Hi Truck11,

I heard the same thing and had the same thought as you.  Having now ridden it (at least so far) it doesn't seem like it really needs a steering dampener, at least for commuting.  I did some freeway 60-80 mph driving and it was solid (way more solid than my 525 with a steering dampener).  I do think that steering dampeners are a neat product and worth it for the dirt and the long-run, but I've got higher priorities for now such as replacing the plastic bash guard.

DRblackbird just picked one up used for about $300.  I'll see if I can get him to post his impressions when installed. 

I've still got to get a pipe, racks, rotopax carrier, bash plate, and shorty levers to pay for!  I commute 60 miles a day.  So Far, even with MT21's the 690 hasn't had ANY headshake.  The WR250R, for all it's vaunted smoothness, headshook at about 75.  If I ever get out west, and plan to ride the dunes, I may look into it.  But until then, I've got more pressing uses for $700.