Scott’s steering stabilizer for mx use

Joko
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11/14/2020 7:53pm
I’m contemplating on putting a Scott’s on my KX500 for track and occasional off road use.
For the 500, it seems it could help keep the rear end in line for the power output on that bike, especially for sand tracks and rough straights.
My only concern is how it would react in rutty conditions; would it cause the bike to cross rut more and not follow a rut, or stand up more in rutted corners? This bike doesn’t have any headshake when coming down from speed, so it doesn’t need any help there.
Thanks!
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GalagaOnMYArm
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11/15/2020 12:33pm
I always used to run one on my RM 125 (the headshake and swap on that thing was crazy!). You can always turn it down. I think it would be a great addition to any 500.

As far as in the ruts, that's where a damper really shines and is one of the main reasons that you want to run one. Think of it this way, it slows down the adverse effects from cross rutting and makes everything happen in a slower, more controllable way. Basically letting you recover instead of being thrown. I'm always surprised more people don't run them in MX. I'm pretty sure it's because factories don't run them because they don't want their brands bike to appear to "need" them.
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GalagaOnMYArm
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11/15/2020 12:34pm
BTW as a long time racer from CT, you want one in any tight woods riding 100%.
chasetwo79
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11/15/2020 1:06pm
You can just turn down the resistance when you are on the track and it’s great for off road chop when you ramp it up. You won’t be harming your track riding or fun in anyway if that’s your part time goal.

If you want to Moto more than off road, that’s another story.
BikePilot
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11/16/2020 6:09am
I like them on a MX bike. I started running one for Mx almost 20yrs ago when I couldn’t get my 01 CR to not head shake without killing its ability to corner. The damper calmed it down with no adverse impacts other than a little weight.

The Shop

Skerby
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Mayes County, OK US
11/16/2020 6:46am
They used to be popular with the vet guys at my local track growing up. I would ride these guys bikes occasionally and I could hardly tell. Might feel a little weird if you're doing a big scrub or whip but that was not my jam at the time lol.
Stuntman949
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11/16/2020 7:00am
Absolutely necessary on the K5's. Made a world of difference for me. Also the best birthday gift my lady ever got me
Johnny Depp
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11/16/2020 8:10am
Especially helpful on a sand track.
mx510
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11/16/2020 8:14am
I have one on my 2019 KTM350 SXf and will have one on every bike I have from here on out. One of the best mods you can do IMO.
coastie44
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NorCal, CA US
11/16/2020 9:03am Edited Date/Time 11/16/2020 9:04am
I've ridden moto only since 2001 and starting using a damper in 2005. I've had one on every bike since - CRF450's, KTM 350/450, KX450s. I've only had one bike I didn't put one on. I always ride them first and then decide if I want one lol. But it seems I always want one now that I know how they impact my riding comfort. :-)

I should clarify though that I only used a scotts on one bike (the first one in 2005), all others were the GPR v4 which I think became available around 2008 or so.
Joko
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11/16/2020 10:08pm
How does the GPR compare to Scott’s l in performance? I’ve heard of some reliability issues with GPR (that were resolved).
Shiftfaced
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11/17/2020 6:03am
There is not a good reason not to run a damper. As stated above, they help you hold a line, but will also hold the bike straight as you “cross over” any cross ruts.

I did not realize how much they helped until I got used to running it, then I took it off.

Holy shit. Bike felt like steering was “loose”, and just feels like you have to re-focus back closer to the front of the bike, instead of farther down the track.

Just like the Rekluse, they show up in the off-road world, and the MX guys find the utility behind the product, but then hid the fact they are benefitting from a steering damper or Rekluse.

Remember when 4T’s first showed up? If you stalled, you had to find nuetral, pull the “hot start” button, and start kicking, and praying. Good luck in getting it restarted!

Nowadays? You see dudes and bikes cartwheel, they all land in a pile, and half are still running. Pick it up and go. But they run stock clutch covers, because they don’t want their product to project a “need” to be competitive.

Didn’t Honda start running a damper under the front plate?

As far as I am concerned, a damper is required equipment, and necessary as boots and a helmet.

It saves me from a wreck almost every time I ride.

Bonus? It also makes you more confident/faster.

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