Sidcar - 12/2/2012 7:33 PM
A steering damper for a VW Beetle, the original Beetle that is, is a popular choice and should be easily available.
Sid
That is what came on on a Harley sidecar from the factory. I was told you can pick them up new for about $20.
Just looked at some, 20 bucks to 60 depending on maker. Thanks
Now there you have me. I've never had to fit one and although I've seen outfits with them on I never asked what fittings were used.
Have a look at this it might be of use.
http://www.sidestrider.com/steering.htm
Sid
That one looks very similar to mine.
We have found on the Bonneville as long as you have good solid mounts, no flex in the sidecar or its mounts that a damper is not needed if the alignment is correct. None of the many Bonnevilles we have mounted our M72D sidecars to has needed one. We also make a new from billet triple tree that we usualy run that moves the front wheel forward making for lighter steering, while this will not make a front end shake go away it does make it a lot easier to deal with.
Before I would run a damper on this I would make sure that your mounts are solid, then try changing the toe in setting 1/8 of an inch either way. You may find that you do not need a damper at all.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
The Bonnys and Guzzis don't seem to have excessive trail like most of the Japanese cruisers and many Beemers. We've never had to use an aftermarket damper on either.
With a sidecar as light as a Cozy and a new Bonny the only thing I can think to do is proper alignment and perhaps snugging down the neck bearings so the front end doesn't just flop from side to side.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
jaydmc - 12/3/2012 11:44 AM
We have found on the Bonneville as long as you have good solid mounts, no flex in the sidecar or its mounts that a damper is not needed if the alignment is correct. None of the many Bonnevilles we have mounted our M72D sidecars to has needed one. We also make a new from billet triple tree that we usualy run that moves the front wheel forward making for lighter steering, while this will not make a front end shake go away it does make it a lot easier to deal with.
Before I would run a damper on this I would make sure that your mounts are solid, then try changing the toe in setting 1/8 of an inch either way. You may find that you do not need a damper at all.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
Jay G, Ordered a triple tree for the Bonneville last week from you. The installer put the stabilizer that came with the car on the bike. Never tried it with out it.
jaydmc - 12/3/2012 12:44 PM
We have found on the Bonneville as long as you have good solid mounts, no flex in the sidecar or its mounts that a damper is not needed if the alignment is correct. None of the many Bonnevilles we have mounted our M72D sidecars to has needed one. We also make a new from billet triple tree that we usualy run that moves the front wheel forward making for lighter steering, while this will not make a front end shake go away it does make it a lot easier to deal with.
Before I would run a damper on this I would make sure that your mounts are solid, then try changing the toe in setting 1/8 of an inch either way. You may find that you do not need a damper at all.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
He is talking about the raked trees many of us have told you about. Some trees can be modified and some cannot. On my Harley they cannot be so if I want raked tress I have to buy a hole new set which is not cheap for a person trying to live off $600 a month like I am and that is on a good month. LOL 😉
That is what I ordered, a raked tree from DMC. Saved my pennies and sold a rifle to buy it. I know what you mean on the money, have my 25 years in at the prison and can retire but can't afforf to live on the 1/2 pay right now.
