It has long been NABD policy to recommend a high-quality steering damper, with a large range of adjustment available, as being essential for any rider suffering a significant loss of function or strength in an arm.
A steering damper, adjusted to suite the individual rider, smooths out the sudden ‘snatching’ movement in the handlebars, that can occur when hitting unseen objects, potholes or other unseen hazards in the road, or when traversing uneven terrain when riding off-road.
With correct adjustment it should not affect normal steering to any noticeable extent.
Sadly, cheaper steering dampers generally offer little benefit, and some can even have a negative effect. With steering dampers, you generally get what you pay for.
Rotary steering dampers are often advantageous because they generally require no modifications or welding to the bike, though high-quality rod-and-piston dampers can be equally effective.
In the case of the Africa Twin, the MSC Moto rotary damper is recognised to be pretty much ideal.
Though the NABD cannot officially ‘recommend’ any particular brand or model, for liability reasons, I can say this model has had excellent reports from disabled people when fitted to the Africa Twin. Though we always recommend you do a little research of your own and shop around for the best deal.
If you are resident in the UK, you may be able to get some financial help with the purchase and fitting of a steering damper via the NABD Adaptation Grants system,
