V4 Pikes Peak/rs, Steering Damper, Yes Or No ?

I don’t think a steering damper will change anything. Have you thought about dropping the forks 10 to 15mm through the yokes? That will place more weight at the front but effectively shorten the wheelbase.

I’ve yet to try it on the MTS, but it was a go to mod amongst Tuono riders.

 

I've tracked mine, had it flat out several times, I've found Park straight at Cadwell usually highlights light steering, the KTM SDR1290 I had used to be terrible coming out of the dip, speed wobble at 130+ isn't fun, I had to upgrade the damper on that, I haven't had my PP go light and wobbly at all through there, it's also pretty stable when the front wheel comes back down after after lifting off the ground as it accelerates, so IMO I don't feel I need a damper, but peoples weight, sitting/ riding style etc are all different

 

I've now covered 37k on my PP and I can't say I've ever felt the need for a steering damper, no head shakes or wobbles, always seems pretty well planted, plenty of feedback from the front end, either solo or 2 up fully loaded, standard geometry but after the oem Rosso 4's the only tyre I've used is Angel GT2's.

 

Watching this with interest - been thinking about a PP, but none of the later Multistradas I’ve ridden have had the same level of front end feel & feedback as my OG ‘10 model. Which is why I’ve probably got one of the last one owner 2010s on the planet!

 

I’m surprised the PP doesn’t come with a steering damper as standard, especially at that price level.

I think you’ll find the Dunlops are a huge improvement but as you are well aware the GT’s are for heavier bikes so that may mean even stiffer carcasses. You’ll need to experiment with lower tyre pressures.

Also, you’re probably sitting bolt upright on a V4, (normal) which will transfer pretty much all of your weight to the rear tyre, hence lighter steering.

I found this site recently which was interesting.
You can put your height etc in and it’ll confirm what you must already know about your sitting position. Although you’re slightly more prone with the PP compared to the standard V4. Why not input details of the older Multi you had and compare positions. No prizes for guessing the results.

I’ve done everything I can to lean forward more on my Multi 1200s, therefore moving weight onto the front wheel. Seat on highest, lower bars, and let the forks up through the yokes.

Have to say the upright position is one of my reservations about the V4.

 

One of the problems i found with the V4 was the reach to the bars. The large shape of the tank makes it difficult to get over the front end more.

 

But it doesnt mean you are further over the front, which i think is down to the longer reach to the bars. I sat my V4 next to a V2 Multi at the dealers a couple of years ago (V2 is very similar to DVT in size) and the longer reach to the bars was very noticeable.

The V4 seat doesn't have much room to move back in the seat either.

 

I've not had this issue on my V4 Pikes Peak or RS.

 

It’s amazing how the weight adds up. That’s touching 63 stone of rolling weight. Maybe the GT’s were a good idea.
I’m not being rude, most people never calculate the all up weight but when you think about it flinging 400kg through some twisties is never going to be easy. However, these bikes and tyres deal with it.

Experiment with the pressures, bold move starting at 2.3 bar. Who knows maybe you can bring them down a tad more with the stiffer carcasses. Until you load up of course.

I’m pleased for you that you’re getting more feel from the RS 1V’s. They’ll be my next tyre on my Multi…unless of course I go for the Pikes Peak.

 

I found the Roadsmarts a dull handling tyre , typical Dunlop feel . I’m trying the T33 at this moment and find them very good . Good feel , stable and you can grind out with ease with edges left , the profile is sporty . Main reason is to find a tyre that will last more than 2000 miles before it goes off , think at this moment and 1000 miles in this may be the ones as little wear and no signs of road stress .
I think at this point definate 3 to 3-5 k uk tyre and a 2-5k Euro tyre , think I may have found the solution for me .
These have stiff walls but feel great on the road and grip well , not had one moment on them and have really been trying to make them slide and they won’t . Reached this conclusion with all rider aids set at min to get the feel without intervention. Still great .

 

this thread reminds me of the 1000s of tyre threads, everyone is different ...weight ,height, arm length etc etc... your asking Qs that might be good for 1 but not another, best scenario try it out for yourself and if it works or more likely feels better to you and your riding experience then happy days

 

The suggestion of dropping the front forks is a good starting point, easy to do, free and easy to revert back to default. I done this and made a massive difference, granted not the same model (DVT s/t) but fully loaded and 2up feels alot more planted.