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The data loggers that are used on motorcycles are intended to measure the running data during races and when driving on closed courses [1]. These data loggers are small in size, lightweight, and optimized for mounting on motorcycles so that they do not affect the vehicle dynamics. Consequently, almost all of these data loggers are not equipped with the amplifiers and filters necessary for taking measurements from strain sensors. Most of the data loggers that have amplifiers and filters built into them are large in size and cannot be used on a motorcycle while it is being driven because of their poor durability, poor water resistance, and poor dust resistance. However, it is necessary to carry out strain and acceleration measurements when developing a new motorcycle body so that the body strength and motion characteristics can be understood [2][3].

In this paper, we introduce a research of Steering Damper using MR fluid (Magnetorheological Fluid). In recent years, Steering Dampers have been used in motocross races on off road courses. Steering Dampers stabilize the front end of motocross bikes that are used in competitive races held on rough terrain. The advantage of a Steering Damper is increased stability, however hydraulic Steering Dampers give rise to the problem of ‘Heavy Steering’. In order to solve this problem, we used MR Fluid and developed an Electronic Control Steering Damper that does not use a valve like hydraulic damper. The damper design uses “Direct Shear Mode” and features a steering angle sensor built into the damper, which results in easier, smoother steering. To test the effectiveness of our new design, we installed our new Steering Damper on the YZ 450F (Yamaha's competition model). We then asked for feedback from riders both in Japan and overseas.