Wanted, Steering damper generic or to fit 83 seca 550 ideas?

Hey, i was just wondering if anybody here knows where i can get ahold of either a generic steering damper that would work or one for my bike specifically, 1983 XJ550RK Seca

any help is greatly appreciated, thanks

James

 

Just curious, why the need for a damper?

 

take the top triple clamp off and snug down the nuts for the bearings.

dave

 

I'll try that thanks,

 

Whoa up there...

Yes, why? The Seca 550 (especially the '83 with no fairing) is a completely stable chassis and not prone to "headshake" even at speeds nearing 100MPH. Unless there's a problem...

Do you have a fairing fitted?

"Snugging down" your steering head bearings enough to act as a damper isn't a good idea. There ARE steering dampers available that can be fitted to that bike, but I'm wondering why as well.

 

Re: Wanted, Steering damper generic or to fit 83 seca 550 id

repeat

 

well, i havent checked the bearing, it may be loose,
i do have a small ferring, and it does display a bit of head shake around 85-100 mph, occasionally it does it at lower speeds depending on the wind,
this was why i was looking for one.

it's mostly an unstable feeling while changing lanes on the highway

 

aahh. OK. Well, first off, check your steering head bearings for sure.

Have someone sit on the rear of the seat to elevate the front wheel. Crouch in front of the bike and grab a lower fork leg in each hand and see if you can move them fore and aft. Any noticeable play indicates a need for adjustment.

HOWEVER: If you adjust out any play in the straight-ahead position and then the fork binds going from side-to-side, it's time for new steering head bearings.

Once you're sure the steering head is proper, if the symptoms persist, then you need one of these: http://www.oldbikebarn.com/Black-85mm-S ... g-Damper#5
Or one of these; (scroll to bottom of page) plus half the mounting solution:
http://www.mikesxs.net/products-20.html#products

 

Re: Wanted, Steering damper generic or to fit 83 seca 550 id

Where does one find such a wrench that would fit the ring nut, if one wished to take up a little slack in the steering head, after applying a small amount of lubricating grease to the bearings found there? :roll:

 

I'm curious on the best mounting solution,

there's a threaded hole with a dummy bolt in it on the lower triple clamp, i was talking to some guy who had one of these when they were new and he bought an OE accessory steering damper that bolted on.

so either i could bolt it on there, and on the frame somehow on the other end
or use the fork clamp in the second link.

what do you think?

 

Re: Wanted, Steering damper generic or to fit 83 seca 550 id

Windshield


Bolt on the lower triple clamp



Side View

 

i have a oem damper for a 750 seca, i think they were part of the fairing package (pics later)
if your bearings are good and the swingarm is good maybe look to the tires
tires with a center groove seem to be prone to what you decribe

 

steering bearings are fine...

i guess i'll get one of those dampers