasn't needed (lower costs). I've been riding for a while with the claped out one still on the bike with no ill efects. Maybe I'll just continue to do so.
Thanks, Ron