Öhlins Steering Damper BMW S1000RR K46 (2012-2018) SD 038

Engineered to the exacting standards that define the Öhlins name, the SD 038 steering damper brings genuine race-derived stability to the BMW S1000RR K46 — a motorcycle that rewards precise chassis control and punishes anything less. Whether you are threading through fast, sweeping corners on the road or pushing hard on track, this damper eliminates the unwanted oscillations and head-shake that rob confidence at speed.

Key Features

• 68 mm stroke provides a generous working range, allowing the damper to absorb and neutralise steering inputs across a wide variety of riding conditions
• Wide adjustment range lets you dial in exactly the level of damping that suits your riding style, load and surface — no compromise between road comfort and track precision
• Designed for the original mounting position on the BMW S1000RR K46, ensuring a clean, factory-correct installation with no fabrication or custom brackets required
• Suitable for both road and track use, making the SD 038 a single solution for riders who split time between daily riding and circuit days
• Installation instructions included as standard, with Öhlins recommending fitment by an authorised Öhlins Service Centre for optimal setup

Build Quality and Premium Materials

Öhlins has built its reputation across MotoGP, World Superbike and rally raid on the back of uncompromising material selection and manufacturing precision. The SD 038 is no different. Every component is produced to tolerances that ensure consistent, repeatable damping force across the full stroke — not just when new, but mile after mile. The internal valving is calibrated specifically for the S1000RR K46's chassis geometry and weight distribution, so the damper works in harmony with the bike rather than fighting it. The result is a unit that feels planted and neutral at triple-figure speeds, giving the front end the composed, direct feel that the S1000RR's engine demands.

Road and Track Performance

On the road, the SD 038 takes the edge off surface imperfections and the nervous moments that can accompany fast direction changes, particularly at motorway speeds or on cambered A-roads where the front tyre is working hard. On track, it proves its worth under hard braking into tight corners, where an unstabilised front end can generate tank-slappers or cause the rider to run wide. The wide adjustment range means you can soften the damping for a flowing, technical circuit and stiffen it for a high-speed layout — all without removing the unit from the bike.

Fitment and Compatibility

The Öhlins SD 038 is engineered specifically for the following models:

• BMW S1000RR K46 (2012–2016)
• BMW S1000RR K46 (2017–2018)

Mounting position: front, original mount. The actual damper body and mounting hardware may differ slightly from product images depending on the specific model year and mounting configuration.

Specifications