Front damper options

[steveg]

Looking to upgrade the front dampers on my S3 Li from fat Escorts (ooer) to something better.
I have tried the BGM retro style but as can be seen the positioning of my brackets means I can't fit them, are there any other options with more travel?

[Rich Oswald]

That's interesting Steve, I have them on my SX 150 which has had top brackets welded on and also on my J range which has S3 forks with brackets welded on and they fit fine on both. Have the brackets been welded on too high? Are the dampers fully extended, they look it?

[neily03]

I had the exact same issue with BGM front dampers, brackets welded in the correct place by Mike Phoenix, the dampers are just too short.

[steveg]

Rich- the damper brackets were added more than 20 years ago when the only options were original style or Kawasaki dampers. Both of these fitted so it wasn't a problem. They are placed too high for the BGM dampers as i have found out to my cost.

Neily when i searched i came across your issue. I guess it's not common but does happen.

What I'm looking for is whether anyone knows if there is an alternative with another 6 or 7 mm that will allow them to fit. Otherwise it's back to the Escorts for me

[citydaz]

I had the exact same issue with BGM front dampers, brackets welded in the correct place by Mike Phoenix, the dampers are just too short.

Very strange ! I have just had some brkts welded on my dl150 forks by Mike and I have the same BGM dampers and they fit a treat.
What maximum extension are you getting on the dampers?
I will measure mine to compare.

[Knowledge]

Hi Steve,

I made these little adaptors for my scooter as the dampers were not quite long enough (or the brackets were in the wrong location).

[steveg]

Hi Steve,

I made these little adaptors for my scooter as the dampers were not quite long enough (or the brackets were in the wrong location).

Oh go on then knock me a pair up if you must

[citydaz]

I had the exact same issue with BGM front dampers, brackets welded in the correct place by Mike Phoenix, the dampers are just too short.

Very strange ! I have just had some brkts welded on my dl150 forks by Mike and I have the same BGM dampers and they fit a treat.
What maximum extension are you getting on the dampers?
I will measure mine to compare.

If it helps, on mine the distance between fastener centres top to btm is 227.5mm, with the BGM damper is extended 55mm.

[bike grim]

I had the exact same issue with BGM front dampers, brackets welded in the correct place by Mike Phoenix, the dampers are just too short.

And same on PM tuning fork - Escorts fit but BGM don’t. I honestly think Escorts are ok and far better value for money than nearly 200 quid for the BGM

[steveg]

Thanks for the replies. It seems quite hit n miss then, but think as I've bought the dampers I'm going to sort some brackets similar to Martin's (as soon as he's finished his shed )

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

I don't know if there is a definitive distance for the fully extended damper of any manufacture to conform to. If it is 227.5 mm, the variables that affect that are top mount positions & bottom mount positions. Fork links are often remade or modified to take a damper. Your's look to be remade

To make up any shortfall, the tops can be extended, but an alternative solution might be to manufacture custom bottom mound. Stainless for the strength would be good, but aircraft spec alloy would also work. Roughly speaking, it's depth would need to match the distance of the spacer portion of a standard screw in mount. It's width could be anything upwards of the 11 mm AF hexagon of a bottom mount, though matching the boss of the fork link would be better aesthetically.

Length (in the almost vertical plane) would be to suit. It would require two holes @ a distance your dampers are short plus a bit more for rebound.

The two holes would be M7 clearance to fit the fork link hole & M6 for the bottom damper hole. The M7 clearance hole would need countersinking or a counter bore, or the depth of this custom mount would be spot faced back, or machined back if necessary for the M7 fastener to clear the actual damper..

I think with a little bit of shaping, such a bracket would not look too 'gash' & would be hardly noticeable.

[bsso78]

Original springs and rods with new buffers Jim
Dampers are for pansies

[steveg]

Original springs and rods with new buffers Jim
Dampers are for pansies

Wise words Obie Wan Kenobi

[Storkfoot]

I have to say that, whilst I have never lashed out lots of cash on the top of the range dampers, I have had a pair of the slim style bgm dampers. They were fine but certainly no better than Escorts in my opinion

I do like Escorts and would happily fit them to any road going scooter with a good well set rear shock and decent front springs.

Function over bling, Steve

[steveg]

I have to say that, whilst I have never lashed out lots of cash on the top of the range dampers, I have had a pair of the slim style bgm dampers. They were fine but certainly no better than Escorts in my opinion

I do like Escorts and would happily fit them to any road going scooter with a good well set rear shock and decent front springs.

Function over bling, Steve

I want to put gaiters over them anyway so it doesn't really matter what they look like.

[Storkfoot]

I have to say that, whilst I have never lashed out lots of cash on the top of the range dampers, I have had a pair of the slim style bgm dampers. They were fine but certainly no better than Escorts in my opinion

I do like Escorts and would happily fit them to any road going scooter with a good well set rear shock and decent front springs.

Function over bling, Steve

I want to put gaiters over them anyway so it doesn't really matter what they look like.

I thought that someone did wider gaiters that fitted on Escorts

[bsso78]

I’ve seen a few escorts wearing gaiters. Usually charge more for fishing fetishists though.

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

I’ve seen a few escorts wearing gaiters. Usually charge more for fishing fetishists though.

When you say 'seen' you mean 'had a consultation'

I hope you wore your mask. I bet they did

[bike grim]

I’ve seen a few escorts wearing gaiters. Usually charge more for fishing fetishists though.

[gaz_powell]

I like it when a serious topic turns seedy...