Topic: Steering Dampers? Anyone using one?

[ElCheapo]

I am looking to install a steering damper on the K5. Maybe I am too rough on the bars when nailing it hard but I get a slight wobble between gears and I know this is self induced.

I was looking at the Busa dampers. I think I can fab something in that will work.

[ProTeal55]

Lots of my buddies with vintage/older bikes have run steering dampers on their scoot, with good success.
I have been to the local crotch rocket/jap bike junkyard more than once looking for the perfect one.
I was actually thinking about putting one on my scoot, but I kinda need it back for me to install it

[bwaller]

I've used one on my K3 for thirty years.

[bwaller]

Sorry, should have included this before. It's a NHK brand, seven way adjustable, the same model the early Kawasakis triples used. On the Hondas they don't need to be set-up very snug, just three or four clicks and it helps eliminate any head shake.

[tsflstb]

I've used one on my K3 for thirty years.

How do these mount on an older bike?  I've been toying with a few ideas.

I've seen the rotary type that mount over the triple tree and tie to the upper frame.  This would be nice, but I don't think it would work on these older frames.


There's the sliding actuator that mounts in a similar way above the top clamp.  Is this the type that would work best? 



Then there's the type that mounts to one fork leg (or the lower triple clamp) and the frame.

[ElCheapo]

Sorry, should have included this before. It's a NHK brand, seven way adjustable, the same model the early Kawasakis triples used. On the Hondas they don't need to be set-up very snug, just three or four clicks and it helps eliminate any head shake.

I was gonna say that that looks like the H1 dampers. Those H1's were the scarriest thing without one. At about 90MPH it would give you a ride that no one wanted. Thanks for the input.  

[tsflstb]

Ah hell, you snuck that post in while I was finding pics on the net.

I guess it's like the third pic.  How does it mount to the frame?

[ElCheapo]

How does it mount to the frame?

Good question

[bwaller]

I welded a mount to the frame.

[Uncle Ernie]

Are you worried about a blown tire?  I can't imagine a need, otherwise.

[Terry in Australia]

They work well Tom, all the "Post Clasic Racers" here in Oz use them to tame "Tank Slappers" at speed, and while a taper roller bearing kit and new bronze swingarm bushes will go a long way to curing those drama's, the damper is the icing on the cake, so to speak.

I was extremely lucky to pick up a "Whitepower" damper (not made in Alabama, surprisingly........) for a song on Ebay because the seller didn't know what he was selling, and I forgot to tell him, ha ha! The damper was for a modern sports bike, so i'll have to fab up some alloy brackets, but no biggie, they're very simple to fit, and having had one on my BMW R100RS for 12 years, I can attest to their usefullness. Cheers, Terry.

[Jay B]

Steering Damper? I just put my wife on the back. She not only dampens the steering, but any other high speed fun on a bike also.

Oh, Sorry Dear I meant that in the nicest of ways...................Ouch! Damn.