Tank slapper

[bridwell52]

I was out yesterday doing a little spirited riding on a lone country road we always go to. I took a dip in the road about 80 mph and got a little bit of air under me. I felt the front end wiggle like I was not totaly straight when I touched down but she came thru with no problems. This was the first time I had gotten the bike airborn and it was ever so slight. It scared the heck out of me and got me thinking, can a KGT with dual-lever get in to a tank slapper? Does any body run steering dampers on their bikes?

 

David

[Firefight911]

Your bike has a steering damper on it.

 

Any bike can experience a tank slapper given the right circumstance and conditions. Some bikes are more susceptible than others. Geometry of the bike has a lot to do with it as well. Steeper steering head angles, etc.

 

Most important thing here is to NOT grip the bars to tight and not chop the throttle.

[Mister Tee]

In fact TWIST the throttle to unload the front suspension, if you can. And just ride it out. Don't try to fight it.

[lvnvbiker]

Scary as hell when it happens, and instinct is to brake or cut the gas but you have to twist it up hard and ride it out. Any brake or cut in throttle usualy ends up in a bad case of roadrash or worse. I've had it happen before on an early GSXR (86) that I had, and I'll tell you I put some permanent creases in that saddle! Most times they are caused by not having the front wheel pointed straight in line with you direction of travel when you come back down from being airborne or from a wheelie, and a good steering damper helps alot. So far the BMW's I've ridden seem to be well damped and the geometry of them does not seem harsh enough to bring one on easily thankfully.