Scooterotica

Hi Guys,

Any feedback on the Kawasaki front damper conversion are they good or bad ?

Bad.

Why chose a damper that damps equally on both compression and rebound? You want a damper to offer a little damping on the compression, and loads more on the re-bound, so it counters the effect of the springs.

Frankly, I'd rather use a pair of decent OE dampers as fitted by Innocenti. Better than that are the excellent fat dampers from Servetta, and better than this are the new dampers supplied by Rich Presley and Frank Sanderson.

Knowledge wrote:and better than this are the new dampers supplied by Rich Presley and Frank Sanderson.

How do they perform on the road Martin. Personally I think they look s**t.......but thats only my opinion.

I think in the main dampers are sought after to counter the dive effect encountered under braking, especially since the use of hydraulic front disc set-ups. IMO this search will be in vain, as to counter this effect you need anti dive. Once you have anti dive then standard dampers are fine. In saying that, I have Kawasaki dampers turned down to the second notch (light setting), together with a Frank S anti-dive hub. I also notice that Stuart from 100mph Lambretta also fits Kawasaki to his builds, so they can't be all bad. However, I would prefer outboard suspension (springs an' all) and do without all that internal spring bollox

Adam,

I think they are too chunky, but they are the only thing approaching the correct size with separate damping and rebound. However, they also have the disadvantage of needing some equally chunky welding on the forks and links. They are far from a bolt-on but on paper, they should be the most adaptable, as long as the adjustments can be detected.

Personally, I'm going for fat Servetta items, cos they only cost me £3. Even these are not bolt-on, with their curious 9mm studs at each end.

I agree with Soulsurfer about anti-dive being the way forward. I even suggested to Scooter Loopy John that he develop a CNC machined bolt-on bracket for the fork leg. It's what the market could use, especially those people who have just painted their forks, but still want the upgrade.