Author Topic: CR750 steering damper position (Read 7267 times)

lordmoonpie · « **on:** February 27, 2009, 01:00:51 PM »

So, my CR750 frame modifications (from an HRC frame spec sheet) has the steering damper fitting to a tube about 4 inches long that comes out of the frame below the left side of the tank near the cam cover. Problem is, with my "classic" kawasaki type damper, when I mount it and go to full lock on the left, the damper clouts the cam cover.

I don't have another damper to try a different type to see if different stroke or body length would work but then I got to thinking is this even the right place to mount it on a CR750?

I know the Over racing machines mount them somehow under the front cockpit fairing bracket but Over don't seem to sell kits.

Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions (helpful ones

)?

voxonda · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2009, 01:39:33 PM »

Hey Lord,

The original Honda damper did not have a rod thru and thru like the Kawa damper has. On one of my bikes I welded a round piece, with inner thread, off approx. 1.5 " on to the frame, no problem. Though it sits on the righthand side.

Good luck.

Cheers, Rob

MCRider · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2009, 03:30:04 PM »

Mine mounts on the right as well. That is where the hole in my lower tree is. I think later trees had two holes.

I never understood why Honda put it on the right as one must take one's hand from the throttle to adjust the damper (Dunstall). Maybe the early dampers weren't adjustable.

With the engine in place, the damper barely moves as the tree goes lock to lock and does not foul the engine.

Bob and Moon, if not a through rod, how would the "classic" Kawi damper work? And where on the fork on the left side is it connected?

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2009, 04:26:26 AM »

Nice solution I have to say. The Daytona bike clearly has a normal rod damper on the left on it's own bracket but attaches to the fork leg with a more conventional damper ring looking at the photos.

Can you see the Over Racing solution on their bike - up in the front below the left bar...

fishhead · « **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2009, 05:16:14 AM »

I used the typical Kawasaki steering damper and mounted it to the fairing blade and the left fork tube. It is easily accessable when mounted higher and on the left side.

MCRider · « **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2009, 08:58:07 AM »

Left is better. I was going to pay to have mine moved to the left till I realized my lower tree was only drilled on the right. Mine is not a race bike, and adjusting on the fly is not a priority. I'll simply set the throttle drag, make the adjustment and kick off the drag.

Fishhead's looks good. The over racing install looks like the barrel of the damper will swing through a large arc, which is probably not an issue, but doesn't appeal to me.

Mine doesn't swing at all, fraction of an inch maybe. Again probably not an issue, but design elegance. With a large arc, the damping would vary depending on the leverage. On a race bike, that would only be felt in the pits. Mines a street bike and lock to lock will occur much more frequently. Probably REALLY picking nits here.

Are you trying to stay period correct? If not, maybe a rotary? http://www.cbr600f4.com/secondary_pages/scottsdamper_new.htm

voxonda · « **Reply #6 on:** February 28, 2009, 11:10:22 AM »

Of course there are several solutions, but I thought the Lord was looking for a CR position.
Here a pic of the original steering damper without the thru rod.

MCRider · « **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2009, 11:21:25 AM »

Quote from: voxonda on February 28, 2009, 11:10:22 AM

Of course there are several solutions, but I thought the Lord was looking for a CR position.
Here a pic of the original steering damper without the thru rod.

That looks the best, esp for CR. Pictures help.

I'm guessing that CRs probably had lock to lock reduced anyway as many roadracers do.

voxonda · « **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2009, 01:49:40 PM »

Yes, every racebike has a limited lock to lock by rule.

Old Scrambler · « **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2009, 02:32:03 PM »

I've been reading and watching with great interest as I intend to build a CR repilica from a rolling chasis KO with a low milieage motor. The steering damper is the same unit (or most nearly) that was used on the CB92 model and than adapted to the CL72 and CL77 Scrambler models. I recently observed both bikes and dampers on display at the Barber Museum. I have several of those dampers in my garage as I restore the Scrambler models. They are mounted close to the neck so the travel is reduced to about 3-inches at normal lock-to-lock. The CR at the Barber was built by 3M and used the same style (if not the actual part) as on the scramblers. Honda also used the same or very similar dampners on other early models and included them with CR racing kits. The scrambler units have a long rubber sleeve that was not used on some the CR models that I have seen. The attached photos show the Barber Museum CR. Hope this helps........Dennis in Wisconsin

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #10 on:** March 01, 2009, 04:12:20 AM »

Thanks for all the pictures guys - very helpful to see the different options being chosen.

Dennis - if I read right, what you're saying is the original damper is similar if not the same as CL72 and CL77 dampers yes? Do you know how easy it is to get one of those dampers? It could be that my use of the classic style kawasaki damper is just not the right choice?

Old Scrambler · « **Reply #11 on:** March 01, 2009, 11:33:22 AM »

I have a spare in good shape with the rubber boot for $40 plus shipping. Very few CL72 or 77 models were sold in your neighborhood. They show up on ebay from time to time. NOS are very rare and getting pricey. The loop ends are aluminium and are often changed to fit the application. If interested, send your address for a delivered price. Use the email function on this site to communicate.

One other member has already asked for one. I don't think I have any more spares with rubber boots right now but will look for more.

Old Scrambler · « **Reply #12 on:** March 06, 2009, 06:10:57 AM »

I sent the dampeners on Wednesday. My error.........the loop ends are mild steel. The rod end can be removed for easy alterations. I included the small end bushings but do not have usable rubbers for the big end. Good Luck.

fishhead · « **Reply #13 on:** March 06, 2009, 07:24:00 AM »

Quote from: MCRider on February 28, 2009, 08:58:07 AM

Fishhead's looks good. The over racing install looks like the barrel of the damper will swing through a large arc, which is probably not an issue, but doesn't appeal to me.

Thanks, the only "problem" with mine is that it uses up the full stroke of the damper when turned from side to side. When the damper is set on its highest (hardest) position, it slows the steering down so much that it can't be used on the high setting. The 7 position damper has 3 or 4 useable positions on it now. Not really a "problem" at all, but something to be aware of.

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #14 on:** March 06, 2009, 09:35:21 AM »

well, I persevered with the old Kawasaki damper and it now fits, sort of! The attachment to the fork leg is now 2 inches below the bottom triple tree - not sure if that will cler my fairign but I can't check that as it's away for paint. On full lock to the right, I have one millimetre before the damper rod is at full travel and on full lock to the left, I clear the last engine bolt in the cam cover by about two millimetres. Man it is tight!

The final issue with this position (until I get my fairing back) is that the left lock hits the HT lead near the spark plug cap. I can re-route but only with a longer HT lead which then spoiis the symmetry.

So I know it fits just - I'll wait for Old Scrambler's parts to arrive and try them I think - more authentic looking than mine so that's got to be a plus eh?

I have some pics of this damper so must upload them for compelteness sake...

voxonda · « **Reply #15 on:** March 06, 2009, 11:01:10 AM »

Hey Lord,

On some of my bikes I also use the Kawi damper but no problems with clearance, even with a CR Dick Mann fairing.

See if I get a pic with the fairing.

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #16 on:** March 29, 2009, 04:29:24 AM »

Well thanks to Voxonda and particulary Dennis, the Old Scrambler, this is now all sorted and looking good. You can see the straight through style classic kawasaki damper in the first picture. While this fitted the bike it left 1mm of travel in the damper rod at each end. I reckon a vicious tank slapper could take that margin out and leave me with a broken damper at best, worse, a big crash. The through rod also fouled the HT lead to pot #1 so I'd have had to lengthen and re-route the HT lead on that side only and I can't bear losing symmetry for something like this.

So - step in Dennis with his CL77 damper he kindly sold to me and it fits much better being a contained damper as oppose to the through rod of the kawasaki damper. It also gives me 6mm of more travel at each end so is safer, neater and more period looking. See what you think in the second picture?

Thanks again for the opinions and advice everyone - it's what makes this place a great place to hang out

bwaller · « **Reply #17 on:** March 29, 2009, 06:11:43 AM »

Looks good & does tidy-up the package.

Old Scrambler · « **Reply #18 on:** March 29, 2009, 11:29:55 AM »

Thanks for the kind words..........Now let's hear how it works! Only kidding..........take your time and do the job right. From my observations of your build, this ride is going to be sweet! If I ever get to the UK, I'd like to see the bike. I have a voucher for 2 free dinners at the ACE CAFE that need to be used.

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #19 on:** March 30, 2009, 05:11:55 AM »

Ha ha! Thanks Dennis - well I'm close to the start/blow up whatever happens on the day. Just a few more bits to add and paints to get back around 18th April....I must post some update pics on the Ultimate thread too.

D'yo know - I've never been to the Ace Cafe, it's a long way south for me but I'd sure like to try it out one day

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Author Topic: CR750 steering damper position (Read 7267 times)