Forum

[PeteF]

Thanks Mann, I have a lathe to make spacers exactly right so I see no problem.
I just had a good look at the stock head steady and it's not really up to it is it?
The tricky bit is going to be drilling the bar at exactly the right space between the mounts but I suspect if I slacken the main engine mounts I will get a few thou wiggle room if needed.

[dalgrae]

Hi please can yo tell me the part number of the head steady

[Haggis]

There are different ones depending on year.

https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycl ... -EFI/38154

[Nitrowing]

The head steady on my ElectraX resembles a piece of bent Coke can (other brands are available) but I don't experience much in the way of vibration while riding.
The only reason I'd like to replace it is because it's a scruffy/tatty looking object

[trophyvase]

I know it will seem utterly irrelevant - but it is about head-steadies and vibration, or the elimination of vibration.
Anyway, here goes!

The least vibrating single I have owned or ridden was a 250 MZ - with its rubber mounted head-steady. It was so smooth that you could imagine it was a turbine.

OK! I know!!

[windmill john]

Right.....

The MZ is a shorter stroke, so more zingy then vibey.

[ChrisD]

Mr Mann. I have a 1996 535 Bullet which vibrates enough to sell on ebay as a "personal device". Your ideas of an extra head steady struck home, and as I have a new one on my rebuilding Redditch 350, I thought I'd test this. I am fortunate in having an offset carb manifold to suit the Concentric on my 535, so there is space. I fitted the new steady on the other side of the tank stud and went for a 50mile run. It did indeed make a difference when revved above ~3000rpm, below that there wasn't much change. Still, all-in-all, a useful mod and I thank you for the suggestion.
ChrisD

[Mann]

@ChrisD

I have more miles on my bike now and i tend to agree, i think the main benefit to the modification is less vibrations up the rev range. there is some difference at idle and lower revs but for my bike the less vibes is apparent with more revs.

Regards
Pete

[PeteF]

I made some head steadies from 20mm x 6mm stainless. One each side so it's got to be a LOT stronger and more rigid.
The original securing bolt on the engine end was 8mm but the boss was drilled about 9.5 so that wasn't helping.
I drilled and reamed it 10mm. The only slightly tricky bit was drilling the stainless spot-on so there was no slop but they lined up properly.
We'll see when the snow's gone.

[Boxerman]

The least vibrating single I have owned or ridden was a 250 MZ - with its rubber mounted head-steady. It was so smooth that you could imagine it was a turbine.

That wasn't a head steady, that was the top engine mounting, where it hung off the spine frame. The bottom engine mounts were rubber cushioned as well.
I was amazed at the smoothness the first time I rode one. Haven't ridden anything as smooth since.

Frank