Steering Dampener?

koonendez

koonendez

Been Around the Block
Can someone explain to me what this is? Is there one already on the bike stock? I've come across this on the sites I'm shopping for parts on and want to know if it's something I should definitely consider purchasing to add on, or if there is already a stock dampener on the bike. Thanks in advance
 
Sorry I don't know much about this. I have a 78 CB550 that's being put back together as a cafe. The bike was completely torn down and I don't remember coming across a dampener. Just wondering if this is necessary or if this is an upgrade for the bike. Hope that helps as far as missing info.
 
Steering dampers are used to damp oscillations in the front end like a tankslapper. They are necessary for modern supersport bikes with small rake angles. The small rake angle leads to instability (good for quick turn ins, bad for bumps and hard accel/decel). A CB550 more thank likely doesn't need one as it wasn't engineered with a damper.
 
What he said ^^^^^^^^

The 550 didn't come with one, but adding one during your build wouldn't hurt. Its a pretty simple modification that will actually increase your bikes stability. Especially during hard cornering or at high speeds.
 
Definitely would love to hit corners pretty hard so now it's back in the thought process. Hopefully it's something I could add down the road into the build.

And if the beer was salvageable, I'm all ears
 
If you are looking for handling, make sure you retain the front fork brace (it's the fender mount) or get an aftermarket brace. Leaving the brace off will cause a wobble at speed, so it should be installed. the fender is attached to the brace. If you don't want the fender, remove the rivets that hold the fender to the brace and just use the brace.
 
Was gonna get a cafe style short front fender so it should be fine I assume. Thanks for the tip. Will make sure brace is on. If not...upgraded???
 
Sweet. So is there no stock fork brace? Or would I lose it when replacing the fender with the aftermarket fender? Considering the DCC part anyhow even with a stock brace, but if there is a stock I can put that purchase on the back burner for now till I get more greenbacks
 
The fender mount on most Honda's is the brace. the fender is riveted to the brace. If you remove the rivets, you can put the after market fenders on the stock fender mount. I would keep the stock brace on as it is additional strength. You can add the aftermarket brace too.

I intend to add a fork brace in addition to the stock fender mount, on my CB360. Those 33mm fork tubes are pretty wobbly and can use all the help they can get.
 
It wouldn't hurt to get that fork brace and a damper, if you have the dough. Those old bikes had skinny forks and anything you can do to stiffen them is a good idea. If you have ever had a tank slapper, you know that it will make you shit your pants. Plus, these will help you bike to track better over bumpy roads.
 
mydlyfkryzis said:
The fender mount on most Honda's is the brace. the fender is riveted to the brace. If you remove the rivets, you can put the after market fenders on the stock fender mount. I would keep the stock brace on as it is additional strength. You can add the aftermarket brace too.

I intend to add a fork brace in addition to the stock fender mount, on my CB360. Those 33mm fork tubes are pretty wobbly and can use all the help they can get.
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Thanks. You can never have too much stability and control. I'm a nut for cornering as you can imagine from driving an S2000 for years
 
AgentX said:
Unless you're looking for an accessory that drips beer onto your triple clamps...
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I usually zip tie a wet sponge to the steering stem, it's tough on long rides though, tends to dry out, so I carry a plant waterer in the glove box
 
Roc City Cafe said:
I usually zip tie a wet sponge to the steering stem, it's tough on long rides though, tends to dry out, so I carry a plant waterer in the glove box
Click to expand...

I like stretching two bungie cords from the forks to the rear shocks.
 
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