Whats a Tank Slapper?
Richard #230, Marty #436, Noel, Iceman #975 December ’01 Tank slapping refers to the wheel (and attached handlebars) swinging violently from side to side, due to a harmonic reaction to steering input or poor mechanical condition. Steering dampers were developed to prevent this problem (that can get you killed). I had a 1985 R80 that I converted to an R100RS. If the steering bearings got a bit loose and you hit a rock while leaned over, or if you took one hand off of the bars at around 40 mph to reach the reserve tap, it would result in a tank slapper. I thought I was going to die a couple of times. The front wheel left skid marks on the pavement, as the wheel turned at 45 degrees to the direction of travel, while the bike ploughed ahead. Fortunately, I was able to stop the bike without falling over, or getting hit by an oncoming car. I am now anal about steering bearing tension. (I also noted that my R80 rear shock was longer than the later R100RS bikes. I think BMW reduced the rake of
