Drive wheel dampers

[alph]

Alright, I need some drive wheel dampers and I emailed that "Gary" guy from Washington and he says that if I can get 10 people that will commit to buying them he'll go out of his way to make them for us!!  Well, I'm committed, so I need 9 more people to ask him nicely to make some for us!!  Any takers??  I believe he charges $85 for a set, maybe that was last years price, you know, the price of cotton's going up so somehow that'll effect our currency in some way since our money has cotton in it?? 

Anyway, send Gary an email and ask him nicely to make you a set....  eckfam@clear.net <eckfam@clear.net>

Thanks.

Al.

[T.P.]

Secretary Alph,  Put me down for a set.     T.P.



YEP,  I did email him

[Momz]

I will vouch for the quality of Garys wheel dampers.

[Oss]

i think I sent him a check a month or so ago for that very purpose to keep for when he is ready to make more

[Jabba]

I am in for a set too.

I emailed him.

Jabba

[Tx Bohemian]

Ok,

What is so special about his dampners?

[Jess from VA]

I have them in both interstates already... a lifetime upgrade (unlike new OE rubbers).

They are not rubber but polyurethane (I believe), just like upgrade motor mounts in a car.... they do not wiggle and I do not believe they ever wear out.

[CajunRider]

What's the average life of the OEM dampers???  I have 37K miles, and never really paid attention to the dampers.  I do want to check them out, but would rather not take down the back end for nothing. 

Should I be opting in for a set also???

[R J]

My OEM's went by the way side around 40K, been too long ago to remember.

[ricoman]

Not to start a ruckus, but on one of the VTX boards, he is not held in the same high opinion as is here. Just sayin'-worth checking into. Issues seem to be with the shock bushings becoming fragmented in a very short time and minimal response to complaints.
His dampers are rock hard. Put them on my first 98 and was concerned about the near metal hardness compared to stock. How can they "dampen" if they allow no absorbtion of drivetrain lash? Seems to me there is undue stress on other parts.
I thought the purpose of the dampers was to minimize the harshness in the drivetrain.
I just went to VTX shock bushings (part no. 52489-HNO-671) based on the VTX board comments.
This is purely my opinion.

[alph]

Not to start a ruckus, but on one of the VTX boards, he is not held in the same high opinion as is here. Just sayin'-worth checking into. Issues seem to be with the shock bushings becoming fragmented in a very short time and minimal response to complaints.
His dampers are rock hard. Put them on my first 98 and was concerned about the near metal hardness compared to stock. How can they "dampen" if they allow no absorbtion of drivetrain lash? Seems to me there is undue stress on other parts.
I thought the purpose of the dampers was to minimize the harshness in the drivetrain.
I just went to VTX shock bushings (part no. 52489-HNO-671) based on the VTX board comments.
This is purely my opinion.

I didn't know that.  I was understanding that they were made of "polyurethane", which I believe to be a type of plastic.  Also, I was told that they're better then factory dampers 'cause the fit so much better. 

Any one else have an opinion, or experiences?? 

[Tropic traveler]

I just put Gary's dampers in my '97 {at 100K miles} & here's what I think. Gary's are tighter but not too tight & appear to be made of a much more "rubbery" material than the stockers. The stockers were like loose teeth {bear in mind 100K} & fell out of their slots when I took off the plate. His dampers really tightened up the driveline lash, now my bike feels like a new Valk again!  
As far as shock bushings I don't think Gary's or anybody else's bushings are going to "hold up". With a heavy bike, heavy rider:o, ridden lots of miles shock bushings should be considered throw-away parts, changed at regular intervals. I've smashed out stockers, VTX bushings & the ones that came with Progressive shocks since I've had my Valk. I have changed shock bushings on my Rocket 3, my buddy's VTX, Sportster, FTLHXCIOU, & a Kawi Vulcan all smashed out in less miles than my Valk has.
Bottom line IMHO... Gary's dampers good, never tried his bushings but I suspect they are same as any others.  

[Shockbushing Gary]

i think I sent him a check a month or so ago for that very purpose to keep for when he is ready to make more

Oss, you might want to recheck there.
I haven't gotten anything from you.

To all: Put together 10 orders and I will get some started. The price will remain $85

Now I will speak to the issue with the VTX board. Indeed there were some complaints. Interestingly enough, they did not come to me first, but instead b!tched to one another on the VTX board. It took a while, but I got wind of it. When I went there to ask what happened, some seemed to think I should just send out new product, without so much as an old part to look at. I disagree. Tell me where you go shop and for what that you can just b!tch about the product on the internet and you will get new parts sent to you. I will gladly work with anyone who will work with me, but I will not be extorted. You can go chase the thread down if you like. It's pretty old now. I don't care if I ever sell a part to those who will attempt to use pressure and fraud to get their way.
ricoman, strange you should have trouble. My dampers have been trouble free. BTW, my career is as an engineering tech and parts and systems tester. Those dampers may seem stiff to you, but if you had actually tested them you'd find they do give, but not as much as the stock parts. It looks to me like you may have some other motive than just to inform. Don't bother ordering.

For the benefit of those who have asked, OEM dampers seem to last about 50,000 miles. Obviously, some riders will wear theirs faster than others. The book method of checking wear is movement at the perimiter of the drive hub of more than 1/4". They won't fail in an instant, they just get sloppy. If you have a lot of slop between coast and drive, it may be in the dampers.

[Jess from VA]

Gary, I used your dampners on one IS at 50k+ and another at 38k+.  I couldn't be happier.  I did have some lash in both bikes, but no more.  Thank you.

[Misfit]

Garry's products are top shelf and proven over many miles. Also his customer service is top notch. I do not know him personaly but I have over 50k on his dampners and have also used his bushings.

[olddog1946]

I just received my shock busings today, got the 2 -4-1 deal, which gives enough for my neighbor's and my Valk's.. will put them in tomorrow.. if they work anything like the polyurethane bshing's I put in my vette, they'll help the suspension a bunch..

When it come time to replace dampers, I most likely will be getting a set from Gary..

[sugerbear]

+1 on dampers ans bushing.

and customer service.

[cutter]

I'm using his shock bushings and damper. No complaints here. 

[CajunRider]

Well... since I'm getting close to the normal wear mileage, put me down for a set.  

If the stockers are still good, I'll put the dampers with my spare set of bushings for when they ARE needed.  

Yes... I have spare bushings... I lost the first set, ordered a second set, then found the first set...  (always after you STOP looking!!!)    

[Shockbushing Gary]

Ok,

What is so special about his dampners?

I neglected to answer this directly before, so I'll expand on this some now.
The dampers I make are indeed polyurethane. Polyurethane is a "plastics" product used widely in a lot of places and industry. It is an excellent vibration absorbant. Applied to the drivetrain, it absorbs the pulse of the engine as it passes thru the trans and driveshaft. Most street M/Cs have some method of drivetrain vibration absorbtion.
I sometimes like to ride slow. Real slow.  I can keep my feet on the pegs at less than walking speed for blocks. To do this, you need very careful control of the drive/coast in the bike. It's easy to imagine how slop there makes the bike unstable. So one time when I was changing a tire, I looked in the wheel and found the dampers loose. So I made some. They have been pretty popular. Mase, you have a set from a long time ago. One nice thing about polyurethane, it is very resistant to ozone and chemical deterioration. Those dampers will work just like the day you got them.
I have never tried to estimate how long these dampers may last. I would think it would be a very long time, and certainly longer than stock parts, but I have learned to be careful about what I say. At one time I thought my shock bushings would last "forever" I have been making them now 10 years. They DO wear out. So I expect the dampers will wear out, too. Just don't know how long that might take. No one has shown me worn out ones yet.
I have personally tested these dampers and can say they do an excellent job of damping drivetrain vibration, without leaving as much slack between drive and coast as OE parts.
I hope that answers the question posed above. When I had a custom Valk, I hung around this board more. These days has me chasing other ventures. I still stay close to a number of my Valk riding bros, and will gladly help where I can.

Rubber Side Down,
Gary

[alph]

gary, is that email address hooked up with pay-pal??  if i go to my pay-pal account, and i send money to your email address, is that sufficient??

[olddog1946]

Gary,
This is a bit off subject..but is your old valk located in "Post Falls"...there is one just like it on the Spokane craigslist..same color bags, etc...and cheap to boot..

Ok,

What is so special about his dampners?

I neglected to answer this directly before, so I'll expand on this some now.
The dampers I make are indeed polyurethane. Polyurethane is a "plastics" product used widely in a lot of places and industry. It is an excellent vibration absorbant. Applied to the drivetrain, it absorbs the pulse of the engine as it passes thru the trans and driveshaft. Most street M/Cs have some method of drivetrain vibration absorbtion.
I sometimes like to ride slow. Real slow.  I can keep my feet on the pegs at less than walking speed for blocks. To do this, you need very careful control of the drive/coast in the bike. It's easy to imagine how slop there makes the bike unstable. So one time when I was changing a tire, I looked in the wheel and found the dampers loose. So I made some. They have been pretty popular. Mase, you have a set from a long time ago. One nice thing about polyurethane, it is very resistant to ozone and chemical deterioration. Those dampers will work just like the day you got them.
I have never tried to estimate how long these dampers may last. I would think it would be a very long time, and certainly longer than stock parts, but I have learned to be careful about what I say. At one time I thought my shock bushings would last "forever" I have been making them now 10 years. They DO wear out. So I expect the dampers will wear out, too. Just don't know how long that might take. No one has shown me worn out ones yet.
I have personally tested these dampers and can say they do an excellent job of damping drivetrain vibration, without leaving as much slack between drive and coast as OE parts.
I hope that answers the question posed above. When I had a custom Valk, I hung around this board more. These days has me chasing other ventures. I still stay close to a number of my Valk riding bros, and will gladly help where I can.

Rubber Side Down,
Gary

[RainMaker]

I am convinced and in for a set of dampers.

[Shockbushing Gary]

The guy that bought my old Valk was from Moscow ID. That's a very unique paint job, and I doubt it could be duplicated. That's almost certainly it.

[Oss]

Ouch I will check to see what happened to that envelope and check  

Please consider me one of the people who will be sending you $ for a set of the dampers

I have progressive 440 HD in the back  do your shock bushings fit those?

[CISE]

Since I am at close to 100K - I guess I will also request an order of those bushings. What is teh lead time on them?

[Shockbushing Gary]

I have progressive 440 HD in the back  do your shock bushings fit those?

Progressive shock bushings are different.
I make a shock bushing that fits some Progressives. Measure your shock eye width. If it is 5/8", I have that one. If it is 1/2", I do not. They are different, and not on the 2-4-1 sale.

Since I am at close to 100K - I guess I will also request an order of those bushings. What is teh lead time on them?

The lead time on the dampers will be 4-6 weeks after I get 10 orders.

[Cliff]

I sent him an email requesting to be added to this group of damper orders.

P.S.  I got a response back very quickly.

[Bandit]

Gary please put me down for a set  dampers. Tell me where to send the funds.    Bandit

[Novavalker]

+1 on Gary's bushings and wheel dampers. I'm another satisfied customer.

[RainMaker]

I have ordered the bushings and am on the list (another list I'm on!) for the dampers.

I've had immediate response to all my emails as well. 

[RonW]

Skateboard wheels are polyurethane.

[Skinhead]

I've had Gary's dampers and shock bushings on my standard for about 28,000 miles.  Love the lack of driveline lash, when I bought my interstate, the difference between the two bikes is very noticable.  The interstate was also very squirlley in the twisties, so this winter, I replaced the shock bushings (stock, they were trashed 48,000 miles) with Gary's and also installed the dampers.  I can't wait for the snow to melt to try them out.  Great product, great service and as far as I know, a stand up guy to deal with.  Thanks Gary,

[PhredValk]

e-mail away! I don't need them, but want to build a stockpile of parts while I'm making good money.

Side note: any word from Honda on the U-joints? Their projected available date has passed.
Fred.

[Black Dog]

Just one more  on Gary and his products...  I've had the Dampners in my bike for years (installed at about 45K), and they still feel like new (80K).

Black Dog

[olddog1946]

Just replaced the shock bushings on mine and Chiko's bikes..His were wallowed out some (58K), mine were split apart and I've only got 31K on my bike..wen't ahead and sent him an email requesting a set of dampers...will let chiko buy his own...

[GOOSE]

phredvalk....honda bought the tooling and machines from company a, and leased these machines to company b (they are the company who was hired to make the u-joints for honda).  anyway company b got nthe machines, and the tooling has gotten broken, so....WHO KNOWS HOW LONG IT WILL BE BEFORE WE GET THEM.

[alph]

Side note: any word from Honda on the U-joints? Their projected available date has passed.
Fred.

phredvalk....honda bought the tooling and machines from company a, and leased these machines to company b (they are the company who was hired to make the u-joints for honda).  anyway company b got nthe machines, and the tooling has gotten broken, so....WHO KNOWS HOW LONG IT WILL BE BEFORE WE GET THEM.

I'm nearly tempted to reinstall my old universal joint.  It's got a tiny little play to it, my boss (a machinist) says it's not bad, he's seen much worse.  I just don't want to put my whole cycle back together again, then have UPS show up at my door with a box!!

Also, doesn't the gold wings use the same part?  When I was shopping around and doing some comparisons, it seems to me that the 1500 gold wings had the same part number.

[fordmano]

alph,, you are correct Sir.

I copied this from the Hollister Honda Parts finder,
( http://www.hondapartsline.com/fiche_select.asp )

1999 GL1500SE (GoldWing)
01    JOINT, YOKE
40200-MZ0-A00    001    $84.84    $60.66

1999 GL1500CF (Valkyrie Interstate)
01    JOINT, YOKE
40200-MZ0-A00    001    $84.84    $60.66

Yep same part number and even same price.

[fordmano]

Side note:  Actually primary note:

I am sure the aftermarket dampers are wondeful but some of us are on a tighter budget at the moment. So this is what and where I replaced my dampers with a few weeks back.

(  http://www.hondapartsline.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148543&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=1999&fveh=3473 )

01    DAMPER SET, WHEEL
06410-MBH-000    001    $42.96    $30.72

Just thought I would share.

Now carry on as you were.