Steering Dampner/Stabilizer for 1979 GS750E

[Neveragain55]

Hi Gang,

I'm sure this topic has come up many times, and I promise I did a search but I couldn't find any threads that could answer my specific questions.

I have a 1979 GS750E that I've slightly modified over the years to the point where she's capable of getting close to 127 mph.

All the steering head bearings & wheel bearings are fairly new, and she runs super solid up to roughly 115 mph.

Everything up front is super tight so I know that's not my issue, and I've already made up my mind that I'm going to install a steering stabilizer.

Anything over 115 mph I get a very faint side to side wobble, and I always back off (because of lack of confidence) just when I'm getting to the "juicy speeds" and it's driving me crazy. (the tires are brand new with a really good balance job done)

So........I've scoured the internet, including all the usual suspects looking for a universal steering stabilizer only to learn that "dimensionally" I have no idea what I need.

My down tubes (where one of the clamps would bolt on) is 1.25" in diameter, and the front fork tube is 38mm in diameter.

The length from the center of the front fork tube to the down tube (with the wheel turned to it's limit in either direction) is exactly 9 inches.

My questions are:

1.) What would be the best "operating stroke" in terms of "length"

2.) Who the hell sells one that doesn't cost a small fortune?

I realize most of the stabilizers on eBay are made in China, and I have no doubt that the quality is sub-par at best, but I'm seriously not interested in spending $300.00 to $700.00 dollars for one either.

I've tried to find vintage steering stabilizers for these old bikes that are reasonably priced but I can't seem to find anything for my old girl.

If anybody out there has any good information on a decently priced steering stabilizer for a 79 GS750 that would bolt right on without hours of welding & modifications, I sure would appreciate some help.

Thanks Gang........

 

[Agemax]

fit a GSXR damper. easy enough to do, get a fork clamp of the correct diameter and make a bracket yourself to fit the frame. i used the 2 bolt holes just above the headers, across the frame. usually people use these holes for oil cooler mounts.
Fitted a 2011 GSXR600 electronic controlled damper to my 78 1000.

 

[Neveragain55]

Thanks Agemax.........much appreciated.......

 

[salty_monk]

I have a head mounted one from a honda you could have to play with for not a lot of money if you want to go that route.

 

[Neveragain55]

Do you have any pictures of it on your bike, and which model of Honda did it come off of?

Thanks....

 

[limeex2]

Z1 has quite a few, the proper clamps and the knowledge to get you right one. Maybe try Mikes xs also

 

[sharpy]

Have you string lined the wheels? made sure the swing are isnt loose. matching tyres, steering head bearings are just right tension. tyre pressure are around 32 front, 36 rear. good rear shocks. fresh fork oil with right grade (15 wht) and level?

 

[Neveragain55]

Thanks Limeex2.......

Sharpy, I rebuilt the bike twice over the last 23 years since I got her in 93, and everything up front including the rear swing arm bearings are all new.

The entire front end was rebuilt last summer, and new tires were put on at the same time.

The front & rear wheel bearings were replaced two years ago.

None of the things you mentioned are the problem, although you raised many good points of interest.

The issue is simply that this is a 38 year old bike with 38 year old technology that has surpassed what it was originally intended to do.

I've never gone into the motor but believe me when I tell you she's much faster than what she was when she left the factory 38 years ago.

Thanks for all the help guys.....

 

[busa1300]

I have more pics if this is what you are wanting to do

 

[sharpy]

Try different rear shocks. Borrow some from a friend if you can. a GS shouldnt weave. (famous last worlds)

 

[salty_monk]

Nope.. never got that far!

Looks like this one:

 

[Neveragain55]

Ok Gang....

This is what I came up with:

I'm going to fit this damper that was made for these 70's bikes, and it's pretty much universal so it should fit, at least that's what all my research tells me.

https://www.z1enterprises.com/yamaha-xs650-adjustable-hydraulic-steering-damper.html

I'm going to use this clamp for the frame tube, and the end of the damper with the bolt should go right in. I'll just have to get a 8mm nut to secure it.

http://www.speedmotoco.com/frame-bracket-steering-damper-p/tr%20fbs.htm

Attached is a picture of all the pieces.

The clamp in the picture will go around the front fork tube obviously, and I'll just have to run an 8mm bolt to attach it.

 

[busa1300]

Make sure the damper is long enough to let the bars go lock to lock. That clamp looks like you will be too close to the motor possibly....?

 

[Neveragain55]

Yes your right, and that's the very thing that kept me on the fence with this for so long.

I measured everything a dozen times, and I'm pretty sure it should all fit without issues but I'm keeping the receipts of everything just in case.

I've already checked to see if these different suppliers I've chosen honor returns, and they all do.

The one good thing is that if this damper and the associated parts don't fit correctly, at least I'll know exactly what I need once I have everything in my hands, as opposed to looking at things on a computer screen.

Thanks for all the help, and I'll do a write up with pictures when it's all done.

Thanks Again......

 

[81gs7501166]

I'm starting this project on my 81 750.
I'd like more pics