Steering Dampers

Larry61 - 7/25/2011 10:22 PM

I just purchased a Texas Sidecar (Ranger model) to put on my "05 Suzuki C 90. I'm getting a lot of headshake . I've checked all the alignments and everything looks good. Does anyone know who makes a steering damper for this bike.

Hi Larry, welcome to the USCA Forum. We too encountered a headshake when we mounted the Ranger on our Sportster. I too considered a steering damper, but after following advice on this forum, we reduced headshake to a manageable level by:
1) Increasing the air pressure in the front tire; and
2) Tightening the steering stem bearing.

Do be mindful of road bumps in left hand curves/turns as they can "snatch" the bars pretty hard.

We conquered headshake on both our Sportster and Burgman rig's by installing appropriate "raked" triple trees to reduce trail: Much easier steering, no more wobble every time the sidecar wheel hits a bump, and no more headshake. Relatively expensive, but worth it, and, in my experience, a better expenditure than a steering damper. 🙂

VW Beetle steering dampers are common. Here's a page with a description and a couple of pics.
http://www.sidestrider.com/steering.htm

there is 5 pics on how i put a damper on my wifes c 50 08 boulivard in my album. i dont know how to put them on this post.

when i put the damper on all the shake went away. the side car is off right now but you can see the bracket i made it bolts to the 2 bolts that holds the headlight on. the shock mounts by the front upper strut.

Larry, I'm a big fan of the damper. I started with stock triple trees on my Valkyrie and changed them out to ease steering and reduce shake. Both were significantly improved. I later decided to add a damper, knowing the downside that it would increase steering pressure some, but have been glad for the difference it makes. Where you mount it will impact how much it changes the steering effort needed. If you'll let us know where you are, we might be able to recommend someone to help you.