Wheel Dampers

[msb]

Just curious to know...what is "typical" for movement with rear wheel dampers in place? I replaced mine 3 years ago even though the ones I had in there showed no real signs of wear...just because. Just doing the rear end service again this past week, and was wondering if the 1-2 mm "play" in the new ones is normal....again, no visible wear. I do recall these last ones dropped in very easily when new. They are the OEM dampers.
Thx.

[Chrisj CMA]

The play in individual dampeners is not the problem. If there was not a lot of black rubber dust in there they're probably good. The real test is how sloppy is the flange unit once installed   If it's not real wobbly then you're good.

[bikerboy1951]

You can't polish that beast if you are doing maintenance.  I thought I saw a little dust on the gas tank last time you posted a pic.

Brad

[msb]

The play in individual dampeners is not the problem. If there was not a lot of black rubber dust in there they're probably good. The real test is how sloppy is the flange unit once installed   If it's not real wobbly then you're good.

thx, I'm sure I'm good to go

[Jess from VA]

Not just the dampers, but considering the entire drive train from Ujoint to pinion cup to pumpkin to wheel there's always some flex in there (has to be).

The (heavy) Valk can be very torquey departing from stop to go, especially if you goose the throttle before clutch let off.  I always try to hook up easy off a rollout from stop, before I ever nail the throttle (if I'm launching hard for any reason, or just fun).

I've had those good (non crumbling) Shockbushing Gary polyurethane dampers in my bikes for years now, and they tighten things up, but there's still flex in there.