Loose Damping Bars

Ever since I got the "Polish Pony"('84 Royale), I have been tacking down the looseness in the front syspension. Finally found & corrected it!
Actually it wasn't in the syspension but the handlebars! The damping bars in the handlebar ends were loose & rattling. I would notice it on washboard or slightly irregular pavement more than anywhere else, but this made me very unconfident in corners. If something is loose in the front end of the bike, will it REALLY loosen up in this next corner? was always on my mind. Adjusted Head bearings twice.  Changed fork oil twice. Put on a Superbrace. Still had a sight looeness/rattle in the forks!
Thumbing through the MTA "Tech Tips", I found where someone had written in about this & suggested that you just roll some electrical tape around the damping tubes until they are tight in the handlebar ends as a simple fix. Tried it & it worked wonders!
Can anyone explain what these damping weights in the handlebars are supposed to do?   Looks to me like I could have just taken them out & left them out! That would have  reduced the steering polar moment of inertia, which would be a good thing.   Must have some positive reason for being there?..........Larry Jankowski

Last update: 03:41 PM Sunday, September 26, 2004

• Adding Grease Zerks to Early 1st Gen Ventures
• FORK REBUILDING FOR DUMMIES
• SuperBrace Discussion
• Progressive Fork Spring Replacement
• 83-85 Shop Manual Misprint - AntiDive Adjustment
• Anti-dive Systems Clarified
• Changing Fork Seals
• Upgrading Rear Shocks
• Progressive Suspension Rear Shock Part No.
• Get That Superbrace!
• Wobble Testing
• CLASS System Overhaul
• Removing The CLASS System
• Suspension Controller Fix
• Air Suspension Woes
• Poor Handling
• Fixing The Wobble