Steering Damper Comparison: Oem WP Vs WP Apex Pro Vs Matris

[@robertswafford4145]

Every one of your videos are incredible!

[@curtr7403]

Thank you for a great informative video. One of the first things I did to my 2019 Super Duke GT was change the damper oil to 20W fork oil. Was a big improvement but was still lacking adjustability so I went to the Hyperpro RSC and love it. I recently mounted a Hyperpro on my 2023 Super Adventure S, similar results, love it. I have a Scott’s on my 1090 Adventure R and I actually prefer the Hyperpro since you don’t have to move your handle bars. Keep ‘em coming. Love your channel.

[@superduked33]

I've only heard good things about the Hyperpro. Thanks for the props

[@MotoBreno]

Hey Go Go, Great info tkx. Ages ago you kindly suggested 15W in my (street/canyon) Gen 2 OEM dampener. I was finally just about gettin' to do it, then you released this. Looking forward to the followup 🙏

[@superduked33]

I'll do it I promise

[@javasoldier5926]

nice, love your approach - no marketing but pure experience!

[@superduked33]

Thank you. Especially for not telling me I say damper wrong.. :-)

[@darelfrancis1981]

Very good demonstration setup and LOL on the adjustable APEX dampner. D.F.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Steering dampener: Use water. Water works best. Makes it as wet as can be. Steering damper: Use medium viscosity oil and cram it through a small orifice. It really slows motion in an appreciable way. 😆 On a serious note, a good damper should be able to be relatively minimal in motion interference at slower velocity steering actions, but progressively ramp up to strong resistance when steering motion velocity is high (such as during a tank slapper). Should be sensitive to low and high speed motion (like a quality rear shock is).

[@dizzicz]

This. I was thinking if quick returning movement is not damped more. However that quick action damping is probably better. In reality Matris could be just basic damper with constant resistance, while WP could be more sophisticated with different slow and fast valves. I need to look into some videos where they are opening them.

[@dizzicz]

For reference. At a time 6:28 in a video: "Steering Damper | A complete in-depth look | Types | Tank Slapper | Death Wobble | Q&A format" there are two graphs - linear a exponential types of dampers.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@ For most of the time riding, we don't need our steering to feel like we're trying to un-stick a rusty lug nut with a T-bar wrench. The main deal with speed wobbles is high velocity motion and that's really what needs damped the most. That can be accomplished with velocity sensitive valving, the sort of stuff used on 4-way shocks. Of course it costs more. There might be a scenario where stable steering is favorable with low speed movements, like drag racing or weaving cars on the interstate at 190 mph while action cam is filming your progress (you know, for clicks and views) 😆 The main course of action, like he said, is to get the chassis geometry figured out and set up the suspension properly to prevent the conditions that set off wobbles in the first place.

[@superduked33]

I grew up on the water. Salt water, which is even better than tap water. Only downside is sand in your shorts.. I agree 100%. I think the Hyper Pro dampers come in standard or progressive. That would be cool to test.

[@superduked33]

I've used the Apex Pro at full tilt around Buttonwillow. My feel reflects what this very basic test showed too - slow or quick there's not much there. That's why I ditched it.

[@Chris-p5f4v]

Great fix for my 1390 was to replace the oil in the damper to 15w oil. Big difference to standard

[@bringer115]

Me too

[@superduked33]

100%. I did mine myself, and I had no f'ing clue what I was doing. Still came out great. Was a little tricky for me reassembling without letting air back in, but I got it done. And if I can get it done anyone can

[@brusselsprouts6847]

Great video thanks for the testing and info 👍👍

[@JordysWheels]

I've had top end dampers and ebay chinese dampers both of which were actually great. One thing I learnt is that there is an equal and opposite force, a truss like triangular force between the damper, the frame and the steerer. The steering force and also resisting force puts a lot of stress on the steering damper mounting bolts and all attach points over time so it's one to really, A) torque check and B) freeplay check by lubricating eye end bearings to ensure you're not doing any damage over time. This could be partially the reason why KTM and other manufacturers tick the box by installing steering dampers but with no functionality. The more functionality, the higher the reliability concern and these companies try to reduce these concerns as much as they can!

[@superduked33]

That's a valuable contribution right there Jordy. Thank you

[@JordysWheels]

Thanks for reading and responding. You're getting great views from your great content. You must spend much more time responding to people in comparison to people spending time watching your clips. Cheers from a Gen 3 owner in Australia

[@TheSuperpod]

When I got gen3 first hand, it was immediately apparent that the stock damper wasn’t up to snuff. It was early days and the trick with oil wasn’t talked about. I bought Apex Pro and I gotta admit I ran it practically all the way closed, although it did fix the issue for me. It would get lively on occasion but I don’t mind some controlled amount of shake. Your experiment here reflects reality in how they feel and I am very interested how different oil would affect the OEM. Thank you.

[@superduked33]

I will test the OEM damper with oil. Promise

[@mrapplecastle]

I picked up a hyperpro rsc after hearing that the matris might have clearance issues with the radiator. It seems super nice and 100x better than stock.

[@superduked33]

I wish I had a hyper pro to test. If I get my hands on one I will. Good luck with yours

[@mrapplecastle]

@@superduked33 so the hyperpro seems similar to the matris, at fully open its about the same as stock, but fully closed and its a struggle to turn the bars lol. I use it at about 12clicks out of 23

[@stuartcook2576]

Hey great vid there gogo, If u are doing a follow up vid with a re-oiled stocker could u measure what no damper gives , also if I remember your clamp vid correctly the super clamps use tapers but stocks are rollers what factor does this make in this analsys

[@superduked33]

KTM used tapered roller bearings with the first generation SDR as well. They changed to ball bearings in the Gen2 and up. We can only speculate as to why, possibly/probably cost. To me the difference is feel, feedback, confidence. I've raced the same bikes with both and have preferred tapered every time. I don't see how tapered or ball bearings would change the characteristics of steering dampers. Not saying they don't, just saying I don't understand how they would - other than keeping the wheel located closer to it's point of axis. Maybe that could play a role but I don't know how to measure that

[@stuartcook2576]

⁠roller bearings will have I’m guessing a smaller contact area between the race and the ball bearing so hypothetical should have a lower rolling resistance which would prob result in quicker steering (like the damping effect of the steering damper) where as the tappers will smoother but slower as the force is distributed across a greater area

[@bubsiesiegel]

Love the Matris damper. Their cartridge kits and shock's work really nice too. I initially tried to change the oil weight in the stock damper, but found little to no luck. - Hey GoGo, any plan to come out with some super clamps for us Gen 2 boys? 😁

[@superduked33]

I've never seen or heard of their cartridge kits. Now I'm curious. Yes I have started the Gen2 Superclamp journey, but paused it to make a bunch of new products over this winter - which is still going on now. Soon as I recover from this, if I recover from this, I will dive back into the Gen2

[@RobertKehl]

Dammit I have the Apex pro on the 1290r. I have the HyperPro RSC on my 890r duke. Wish that could have been tested. I do want to note that there are to version to the HyperPro. Here’s a description. The HyperPro RSC (Reactive Safety Control) steering damper is a high-performance motorcycle accessory designed to address uncontrolled steering movements like tank slappers and wobbles. It features progressive damping, which reacts directly to sudden steering inputs, offering enhanced stability compared to linear dampers like the CSC (Constant Safety Control). Key features include 22-position adjustability, low-friction components, nitrogen-pressurized reservoirs, and triple-function seals for durability. It is fully rebuildable and compatible with various motorcycles via plug-and-play mounting kits.

[@superduked33]

I'm sure you could get the Apex Pro serviced, and improved. It seems well built, just doesn't dampen much as it comes. FYI, the Apex Pro shock was exactly the same as the damper. We even had three shocks run on a dyno. Then we had the Apex Pro revalved. Once it was revalved it was on par with my Ohlins TTX

[@Brojustride]

Hey go go. I always watched your contents and is very helpful for sdr lovers including me. I'm curious what type of engine oil do you recommend hope you dnt mind my question. I love this engine so I want it to last long.

[@superduked33]

That's a fascinating question. I used the banana smelling Motul for the first time this year. I love the color and the smell, and the feeling that I'm giving my motor the best oil possible. But I had my first Gen3 motor failure this year - lost a rod bearing. I felt it drag and immediately slowed to stop and shut it down, pushed it back to the pits. All the while wondering why the best oil gave me the worst result. Up until I changed to Motul banana oil I used Motorex, like the KTM manual stated. Never had a problem. Go figure..

[@Brojustride]

@superduked33 thank you sir for sharing this. Good luck and have a safe ride season is coming. Bless you always

[@merkel2750]

Project farm is the king!

[@superduked33]

AGREED

[@johanhulle]

Please do a build series with your new 1390!

[@superduked33]

That’s an excellent idea. Thank you

[@sabamacx]

@@superduked33 Please, this.

[@apantelop]

Cool video and comparison! Would have been interesting to do this test with the damper removed completely and also perhaps with a Hyperpro steering damper? Also does Shiv not mind the abuse you are putting on his bike? 😝

[@superduked33]

Of course he minds but he can’t say anything because he didn’t pay for the special anodizing.. :))

[@jakeb92980]

"Very Impressive!"

[@badboyhf2]

Hi, Gogo enquiring about triple clamp, can it be install to 2023 KTM 1290GT, pls to hear Tq Harris from Singapore.

[@superduked33]

I have not combed over the details of the GT yet, but I do have triple clamps from one here. I need to see what has to be changed in order to make some. Email me off superduked.com every day for two months and I'm sure it'll get done.. :).

[@EagleF3F]

I've the Apex pro on the gen3 1290r but it has just 11 or so points of adjustability. I'm on the strongest setting and it's kind of meh.. wish I had bought the Matris. The Super Stops and Links are amazing btw.

[@superduked33]

Maybe you can get the Apex Pro serviced by a suspension shop. I'm sure they could amp up the valving or oil viscosity. It seems well built, just doesn't dampen so much.

[@repsolcbr2543]

Hi Matey Just became a 2020 SDR onwer . I know this is of the topic. Do you know what the front spindle torque spec is manual states 45Nm seems low ????

[@superduked33]

email me off Superduked.com, I'll send you the whole service manual

[@repsolcbr2543]

@superduked33 cheers 🍻 from down under (OZ)

[@supermotodave]

What about the electronic dampeners that come on bikes or Should we always go back to a manual?

[@superduked33]

Sorry I can't speak on them yet. Personally I have never run a bike with an electronic damper. I'm about to run a bike with electronic suspension though! :))

[@rgthomson1]

Great , a good damper for my SDR, then i saw the price and thought, just stick with the head shake

[@superduked33]

🤣😅😆

[@stevie9361]

Just ask project farm to test them lol

[@superduked33]

That's exactly who I was referring to. I love that guy

[@bearrage80]

Ohlins. Always

[@superduked33]

Except when they're not made for the bike you ride.. :)

[@bearrage80]

@ nope Ohlins hahaha

[@K-Mac_Racing_55]

Dampning your suspension, link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn2pfJp9qqqel7ssi=O641CuE8HBz6lQul

[@paulhope3401]

Damper vs Dampener? All the manufacturers call them dampers. For me, a dampener would be a wet flannel. 😂

[@superduked33]

Thanks for the correction. I hope you got more than poor grammar from the effort

[@merkel2750]

@@superduked33he’s right, I don’t want him to be right but there’s nothing I can do about it.

[@paulhope3401]

Just re-read my OP and see why it's probably a bit irritating. Apologies for being a grammer cop. Yes, I got a few things from it, thank you. I'm looking at fitting one to my gen3 MT09 SP so seeing a steering damper comparison is great. However, I think I'm more in the camp of the Hyperpro RSC which increases the damping based on velocity rather than the linear type, which in my mind at least, if turned up high enough, might affect the bikes agility and also change how it falls into corners. Is that something that you have experienced... or could happen?