Help, Rear Wheel Damper Question...

Steve K (IA) · Sun 28, Jun 2009, 11:07:47

My wife rides our '97 Std. most of the time. I got a chance to ride it the other day and noticed some slop in the drive train. Just got the wheel off and could move the flange forwards and backwards. Pulled it and the aluminum bosses inside the rubber dampers are loose. Shouldn't these be tight? The rubber inside the wheel is tight. Also one of the alum. bosses...the hole is starting to get egg shaped. Guess I need to order some new ones.
The bike has 43,000 miles on it so I am going back out and pull the drive shaft to see if I can find anymore wear. The splines look new....BelRay grease.

Thunderbolt · Sun 28, Jun 2009, 13:07:03

this is a link to the Rattlebars site where Gary sells his shock bushings. He also sells the dampers. I just installed some on my Interstate. These along with a new u-joint took all the slack out of the drive train.
http://rattlebars.com/cart/bushings.html

lee · Sun 28, Jun 2009, 13:59:30

Does Gary's Dampers come with the metal bushings installed in them?

Thunderbolt · Sun 28, Jun 2009, 17:17:34

the dampers are neoprene and the aluminum attach points are in the neoprene.

Steve K (IA) · Sun 28, Jun 2009, 18:57:56

Well, I ordered new dampers from HDL. Bike will have to sit on the lift until they come.

Momz · Mon 29, Jun 2009, 09:28:09

Worn wheel dampers can and will lead to greater wear at the wheel splines, pumkin gears, driveshaft and to u-joint issues. Replace ASAP.

Ricky-D · Mon 29, Jun 2009, 09:42:59

Quote from: Momz on Mon 29, Jun 2009, 09:28:09
Worn wheel dampers can and will lead to greater wear at the wheel splines, pumkin gears, driveshaft and to u-joint issues. Replace ASAP.

I think those are scare words and not based in fact.

Can't imagine Honda manufacturing something where a whole drive train is dependent on a few pieces of rubber that sole purpose is to improve road ability.

I think the whole issue of wheel dampers is over-worked. Probably started as a means to improve sales of an alternate damper.

Shockbushing Gary · Mon 29, Jun 2009, 18:49:38

Quote from: Ricky-D
I think the whole issue of wheel dampers is over-worked. Probably started as a means to improve sales of an alternate damper.
/quote]

I beg to differ there. I make the dampers and have never sold them as any kind of prevention or cure to other drivetrain wear. They do 2 things in my research: first, they reduce the slack between drive and coast, and in doing so make low speed manuvers easier.
Second, they wear longer than stock parts. Why would you question my integrity like that?

Novavalker · Mon 29, Jun 2009, 20:02:40

Quote from: Shockbushing Gary on Mon 29, Jun 2009, 18:49:38
Quote from: Ricky-D
I think the whole issue of wheel dampers is over-worked. Probably started as a means to improve sales of an alternate damper.
/quote]

I beg to differ there. I make the dampers and have never sold them as any kind of prevention or cure to other drivetrain wear. They do 3 things in my research: first, they reduce the slack between drive and coast, and in doing so make low speed manuvers easier.
Second, they wear longer than stock parts. Why would you question my integrity like that?

Gary are you still making the dampers? I have a set from you and they work extremely well.

T.P. · Mon 29, Jun 2009, 20:15:08

Who you are, what ya make, how ya get them, what they cost............

Thunderbolt · Mon 29, Jun 2009, 20:20:30

his email is there.

DavRed · Mon 29, Jun 2009, 22:00:36

I just installed some of Gary's Dampers. Now I am no shift expert. But I can tell you for sure, that the wife thinks I learned something new in shifting. She never feels me shift anymore. Well except when the right hand comes into play.

GARY THANKS FOR A GREAT PRODUCT!!!! I will never go back to Honda dampers!!!!!!!!

Shockbushing Gary · Mon 29, Jun 2009, 23:19:33

Quote from: DavRed on Mon 29, Jun 2009, 22:00:36
I just installed some of Gary's Dampers. Now I am no shift expert. But I can tell you for sure, that the wife thinks I learned something new in shifting. She never feels me shift anymore. Well except when the right hand comes into play.
GARY THANKS FOR A GREAT PRODUCT!!!! I will never go back to Honda dampers!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the props. I try to make a high quality product. I use all my own stuff.
As to who I am, I started on this board back in 2001. I got an I/S, and the shock bushings were worn out. I made some for myself, and a few to spare. I brought them to the local Valk club (the Vermin) to sell among the bros. They took all I had and wanted more. I got tired of making them 1 by 1 on the lathe, and made molds to increase volume. I've been selling them ever since, to all models of Honda owners, and quite a few other Showa shock users. It was originally just a way to help and serve Valk-riding bros.
I am an engineering tech by trade. Been in the biz 35 years.

To speak to the wheel dampers more directly, I sold lots at first. As the Valk is decreasing in #'s, sales have slumped. I quit making them, as they were expensive to make, and production volume isn't there to make a product that is price competitive with an OE part.
They work well, but I don't have plans to make more unless 20 or more of you want to put together a bulk order.

I have always tried not to SPAM the board in any way. I have something that others may like and talk about. Folks know how to find me. We can take care of it without using the board as a means of promotion.

I seldom come around anymore, like many of the original long time Valk owners/modifiers/shadetree-engineers.
Thought I'd drop by again, only to find this thread....

Willow · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 08:42:43

Quote from: Shockbushing Gary on Mon 29, Jun 2009, 23:19:33Thought I'd drop by again, only to find this thread....

Gary, come around more often. There are a lot of us that appreciate the quality product you've produced and your input on technical issues.

Don't let the comments of one or two who don't know reflect on the vast majority of the rest of us.

John U. · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 08:47:36

I could use a set of dampers. I've used Gary's bushings and they are an excellent product.
It shouldn't be too hard to get twenty of us together on an order.
Anyone else?

vanagon40 · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 10:59:37

Count me in for a dampers order.

(And what Willow said. I've been around for about three years and Gary quietly provides excellent parts.)

T.P. · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 11:13:20

Count me in for a damper set. just installed a set of gary's shock bushings last month.

mirion · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 11:23:55

I would be interested a couple sets (how much ar they?).....Mike

Valker · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 11:58:44

I need two sets of the dampers and will the shock bushings work on Progressive 440s? Mine are wearing out.

Udo · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 13:00:05

No longer made? Hihi, i´ve got a set as a spare already...good for me, i guess......i´ll never mount the OE rubbers....

MP · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 13:08:53

I would take two sets, Gary.
MP

Redline + · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 14:16:05

I'm in for a set, maybe two.

vic · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 15:49:18

I've bought 2 pairs of bushings and one set of dampers in the past with excellent results. Count me in for two sets of dampers Gary.

Shockbushing Gary · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 18:57:03

Quote from: Valker on Tue 30, Jun 2009, 11:58:44
I need two sets of the dampers and will the shock bushings work on Progressive 440s? Mine are wearing out.

About Progressive shocks:
The bushings in them are different. Very Different.
I got a lot of requests to make those, so invested in the necessary molds. It's a significant sum, and has to be recovered over 1000's of sales.
Then I found out they have more than one size. Even in the same model shock. Now THAT'S different.
I do make the bushings that fit about 70% of Progressive shocks.
Measure the WIDTH of your shock eye. If it is 5/8" I have the bushings.
If it is 1/2" I do not, so as you see, you need to measure carefully.
Price is the same as for OEM Valk shock bushings, $15 per pair and $2 shipping.
I'll reconsider making a batch of dampers. Don't see anywhere near 20 takers yet.... $:-\$

And thanks to all for your support and encouragement!

DavRed · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 20:25:03

I just installed Gary Damners last week.

Now I am wondering if I need a spare set?
Has anyone ever had to replace a set of Gary's damners?
Just wondering what the life span I can expect.

KingValk · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 21:34:57

I'm in for a set of dampers

Valker · Tue 30, Jun 2009, 22:03:41

Quote from: Shockbushing Gary on Tue 30, Jun 2009, 18:57:03
Quote from: Valker on Tue 30, Jun 2009, 11:58:44
I need two sets of the dampers and will the shock bushings work on Progressive 440s? Mine are wearing out.

About Progressive shocks:
The bushings in them are different. Very Different.
I got a lot of requests to make those, so invested in the necessary molds. It's a significant sum, and has to be recovered over 1000's of sales.
Then I found out they have more than one size. Even in the same model shock. Now THAT'S different.
I do make the bushings that fit about 70% of Progressive shocks.
Measure the WIDTH of your shock eye. If it is 5/8" I have the bushings.
If it is 1/2" I do not, so as you see, you need to measure carefully.
Price is the same as for OEM Valk shock bushings, $15 per pair and $2 shipping.
I'll reconsider making a batch of dampers. Don't see anywhere near 20 takers yet.... $:-\$

And thanks to all for your support and encouragement!

Gary, I just measured them with a micrometer and the metal shock eye is exactly 5/8". I will order these when you get the dampener orders also. Since you are cutting back, I will probably just order two sets of those too.
Thanks for letting us know.

Oss · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 06:26:56

Gary

Put me in for 2 sets. When Dalai was changing my rear wheel he said they could use em soon as I have 51000 on the Interstate now. How much per set?

Hope that brings you can make them soon.

Ossvalk@gmail.com when you are ready for me to send you money.

Tundra · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 06:39:32

Plus one set for me

Novavalker · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 06:45:07

I have two friends with Interstates who want sets.
I'll take another set.
Total three.

Shockbushing Gary · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 07:54:01

Just to mark the thread for my sake, I get 15 damper orders above.

In order to answer the question of several, "How much are they?"
I have sold them in the past for $75 shipped in the USA.
It has been some time since I cast any, so I expect the price to have risen. I am checking this morning and will report back.

Edit: I just got off the phone with the molder. Price is the same.
If you are outside the US, price is $70 + shipping to your address. Ask me for shipping costs.

Skinhead · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 08:39:09

Gary,

I would like a set of dampers.

Skinhead

Robert · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 09:15:53

I have to stand up for Garys dampers, its a great product and it really does make a difference in the feel of the bike especially at slow speeds and maneuvers. The drive train slop is taken up and this makes the world of difference. As for Gary pushing his own product that is a bunch of hog wash. Gary makes a good product and doesn't need the extra jingle and I hate to say it is not mr personality so hes not a salesman. As for the complete trashing of the drive line by bad dampers this is also not true. If the dampers were so bad as to not be there and you hammered on the throttle then maybe but by that time all us anal maintenance types would have been all over it. I have had Garys dampers on my bike for awhile and I remember the day that I put them on and was so favorably impressed. I would not order the factory ones because they give out and are only rubber that goes bad in a short time. No fears ordering from Gary and his dampers fit better than factory. I am not associated with Gary I just appreciate a well engineered product that should have been done from the factory this way. The product he provides is good, service is good so dont shoot the after-market suppliers of Valkyrie parts. One of the few around that really cares about what he does.

humshark · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 11:10:55

Gary,
Do you want us to contact you via email and arrange for payment? I'll take two set of dampners and one set of bushings!

BigMac NJ · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 18:13:35

I could a set of dampers...

Shockbushing Gary · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 19:09:33

I am one of those grumpy old grey-beard engineering/machinist types I swore I'd never become. I won't run from that.

Thanks for the props, Robert.

Quote from: Robert on Wed 01, Jul 2009, 09:15:53
I hate to say it is not mr personality so hes not a salesman.

The product he provides is good, service is good so dont shoot the after-market suppliers of Valkyrie parts. One of the few around that really cares about what he does.

John U. · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 19:46:38

So... it sounds like we have enough to meet the required 20 orders. This may be the last hurrah for Gary's (Pruor's) dampers so I hope we are all serious about this. When the rubber meets the road (meaning time to pay up) I sure hope you guys don't disapoint. It would probably be better if this group buy was happening in the winter. During the riding season many of us are on the road, in undisclosed locations.

I only mention this because in the past group buys. a large percentage of members expressing interest apparently loose interst by the time payment is expected.
So, let's get this done.
Fast action on this might prevent PPP (piss poor performance).
Disclaiamer:
No, I've never met Gary, my sister is not married to Gary. I live 3,000 miles away from where I think he lives. I'm just happy with the products I have purchased in the past.

John U.

PatrickDoss · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 21:43:02

PM sent to Gary.

Shockbushing Gary · Wed 01, Jul 2009, 21:51:33

Quote from: John U. on Wed 01, Jul 2009, 19:46:38
So... it sounds like we have enough to meet the required 20 orders. This may be the last hurrah for Gary's (Pruor's) dampers so I hope we are all serious about this. When the rubber meets the road (meaning time to pay up) I sure hope you guys don't disapoint. It would probably be better if this group buy was happening in the winter. During the riding season many of us are on the road, in undisclosed locations.

I only mention this because in the past group buys. a large percentage of members expressing interest apparently loose interst by the time payment is expected.
So, let's get this done.
Fast action on this might prevent PPP (piss poor performance).
Disclaiamer:
No, I've never met Gary, my sister is not married to Gary. I live 3,000 miles away from where I think he lives. I'm just happy with the products I have purchased in the past.

John U.

John, I live in the very NW corner of WA, so you can figure it. It's prolly 3,000 miles from Florida.
The molder sent an order confirmation today. Parts are supposed to be done 7-29. Sometimes they are slow. We'll see.
Folks, if you want 'em, this may be the last hurrah.

mmvalk · Thu 02, Jul 2009, 04:50:32

count me in for a set of dampers...

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Help, Rear Wheel Damper Question...