This “magic wand” calms your machine! The Performance Damper can reduce fatigue on long trips! (Part 2)

The Performance Damper developed by Yamaha Motor Company is an item that has been attracting attention in recent years, with the number of compatible bike models increasing significantly. The product is marketed by Y'S GEAR for Yamaha models, and by ACTIVE for other manufacturers, with the exception of some models. Let us explain in detail what effect this short stick attached to the frame has and what kind of riders it is recommended for!

Increased stability, not just for Yamaha riders!

For motorcycle Performance Dampers, Yamaha and Y'S GEAR cooperate on the development as stock accessory parts for Yamaha models, while Y'S GEAR also supplies dampers and technical data to ACTIVE, who develop Performance Dampers as aftermarket parts for non-Yamaha models. Mr. Yohei Suzuki of Y'S GEAR's Development Department explains the reason for entrusting the development of Performance Dampers for non-Yamaha bikes to ACTIVE: "We wanted to make this wonderful technology available to non-Yamaha owners as well, so that everyone can enjoy motorcycle life even more."

Mr. Toshiki Mori, also from the Y'S GEAR Development Department says, "the Performance Damper is attached to the frame via a bracket, so we chose a position that would not interfere with the rider's legs while riding and would allow the damper to exert its full potential, while also looking cool. Performance Dampers are all the same length, but there are several different types with different damping force settings, and the characteristics vary depending on the thickness of the bracket, making it a challenge to find the right balance during development."

Incidentally, one of the comments that Yamaha and Y'S GEAR have received from users is that fuel consumption seems to go up after installing the Performance Damper. Of course, this damper does not affect engine performance in any way, and the increase in weight is only about 1kg at most, so it is unlikely to have a negative effect on fuel economy. Therefore, the development team hypothesizes that the increase in ease of riding due to reduced vibration and improved stability naturally leads to bigger throttle opening. So, the increase in fuel consumption is proof that the damper is working!

One bolt collar can change the performance!

Performance Dampers compatible with non-Yamaha models are currently being developed by ACTIVE (products marketed under brands other than ACTIVE have been jointly developed with ACTIVE). Y'S GEAR chose ACTIVE because of the variety of their own original brands and their extensive system for development, as well as the fact that they have a division dealing in suspensions, which are similar in structure to the Performance Damper. In the initial stage, Y'S GEAR shares the data and technology necessary for development with ACTIVE. For the products to be marketed by ACTIVE thereafter, specifications such as the damping force to be used and the mounting position and shape of the bracket are determined by ACTIVE, and the bracket and other components are also manufactured by ACTIVE.

Mr. Tomonori Uda, who is the head of the Suspension Development Department and a senior engineer at ACTIVE, explains the process of developing a new Performance Damper as follows.

"First, based on our knowledge and experience, we consider the position of the bracket on the frame, create two or three candidates, examine them, make a prototype, and then, since we can roughly predict the damping force for the bracket shape, we install the unit and start riding. From there, however, it is a process of repeated trial and error. We change the thickness and shape of the bracket, the damping force of the main unit, and so on, looking for the best balance. Since this is a product that is evaluated not by numbers but by the way the rider feels, we sometimes try things out to the point where the effect is too strong, and then go back and adjust the settings. It can take at least two months to complete one model due to repeated prototyping and road tests."

Incidentally, when attaching the bracket to the frame, collars are added to the bolts, and according to Mr. Uda, "even the material of the collars can change the ride quality." For example, aluminum alloys have higher vibration absorption properties than steel or stainless steel, so the effect of the damper will diminish. Through repeated detailed testing, ACTIVE's in-house knowledge of Performance Dampers continues to increase.

So, how does the ride quality change when a Performance Damper is installed?

There are two main effects that can be experienced when a Performance Damper is installed. One is the reduction of vibration transmission and the other is the improvement of handling stability. When tested on a Honda GB350S, a show model built by ACTIVE, the damper reduced vibrations transmitted to the palms, buttocks, and soles of the feet when blipping the throttle while stopped. In the case of the GB350S, the vibration level is quite low for a single engine from the start, but even so, it is amazing that you can feel the difference. You can imagine it as the vibrations being smoothed out. The GB350 engine, which already has a smooth pulse, becomes even clearer.

The effect of vibration reduction is also felt while riding, but what is even more noticeable is the difference in handling. The test bike is equipped with Hyperpro front and rear suspensions, which allow for more flexible and agile turning than in stock condition, but the installation of the Performance Damper has also added a sense of calmness. Since this test ride was conducted on a racetrack, the rider intentionally rode up on the curb while cornering, and with the Performance Damper installed the erraticness in handling was quickly resolved!

Actually, I, the author, have also experienced the effect of Performance Dampers made by Y'S GEAR and ACTIVE on several occasions, and the tendency is the same for all models: the bike moves in a slightly relaxed way in response to the rider's input on corners, and this can be perceived as a sense of stability. Also, I feel like straight-line stability increases, and the sense of security and comfort when cruising at high speeds also tends to increase. Although "relaxed" may sound negative, in reality, many models are able to trace the target line more easily due to the calmness of the handling.

On the other hand, the agility of handling tends to decrease slightly, so this is not a part that is originally suited for racing use. However, during the test ride, it was discovered that it might work in wet conditions. In situations that require more careful handling, the stability provided by the Performance Damper can be a big advantage.

Especially for mid to high-speed cornering, the bike will feel a little heavier at the beginning of a turn, but this is not a problem on the street, and since it doesn't significantly increases weight or affect the operation of the handlebar, there is no problem in maneuvering at low speeds or pushing the bike. Conversely, it is easy to stabilize the bike on bumpy mountain roads or unevenly paved freeways, so you can ride with peace of mind. Excellent straight-line stability is achieved, and the behavior of the bike is less erratic even when there is an unintentional sudden input.

The synergistic effect of reduced vibration and improved handling stability also leads to reduced fatigue, especially when riding long distances. This is one of the benefits of the Performance Damper which can only be experienced by installing it on your own bike. For riders who want to relax and enjoy long-distance touring, this "magic wand" will support you well.