Notice about GSXR Ohlins dampers (stock replacements)

[Bryant]

This is a report Kim Nakashima (AMA racer and Hawaiian Fast guy) regarding a steering damper failure he had with the Ohlins damper mounted in "stock" position where the original damper was located. Just wanted to give you guys a heads up since I know someone here has one mounted exactly the same way on his GSXR600.


---begin paste---
Don't know how common this is, but..

I have my Ohlins steering damper mounted in the stock location on my '02
GSXR1000. During a race in Hawaii, I got a "medium" sized tank slapper,
that turned into a BIG one. I didn't fall, although I thought I was going to. Funny enough, no one passed me since they didn't want to run me over! My bike was very tank-slapper happy for the rest of the race. Afterwards, I found the problem. On the clamp that goes around the steering damper body, there is a heim joint pressed in. The heim joint pulled out of the damper body, or rather, the damper body came off of the heim joint. The heim joint bolts to the frame at the steering head. When it came apart, the damper was basically hanging down, only attached at the fork leg.
Before my next race that day, I was able to 'press' it back in, and I used a large washer to keep that from happening again. Maybe a freak accident; but 5 months later, the exact same thing happened to fellow racer Garry Combs on his GSXR600.
Will it happen to you? be careful!

--Kim

---end paste---

[gsxr57sd]

thanks for the info, I have mine mounted the same way. Im kinda scared now, I better check mine out.

[speedster1219]

i dont want to borrow your bike anymore...

[gsxr57sd]

Anyone want to buy an ohlins damper? ehh em Carlos?

[GPTECHMAN]

damn mine is the same way
figure that this is the first instance of hearing this...not worried

[GPTECHMAN]

especially since I have too much damn karma

[CjrJAM]

Originally posted by GPTECHMAN
especially since I have too much damn karma
let's not talk about karma....

[GPTECHMAN]

lol...what the hell is that supposed to mean????

[deathblow]

Can you switched to a top mount?

[GPTECHMAN]

I think I would have to get the bracket right? also Im not sure if the damper would be the right length..

[Bryant]

Some more info from AFM list:
*the question was raised if Kim set the damper correctly in terms of travel from lock to lock position. Also the possibility of the damper being used as a "steering stop" was also raised which could have caused the failure. Here is Kim's response:"

Good points from everyone. I have been using Ohlins dampers for 5 years
now, on several different bikes a(including at least 6 GSXRs). This was
the first and only time it happened to me. I just found it odd that it happened to Garry within a few months of it happening to me. the dampers were probably purchased within a year of each other. It was definitely NOT being used as a steering stop in either case.

----- Original Message -----
From: <redspider@redspidervideo.com>
To: "AFM Clubracing discussion group" <afm@micapeak.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 7:21 PM
Subject: RE: re ohlins damper


> Just to settle the nerves of those running Ohlins dampers a little. I
> have been running an Ohlins damper on my GSXR750 for more than 2
> years. I haven't had any issues with it at all. I have been very
> happy. I should add that I have not serviced it in that time either.
> Tsk tsk...I know. I'm sure that Kim is a pretty experienced mechanical
> for as long as he's raced. Whatever the cause for the issues Kim and
> Alex have experienced, Vic makes a good point. Anyone running a
> sliding rod type damper should always double check the travel in both
> directions before tightening the mounting bolts. Dampers are not meant
> to be used as steering stops. I had a similar problem with more than
> one Hyperpro coming apart. I'm pretty sure I mounted it properly.
> Anyway, keep in mind that dampers become very dangerous when they go
> bad or are improperly mounted.
>
> Bobby Parizi
> AFM 907
>

[deathblow]

I greatly respect Kim's know-how and experience. He is also an avid RC fan and has actually raced them also on the AMA Superbike level. He is a very knowledgeable guy and his warnings should be heeded.