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Author Topic: Gary's polyurethane dampers. Anyone ever have a problem?  (Read 885 times)
FLAVALK
Member
*****
Posts: 2699


Winter Springs, Florida


« on: October 30, 2015, 10:10:14 AM »

I purchased a set many years ago not long after he started offering them. Recently I've noticed a clunk when the rear end first loads up in 1st and 2nd gear. I know it could be a couple of things but could it be the dampers? Has anyone ever had an issue with theirs?

Thanks
« Last Edit: October 30, 2015, 10:40:04 AM by FLAVALK » Logged

Live From Sunny Winter Springs Florida via Huntsville Alabama
Jess from VA
Member
*****
Posts: 30447


No VA


« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2015, 10:19:32 AM »

The first (or an early) batch were bad and crumbled after install in not too many miles.  The rest were fine.  I put two sets in my two interstates years ago, and they are great.

If you have crumblers, they need replaced.  Remember to buy later year models that have the brass inserts already installed; early models you had to buy the rubbers and inserts separate (for more money).... they all fit all bikes.  If you consult the OE Honda parts fishes for 97-8', and later years you will see the differences.

Also note, the dampener hold down plate is bolted down with screws that have factory locktite (or something) on them.  I don't know why, I don't see how they can back out if snugged down.  I just reused mine without adding locktite.  

I think Gary made good on the crumblers, back then.  He has since passed, so you're on your own.
« Last Edit: October 30, 2015, 10:21:46 AM by Jess from VA » Logged
FLAVALK
Member
*****
Posts: 2699


Winter Springs, Florida


« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2015, 10:42:52 AM »

I want to say mine where not the very early ones as I do recall the crumbling issues. I guess there's only one way to find out
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Live From Sunny Winter Springs Florida via Huntsville Alabama
Patrick
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Posts: 15433


VRCC 4474

Largo Florida


« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2015, 11:58:48 AM »

I think the new dampers you want are those for the IS models.

I too have a set of Gary's dampers [ still in the package] and don't know if they are the early units or not.
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Jess from VA
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Posts: 30447


No VA


« Reply #4 on: October 30, 2015, 12:04:19 PM »

Going out and lightly goosing the throttle in 1st/2d (helmet off to listen) may give you a sense of the problem, but whether Ujoint or Pcup or dampeners is a tough call.  When my Ujoint went I had a mechanical thump and metal grind, and I don't think that symptom would be identical to crumbling dampeners.  You might also be able to tell something putting it up on the jack and leave it in gear and try turning the wheel by hand.  If you pull the axle and remove the brake caliper and spacer and push the axle back thru and split the hub, you may find dampener bits falling out.

I would hate pulling the rear off without putting on a new tire, unless it was nearly new.

What I did with my Ujoint (which I thought but did not know was the problem), I just planned ahead and got all the parts I might need on hand before I started.  I needed the ujoint, I didn't need the shaft and Pcup, but with two bikes I don't think the money was wasted.  I did not know at the time, I should have got a new Ujoint boot.  
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Thunderbolt
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Posts: 3725


Worthington Springs FL.


« Reply #5 on: October 30, 2015, 05:19:10 PM »

Check out is thread from the Florida Board Jeff.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,79559.0.html
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FLAVALK
Member
*****
Posts: 2699


Winter Springs, Florida


« Reply #6 on: November 01, 2015, 04:29:21 AM »

Check out is thread from the Florida Board Jeff.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,79559.0.html


Thanks all! I'm going to pull the wheel and see whats up. If bad, I'll replace with the interstate dampers
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Live From Sunny Winter Springs Florida via Huntsville Alabama
gordonv
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Posts: 5762


VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2015, 09:59:50 AM »

I thought someone else made quality replacements too? Can't remember from where, but will say Big Bike Parts??

I still have 2 sets from before Gary passed away. New, unused. Waiting for when my 1500 may ever need them.
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1999 Black with custom paint IS

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