Friction Steering Damper

[BMCMOTO]

Yes the originals like this are friction.  https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=556   They may not look like it but they are. I put a new one on my MILLE GT and it squeaked all the time. I gave the shaft a tiny squirt of brake clean and it loosened up till the brake clean evaporated, works silently now.

Brian

[moto]

Crusty calls its seemingly identical unit non-adjustable hydraulic.

A hydraulic damper gives more resistance as the rate increases.
A friction damper should be the opposite. My vague recollection
is that the Crusty item acts like it is hydraulic.

Whatever the original was, it seems hydraulic is better here.

Thanks for your answer, though.

[BMCMOTO]

Simple to test per my post!

Brian

[Gusable]

Anyone put an aftermarket damper on a Guzzi that did NOT come with one?  I’d like one on my cal2. Didn’t come with one and I don’t see any tabs or brackets on frame. Need to fab something up I guess.

[moto]

Simple to test per my post!

Brian

What test do you propose, exactly?

[BMCMOTO]

A simple squirt of brake clean on the shaft. If it then moves more easily, it indicates that it is a mechanical device and not hydraulic. Usually, friction dampers of this type are actually packed with rubber rings around the shaft and then compressed into the tube for resistance. A drop of fluid will make the rubber slide along the shaft easier. I suggest brake clean because it evaporates quickly and leaves no lubricant behind, unlike WD40 or carb cleaner. I believe Crusty's description is mistaken, just my opinion, and I am willing to be proven wrong. In fact, I would welcome it as I would like to have one if it really is hydraulic!!

Brian

[BMCMOTO]

So Moto, what is the verdict, is the damper hydraulic, or friction, enquiring minds want to know???

Brian