Steering damper requirements

[Chaulkdust]

I was going through the 2010 ECTA Rule Book and did not find a steering damper requirement? I know that this year at BUB a steering damper will be required in all classes. I am I correct in assuming that for 2010 ECTA doesn't require a damper for motorcycles? My old 1965 CB160 has a built in friction type damper does anyone know it this would be OK at BUB or do I need to install another damper?  Below is a top view of the damper that runs through the center post.

[racer x]

If you are chasing a record of 125 mph or more you will need it.

[Chaulkdust]

I won't even be close to 125 MPH, more like praying for 90.

Thanks, don't know how I missed that in the rule book, I'll look again.

Ron

[racer x]

On page 74.At the top under general motorcycle rules
7.B.17 Steering Damper.Required in all class over 125 mph.

It dose not matter if you can go 125 or not.If you are chasing a record that is over 125 it is required.
Cant wait to see the 160 go.

[Chaulkdust]

Yep - Thanks, can't believe I missed it, it's right at the top of the page! Another question perhaps someone can answer for me. I plan on running in the 175cc Class M/BG. There is no record for this class, but the fastest time in the entire 175cc category is 103.841 MPH. My tires are H rated so I'm assuming that would be OK, and since there is no records near 125 I wouldn't need a damper? I'll end up putting one on eventually for BUB in August but was hoping to run at Maxton in June and may not have it on by then.

Ron

[Dean Los Angeles]

The whole idea is to avoid a speed wobble, or worse, a tank slapper.

A steering damper is a very good idea no matter what speed you are going.

[relaxedphit]

A steering damper is definetly a good idea on our not so fast bikes. The old runway at Maxton is concrete with expansion joints and the occasional patch. My bike doesn't come near 125 but the damper seemed to calm down the rear end as well.

[dr j]

The friction steering damper will work fine for that bike at its speeds.  I have run at Maxton with a 1954 Parilla 175 4 stroke with a similar damper.   Just remember to adjust it tighter than you would for a roadrace but not so tight that it won't allow you to do that right hand turn at the end....
As others have said, though the rules don't require it for your class, it feels much more comfortable with the damper cranked on than without a damper which I also did at Maxton with my Montesa Trials bike for 3 runs.
As for your other question, the M/BG 175/4 record is indeed open at Maxton for your Honda 160.  So, make it to the finish line and get a record!  But the problem will be that you will not be satisfied with that one, and you will want more and more and more!  Then we will have you right where we want you- hooked.  I am a fellow Honda rider (250cc) and there are not many of us at Maxton.  Come say hi.

[Chaulkdust]

Thanks Jarl, I will look you up at Maxton if you plan to attend in June. I hope to use the June meet as a shake down to see what the bike will do, how well it performs and what issues I may have. I was at Maxton in 2008 for 1 event as a Volunteer, either the Sept or Oct meet I believe. It was a lot of fun  , worked the shutdown and posting records in the books. So I've been hooked for a while, just took a long time to get the bike built.

[relaxedphit]

Ron, no doubt you worked posting records , but "worked" shutdown? We don't work shutdown, everybody knows that. It has been a long time since anyone brought a swimming pool though.  Look forward to seeing you again - ken

[Chaulkdust]

Ken - actually was busy! We had 1 fellow who's turbo caught on fire and had to spray the bike. he was running Alcohol so it was hard to see the flames but it was burning. Also, the meet I was at was when Dave Owen went off the track, very sad. However I was posting records when that took place. Don't want everyone to think we are loafers. Still running the Triumph?
Ron
 

[relaxedphit]

I must have been busy with the bike when that fire happened - I've always been particularly worried about an alcohol fire. Vic (whose been there the last few September meets) has a wealth of racing experience, so it probably wasn't too new to him; not there is any kind of good fire. As for the terrible trajedy, being there didn't do a d--- bit of good to anybody.