I want to install a steering damper on this bike. It is a 70-R75/5. After doing some research it seems like the damper should not be attached to the lower part of the front fork below the rubber boot. Is anybody familiar with how this could or should be attached? Does anybody make a clamp that will fit the /5 above the rubber boot. I was going to use a VW damper which seems to be a common selection by many.
I was also wondering if it is advisable to install a small windshiled on the front that is not frame mounted. I know that a /5 is known for tank slap but if attached to a car and damper installed it may be ok. If anybody has experience with this please let me know. The /5 is attached to a spirit of america side car. I would post a picture if I knew how. Will try but no guarantees.
Thanks
Eric
Check the Sidecar Industry Council site. There is info on damper mounting.
If attached to the fork slider (not tube) it should be mounted sso the damper is at a 90 degree angle from the forks for minimum bump steer effect.
The earlier Beetle damper has a longer travel than the later ones 7"+ vs 6"+.
Lonnie
The stock friction damper on a /5 should do okay for you if your sidecar mounting system is okay and no other issues with the bike are creating th eheadshake.
Thanks for that site Lonnie. It has lots of great information As you can see I am still learning.
I a running with the stock /5 damper now. I think it will help make a difference with turns. It may not but I will not know unless I try. That is part of the fun I am finding with owning a hack.
I had a 71 R75/5 with a spirit america sidecar, it just had the friction damper and I really had no problems with it, a little headshake in 1st gear was about it. I did replace the steering head bearings though. The old ones were quite worn. That's a very light sidecar, it was easy to fly the chair!!
