After a long break, a return to 'Bonneville Farkles' with a sexy steering damper for the Scrambler... a great item from TEC Bike Parts..easy to fit and an effective upgrade too. www.tecbikeparts.com
Cool addition! Btw, I really like your workshop practice details such as your discussion about when and where to use anti-seize as well as torque settings, etc.
Byron Anderson Hi Byron, good to hear from you as always, the detail is kinda essential because, usually, workshop screw ups and catastrophes are arrived at by small errors, like putting Locktite on the wrong bolt and in the future you snap it off! ...or more dangerously, putting Anti-Sieze where you should put Locktite and it falls off on the road! ... making these videos on technical subjects comes with a fair amount of responsibility... to put people in the right place for not only our own credibility, but far more importantly, the safety of our viewers... I think someone clever and famous once said something like, with great trust comes great responsibility...
When I first fitted myn it was a strange feeling, even on the lowest setting. Definitely improves any wobble that used to be there and almost forces you to lean further, Great bit of kit!
Looking nice, a little bit of subtle gold bling against a black bike always gets my vote! Good comments below as well, learned a bit there, might consider one for the B12.
Hi, thanks for the clear explanation, have now mounted the steering damper myself on my triumph scrambler, and it works fine, like all TEC gear. Am a Fan of your videos
Hi Marc, Howzit?, so good to hear from a fellow biker from my homeland... hope its warm and sunny where you are, thank you for your support my friend, its good to hear from you.. Del.
Oh I didn't realize you are a Saffer Del :-) , that's lekker to hear. I went the other way, being originally from Belfast in Northern Ireland, and yes it it sunny and warm here in Benoni. Take care, and ride safe my Bud.
hdfatboy329 It sure does calm the front end down, they are front end light and with a 17" front wheel now, it does make them a bit skittish... an improvement that far outweighs the money it costs... thanks for watching!
Excellent Del!!! ... I have been looking at buying one of these for a while now. I have been meaning to read more about them. That's a good price too, most of the dampers I see are over $200.... Great timing!! Thanks!
fivefootsixtriumph Get stuck in mate, this is a great addition to the bike as these bikes are all about pushing a low powered engine as hard as you can! You're better spending your money on handling advances than cams!
Hi del/penny just a quick line to let you no the vid fitting a damper to Triumph Bonneville was a great, i fitted one to my trike and what a difference it made the bikes stability great and for me my heart rate has come back to normal no more tank slap regards from Bob
Hi Bob, thats great news mate, we love it when a video can help solve a problem... and i just LOVE trikes, to its a pleasure to help mate.... Ride safe.. Del.
Thanks. Watching this made it a 15 minute install and I feel confident I did it correctly. I had the norman hyde one, but it was exactly the same. The part about tightening the one bolt before putting in on, I forgot and had to unbolt to get to. had I paid attention to that detail, it would have been less than 10 minutes.
Hi Rich, glad the video helped you, and I never mind when I have those situations like yours, where you have to undo something and do it again.. it's a great way to drum it in to yourself so you never forget it lol ! Glad it worked for you, have a great weekend!
+Conrad Ulysses Trybus Talk wuth George at TEC and see if he does a bracket for your bike, they may be able to help, otherwise yeah, just fab up a mount to clamp round the frame down tube.. the front mount should fit the bottom yoke as they are pretty universal... good luck with it buddy.
Great vid as always fella, not sure if I told you about the time the misses and I went to the toby and there was a father and son parking their bikes as we came out. As we past their bikes I noticed red nail varnish on all the pre-check bolts and had a chuckle..
GTs Garage Oh my god, the madness is spreading lol! I only hope the gay pride guys don't get wind of it, or we'll have gangs of groupies outside the garage door all waving pink dusters ...
Nicely done and well explained, as I've come to expect. I have made a note of the word 'bodgery' which I will use later in conversation and impress my friends
Duncan Hesketh If you wanna impress them just a little bit more, bodgery is acutally a proper word.. it is the old word to describe the art of wood turning, making plates, bowls and chair legs in a lathe with special chisels... bet you didn't know that lol !
I'm a time served turner and during my apprenticeship, many many moons ago, had a go on a bodging lathe. The real old style foot operated contraption. I was bloody useless!!! and it was damn hard work. What a relief to get on a properly powered centre lathe. Its a pity you're so far away from me cos even though I'm now a dozer operator I've still got my lathe in my shed and make all sorts of life savers for me and my motley crew. Thank you for your videos mate they are most certainly life savers !
too right! and long may it continue, my mission today is to swap a set of custom made spacers for a front mudguard and side panel re spray. Its sunny too........magic
Hi Del yet another corking vid. I was particularly interested in how you set up the steering damper to achieve the lock stops on both sides. I never thought of that when I did mine - but I'll be doing it tomorrow !!!!
David Jebson Hi David, good to hear from you Sir! Back when I worked in a bike shop for a living, I lost count of the amount of bikes that came in to stock with dampers where the piston ram itself was forming one of the lock stops... just loosen off the pinch clamp that holds the damper body and let it find it's own level by turning lock to lock, then move it a little more so you have 5mm clear each end... easy !
Moonfleet41 Hi Del I've just checked my TEC steering damper that I bought maybe 3-4 years ago and unfortunately for me it doesn't have a pinch clamp on the cylinder like your does -:(. So they must have evolved the design.
Moonfleet41 Don't seem to be able to post a pic so the only relevant difference is that mine doesn't have an adjustable clamp it just has a fixed attachment
Hi del would you recommend the blue hydrolic lifr or the slightly bigger red one that you use. As regards the large table lift can this be stored up against wall when flattened. Ta Ian.
I have a '22 SS 900. Just went over 100 miles. At freeway speeds, 60 plus MPH, it feels like the handlebars are oscillating, like its just on the verge of high speed wobble. It's unsettling. I've had the front wheel off the ground and could not identify any play in the neck bearings but the front end feels very "loose" as in turns very easy, for lack of better term. Air pressure is right. It has those Metzlers that came stock and there's no rain grove in the pavement where I've ridden. This steering damper is the trick?
Thanks for this video, very helpfull, as always ! Theses TEC pieces looks really good. It's a shame in Switzerland I have to install only homolgated parts (so it's a no-go for TEC parts :-( )
Boris Berthet Hi Boris, i have heard about the rules in Switzerland...i guess keeping a country as beautiful as yours looking that way...means a few sacrifices... shame aye..
Moonfleet41 Like you said. We're not a country with the "motor culture". Even, race tracks are forbidden only because of an accident that happend in something like the 1929's... Anyway, while we're here, what do you think about this piece : www.freespirits.it/en/component/virtuemart/transmission/triumph-classic-models-dinamic-chain-tensioner-reddet.html?Itemid=0 Thanks
Boris Berthet I love that chain tensioner, what a beautiful item... and essential for jacked up Triumphs as the deeper angle of the swing arm causes a great variation in chain slack and at 200Euros, it looks good value too!
Moonfleet41 Have you already installed one or planned to do it ? I was undecided about this item versus the whole belt conversion. But in the end, I prefere the chain as it won't snap one day on the road (except if the PO closed it with a quick-release clip instead of riveting it... true story!) For reference, here is the belt kit at "only" 685€ : www.freespirits.it/en/component/virtuemart/transmission/triumph-scrambler-thruxton-belt-drive-conversion-kit-blackdet.html?Itemid=0 The main questions I had for them (partially answered) was how to check the chain slack if the tensionner is applying tension onto it. I know it's not to have longer mileage between each chain service (tension for instance), but all of this seems unclear to me. In the end, I think I'll order it and use common sense by myself :-)
Boris Berthet Hi Boris, there is no chain slack with a tensioner... the tensioner keeps the chain tensioned all the time! But as it is spring loaded, it only places an acceptable maximum tensioning force upon it so that when the swing arm arcs upwards and downwards the chain remains the same tension....
Hi Del, I noticed in one of your newer videos that the scrambler no longer seems to have the steering damper fitted. Wondering if there was any particular reason you removed it? I've recently bought a Thruxton and thinking of getting a damper coz it's a bit twitchy through corners, so would love to know how yours held up long-term. Thanks for the fantastic vids you guys do 👌
hi David.. Since this video, the bike is now severely lowered from its original Scrambler ride height, and now rides on soft compound sports bike tyres 180 rear and 120 front... so it simply has no need for a damper as its totally planted now.. bit it did make a difference to the scrambler when it was taller and on knobblies..
I just finished installing the TecBike damper to my 2013 Mag Wheel Bonny. I installed on the left side per your video because I also have a key relocation kit on the right side. But I rua into installation problems. The bracket TecBike sent in the kit is shaped differently than the one in your video, more of a right angle so that it comes back across the oil cooler. The kit came with 40mm bolts and 10mm spacers. I had to change those out to 50mm bolts and add another 10mm spacer. It installed but the bracket is still coming up very hard on the side of the oil cooler. I am concerned about it. I should probably add yet more spacer to the setup. Kinda Mickey Mouse and I will be contacting TecBike USA.
Excellent tutorial, a question please, looking to fit a damper on my 2016 Speedmaster, will this particular damper from Tec bike fit wit crash bars fitted? Thanks
I don;t know the answer to that mate, i haven't tried to fit on in that way... maybe drop the guys at TEC a line and ask, they;re always happy to help.
Thanks for the great video. I have a new 2017 T100, and am a newbie rider and am a fairly careful rider. Do you recommend fitting a damper? or is it overkill for me at this stage of my learning?
Hi Ali, you certainly don't need it as a matter of course, because the Triumph's don't tank slap, or handle badly, but if you're experiencing those problems with your riding, then it's an option... if you aren't, then it won't make much difference to you... ride safe!
Del i have a 2018 Triumph T120 does the Damper help on the wobble , I have a small wobble at certain times when riding, the bike has 5500 miles, tires are GOOD and everything else is good and tight. THANK YOU GIOVANNI
Hi Giovanni, it will help a little if you have a constant problem, if your tyres are good (which is the common cause), then it could just be road surface or maybe tyre pressures, but if you say they're all good, then a damper can make a difference and really help... why not give it a try!
I had this question long time in my mind: would it be a good idea to install damper on cruiser, like triumph america? Would that make any significant difference? There are opinions that because of the angle of the front fork - bike simply always goes straight. My issue is low speeds, where I do feel steering is a bit too light. As well as, during braking on "not that good" surfaces (if wheel gets locked where there is no friction) - steering gets voble. your view please? (TEC has created one of those for america/speedy as well)
Alex Pol Hi Alex.. its sounds like a sterring damper would be a very good idea for you.. if you get low speed wobble, and the frotn feels a bit light, this can calm it down and help you keep control.... the damper comes with a variable setting, so you can make it veyr hard, or almost not there...this way you can fine tune your handling to get it best for you... call TEC from thier website and ask if they can supply for a Speedy or America.. good luck with it sir, all the best.. Del.
Wonderful video. Thanks. I have a 2014 T 100 , If tec will ship to US. I will order one at once. I was looking at a damper from Norman Hyde. Now I will order one from tec. Is Norman Hyde a reputable source or would you suggest another company for more cosmetic parts.
Hi Del love all your videos mate really infomative.. Can you recomemd one for a Mk 1 B 12 please.. and if i need a fork clamp. and what size... had a quick look on Ebay but not sure... Cheers Kev ..
+Kevin Harris Hi Kev.. thanks for your kind comments buddy... there is no specific damper for a B12, the best thing to do is look at the sites like M&P accessories, and "Just Bandits" and see if they offer one for your bike... the damper itself will be a universal unit, its just a hydraulic plunger after all... and the fitting kit will be specific for your bike.. .so see what they offer.. its all about budget, you can get a really good value one like this, of spend silly money if you like on something like an Ohlins... its your choice..as for a fork brace.. your B12 already has a fork brace.. its the flat plate on top of the mudgaurd, so you dont need one buddy..
+Moonfleet41 Cheers Mate . will take a look. Didn't want to spend a lot though. so Ohlins defo not in my plans lol ..was thinking more like the price of the one you're fitting on here,, ps it's not the fork brace it's the fork clamp, the one that goes around the fork leg what the damper fastens to.. just wondered what size the clamp would need to be .. thanks again for your time getting back to me so soon. cheers Kev ..
+Kevin Harris Oh i understand, ok, if you search for a damper kit for your bike it will come with all the needed parts, including tge clamp...no need to source that seperatley mate... Good luck with it. Del
Ya know I look at that set up and just cringe thinking about a left Knee impact, on a come off, even though I have SAS-Tec armor. Just my thought. I have seen a lot of different styles of those Dampners. Thoughts?
navythomas8 God, you really do find the worst in everything dont you Tom....the damper sits under the curve of the tank, you cant even see it in the seated position, its miles away from you..... to hit your knee on it you would need a 'curved left femur so long it made you 8 feet tall'..... honestly buddy... live your life and happy up..!lol
Wow Del It was just a comment from my observation of your video. Understanding that the Video never gives the true Representation of the distances. Why do you think I was trying to find the worst in the video? Did you not notice the Question Mark at the end? I did not see you sit on the bike to demonstrate it. If you would have I doubt I would have made such a comment that Pissed you off. Accept Questions without trying to find fault with it.
navythomas8 Find Fault?....Tom mate, you've made two comments on my videos since you told us all in England to FRO and unsubscribe....the first you told me the chain mail would be a rattle trap, and now the damper is a knee risk..?... and im finding fault am i?... honestly Tom, you always see the worst in things where nobody else does..! just sayin..!
I have a 125cc scooter and is showing the waving problem... I am thinking that this device could stop the problem... yet the scooter outer body (skin) may make it impossible to be added
There's another new word for the dictionary - nocklut, love it and great vids too, thanks Del. Wee question please, a breather pipe on my Bandit 1200 is full of water, is that normal? James.
James McCreadie Hi James, if it's the breather pipe from the top of the clyinder head that goes backwards to the air box, then, yes, they puke moisture out all the time, and if you run them away from the air box and in to a catch bottle you'll notice that what comes out looks like the bike has a bad case of flu! It's like a wet, snotty, grey porridge.........it's caused by a combination of hot breather gases, vapourised oil fumes and condensation... quite normal mate, I used to empty my catch bottle once every two months and what came out smelled like hell on earth, but it shows it's breathing correctly at least!
Moonfleet41 thanks Del, so should that bung be on it! it's not breathing then, you would have thought. I suppose the catch bottle would stop all that gunge going alloverthebit! I'll have to look into this and rig up something, thanks for your time Del, very grateful, James.
James McCreadie I think you are talking about the one that comes out the bottom of your air box, the bung is in there to stop it spewing all over the road and spoiling the environment ! ...and it is intended that you take it out periodically (at service time usually) and drain it... but as I said, I just ran mine straight in to a catch bottle to stop the air box filling up with snot and making the air filter damp...!
Daniel Wilson Some threads will shake loose so the designers fit lock nuts and spring washers, or prescribe Locktite... and other threads can corrode due to the environment they are in, such as heat, rain and filth and metalurgic reactions, like steel in to alloy, and here you obiovusly use anti-sieze, or copper slip.... any mechanic will know which is the correct route to take through just assessing the situation the faster it's used in....
+TomJunWing Difficult to diagnose such a thing on email... but at least check your tyre pressures and the tyre wear to make sure all is healthy up front...
@@Moonfleet41 the reason I asked is because they don't have one on offer for the interceptor and I saw the mounting is almost the same as I saw in your video.
+Eric Loiselle Hi Eric, any steering damper has to connect the steering head with a fixed point to stop it moving... so the usual thing is it connect one end of the damper to the frame, close to the head stock, and the other end to the bottom yoke...making sure that it has a full sweep of movement and doesn't touch anything... hope that helps.. Del.
Yes but I was wondering to anyone who knows mounting position on the 83 cb650sc it's hard to do where the video did because my oil cooler is in the way
+Eric Loiselle Are you asking about a factory standard damper, not sure if i remember that bike, and different countries have different spec anyway..!!
+Moonfleet41 lol no this bike is too old for that, hmmmm no you see, I'm looking for an aftermarket damper, I don't think I can put one between my fork and frame because my oil cooler is in the way, where can I put one?
+Eric Loiselle Then you may not be able to fit one at all... obviously it has to connect to the forks to damp the steering movement and obviously it has to anchor to a fixed point that doesn't move, perhaps you can become creative with bracketry and find a way of mounting it to the oil cooler mount???? Can't help without seeing the bike mate, it's just a case of being creative !
DukeDyson I wonder if this one would fit, when you slip it out of the fittings, its a simple universal damper with 8 adjustments....i have the dimensions if you need them buddy..!!
Just bought a 30yr old Suzuki GSXR1100.(-91) Well, the steering damper was leaky had seen better days so to speak. Google´d around, but only found either Shorter ones-than-needed, or dampers that cost at least $500. So, settled down on a $14 damper from AliExpress. Only - .. .as I had calculated - it was too short, so welded on a rod to extend it a bit, worked really nice. Dampening Adjustable from "2" to "16", feels really good when trying it out here on the lower settings.. .(indoors..its -10c outside so will have to wait until atleast April/May until I can test it on the road.) Only thing a bit worrying is that it is the damper itself that decides the frontends movement - not the bike´s frame.. The damper seems to miss out about 4mm on each side - right/left :/ Well. Guess that that´s only a bit hampering when at stand-still-manouvering when parking and such.
Nope don't like that, the rod sticking out the back is not right, even though it has a flat end (knob). It's one of the most scariest things I have ever seen. Its been designed to knee cap you in an accident, please take it off! Do you have to take a Damper off for the M.O.T? (for the checking of the headstock bearing ware).
