Test your HESD!

[DG rider]

For those of you who think you might be having problems with the Honda Electronic Steering Damper , Honda has provided a quick self-test for comparing minimum and maximum damping, without riding the bike.

Test procedure is as follows..

Raise and support the front of the bike. Move the steering back and forth several times to get a "feel" for minimum damping.

1. Lower the side stand

2. Shift tranny into a gear other than neutral.

3. Open the throttle fully ( WFO ).

4. Turn the ignition switch on ( don't start the engine ) while maintaining steps 1-3.

The HESD icon on the LCD display should start blinking ( If not, start over ).
For the next 10 seconds, the ECM will set the HESD to maximum damping ( full-stiff ). Compare this to minimum damping. If there is no change, replace the HESD unit.

NOTE: This test will not work if the Malfunction Indicator Lamp has indicated a problem exists in the PGM-DSFI ( MIL is flashing ).

Also note: Some moto-mags have implied that the HESD provides no damping when it's "off". This is not true! Unless the HESD unit is damaged ( IE-no oil, etc ), it always provides a small amount of damping, even with the key off.

Now you can see just how much damping the HESD provides, check to see if yours is working, or just impress your friends with your knowledge of Honda PGM-DSFI's self diagnostics.

[Leonardo629]

good info...thanks!

[EE8]

:thumbup:

[scotman623]

Great info..............THANKS

[hazzyy]

i'm pretty sure mine works...after a good ride on some twisties it sure did heat up alot...i guess that's a sign of it working but i'll try this just be sure...good info...keep it up

[LtcOliverNorth]

nice!

[TLS-RR]

I tested mine the bonehead way.

Lift front end at 60 miles an hour in high wind. As wheel rises cross up front wheel. Begin to slant sideways. Land crossed up wheelie. If no tankslapper occurs then dampner is working!! :lol2:

[hazzyy]

Originally Posted by TLS-RR

I tested mine the bonehead way.

Lift front end at 60 miles an hour in high wind. As wheel rises cross up front wheel. Begin to slant sideways. Land crossed up wheelie. If no tankslapper occurs then dampner is working!! :lol2:

and if it isn't....yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeooooowwwwwwwww.....

TLS-RR "I think I'm going to go test my dampner."

911 Operator "911, Whats your emergency?..."

TLS-RR's Buddy "We need an EMT with a mop and bucket to highway 11"

JFWY TLS...you know...what would suck even more is if the HESD locked up while you were riding the twisties or track...ouch...

[TLS-RR]

Thats about right!! Just happened to be coming back from motorcycle run and this did truly happen to me. But I think I'll try the proper test!!

[Joker45]

Yea the test works. I did it about two weeks ago when my dealer told me about it.