Greg Bender
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbender
Steering damper replacement
Joe Jump gave me the inspiration to do this based upon the experiences he shared on the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group.
Steering dampers can be quite expensive...and finding the original Guzzi mounting brackets can be difficult. So, I used the following materials:
- One steering damper from MikesXS, item number 28-4008. This is the part that Joe Jump identified. 7 position adjustable in 20 pound force increments. The overall length from tip to tip is 270mm. The maximum stroke is 87mm. The stud is threaded for an 8 mm x 1.25 mm nut. The hole in the other end is sized to accept a 8 mm bolt.
- One 30 mm split collar from McMaster-Carr, item number 6063K22.
- A short length of 3/4" wide, 1/8" thick mild steel; bent in the vice to fit.
- A stainless steel flat washer and stainless steel lock nut to secure the steering damper to the split collar.
- A stock aluminum spacer block (alternatively, a 16 mm long aluminum spacer could be used), 55 mm long stainless steel hex-head bolt, two stainless steel flat washers, and one stainless steel lock nut to secure the steering damper to the bottom of the triple tree plate. Given the 8 mm hole in the steering damper, I secured the damper through the 8 mm threaded hole in the aluminum spacer block. I found this preferrable to sourcing an appropriately sized bushing and securing the steering damper to the 6 mm hole in the aluminum spacer block. I'm sure either method would work.
- Modified civilian turn signal brackets or police turn signal brackets. I made my own modified civilian turn signal brackets from a length of 3/16" x 1-1/4" 304 stainless steel bar. I chose to make my own out of stainless steel because it was cheaper than having my existing - already slightly bent - brackets re-chromed. Only the right bracket needs to be modified, but I created a pair so that they would match visually.
- Important Note: I originally used a 30 mm long aluminum spacer, 70 mm long stainless steel bolt, two stainless steel flat washers, and one stainless steel lock nut to secure the steering damper to the bottom of the triple tree plate. I did this so that the body of the steering damper would clear the civilian turn signal brackets that I have installed. Moving the steering damper that far down allowed it to come in contact with my fender and dent it. Be absolutely sure that you have a minium of 4.5" between the bottom of the steering damper (and all related hardware) and the top of the corresponding point on the fender. If there isn't, then there is a very real risk of denting the front fender.
A view of the entire set-up installed.
The bracket welded to the split collar.
The bracket welded to the split collar.
The bracket welded to the split collar.
The split collar installed.
This is how I secured the steering damper to the aluminum spacer block. Not stock...but works great.
A stainless steel nylon lock nut and flat washer secures the whole mess to the lower triple tree.
View from front...the bottom of the stock fairing extends lower than the bolt head. This is GOOD!
A good look at how I relieved a portion of the right turn signal bracket to clear the body of the steering damper.
The pair of stainless steel civilian turn signal brackets that I created.
The pair of stainless steel civilian turn signal brackets that I created.