850 Le Mans steering dampener

[Rafael]

Hi, Does anyone have the stock steering dampener installed on their lemans?

I'd appreciate a picture from beneath looking up to the center of the triple clamp. My friend took bike apart for a frame powder coating a while back and never put the dampener back on. The dampener mount plate (at bottom triple clamp), I suspect it's installed incorrectly. Seems the mounting point has to be pointing to the right.

thanks

 

[manxkipper]

You don't say which Le Mans model you are working on. On my LM2 the top eye of the damper bolts straight to a post under the bottom triple clamp.

 

[Series4]

Hope these help? Best I could do with iPhone in a cold, damp, cramped garage

 

[Rafael]

You don't say which Le Mans model you are working on.

Oh, but I do Mr. Manxkipper. There is only ONE 850 Le Mans!

Thanks Peter, the pics are very helpful.

I can see that I was on the wrong track. Seems MG put the same frame anchor plates on the various frames. Seems the dampener location is base on which bottom triple clamp was used one a particular model. May be that if a fairing was big enough to hide the dampener then it was placed on the right side, if not then in the center like the 850LMs.

Pete, if your feeling generous... I'm missing the sleeve/spacers, and not am sure if it is a simple sleeve or a sleeve with a washer welded to the top, like a "T". A picture of that bit will earn you much praise. I don't know if it make a difference which way it is, but I don't want to get it right.

 

[manxkipper]

Good luck with that notion! Many opinions a world make.

 

[Series4]

Stickly speaking, because the LM1 had no 'Mk' designation it's considered to be the 850LM. But, over time it's been more convenient to label it the LM1. Same happened with Jag MkII and Sprite MkII, the earlier models were retro designated. Doesn't matter, ANY 850 LM is superior. You're both right. Same wine, different glass.

Anyhoo, the damper frame mount on the RH frame tube is for the T series and Convert bikes, which didn't have the adjuster. The damper mount on the LM(1) is on the small cross tube between the down tubes, just below the steering head. The spacer is a simple sleeve with a separate large washer on top under the nut. You might need to adapt a car fender ( I think that's what you call it over there?) washer.

I'm not going back out to the shed tonight

 

[Rafael]

Thanks again Peter. No need to go out to the shed, you already answered my question. In the mean time I went down to the local hardware store to see if I can find a sleeve that fits. Found some sleeves that were close but not close enough. I also found a picture of the adjuster kit online at Stein-Dinse including the sleeves.

While fiddling around with the mount, I figure out how the adjuster works. Interesting, seems it's more of a on-off switch. Small pegs in the adjuster plate prevent the dampener from being put into a position that will cause interference. So its basically, center anchor position is off and to the left position is on.

What do y'all call a fender washer?

 

[Series4]

Yeah, it's a very basic setup, and with my ham-fisted riding ability I can't actually tell the difference between on/off. The pegs are actually to lock the plate so there's something for the damper to act against. Try a bearing shop for a bronze bush, there could be more size options

Fender = guard or mudguard. Wing in the UK
Hood = bonnet
Trunk = boot
Rocker panel = sill
Wrench = spanner

 

[Morizzi]

Good luck with that notion! Many opinions a world make.

Absolutely true Manx!

If that white LM II in your avatar is yours then I am truly envious. Not too obsessed as I'm a LM III guy but if I was to have another 850 Lemans of any modeland colour it would be that.

A better machine than the LM I. I'll specify even if the original post didn't even mention the engine capacity. Better forks with wider fork spacing, more comprehensive dash panel, better weather protection, and the later ones had nigasil bores. Being white yours has a good chance as these seemed to come out later.

I have 2 LM III's. My first one is white and the second is silver. Both OEM schemes.

My bikes are 850 Lemans too.

Good to have you aboard.

Rod

 

[manxkipper]

If that white LM II in your avatar is yours then I am truly envious. Not too obsessed as I'm a LM III guy but if I was to have another 850 Lemans of any modeland colour it would be that.

A better machine than the LM I. I'll specify even if the original post didn't even mention the engine capacity. Better forks with wider fork spacing, more comprehensive dash panel, better weather protection, and the later ones had nigasil bores. Being white yours has a good chance as these seemed to come out later. Rod

Chassis is VE23112. Likely a later one. Bought with 18K km - all original. My brother has a LM3 in white. Great bikes.

 

[Morizzi]

Chassis is VE23112. Likely a later one. Bought with 18K km - all original. My brother has a LM3 in white. Great bikes.

That's pretty late.

Easy to tell. Next time you have a plug out just stick on of those flexible magnet pick up tools in. If the magnet is attracted to the bore then its an iron liner. If not it will be nigasil.

They even had a few LM I's in white. Rare as hen's teeth but they look good too.

Cheers

Rod

 

[Rafael]

Good luck with that notion! Many opinions a world make.

Missed this reply when I last posted. I was wondering why Peter was being so diplomatic. My remark was an attempt at humor - fell flat, really flat. I use both terms interchangeably usually go with LMs1. The capitalized ONE was suppose to be a clue to the model...

Anyway, I've never seen a white LM1or 2, but I did own a LMs2 sort of, the CX100 US model. I thought that it was the best looking LMs between the 1-5 models. Now they all look good to me. I had made an extra set of lowers that consisted of the lower part of the stock lowers. Protected my feet but didn't bother my knees -thought it looked better too. Eventually sold it because it was my daily driver for a year while rebuilding my T-3. It started getting a little rusty and worn. I couldn't stand seen such a beauty going south. Should have kept it, the fellow that bought it didn't take better care of it than I did.

I thought about the 2 position setting again, it's not so much an on-off as it is a high-low. No luck finding a spacer locally - will just have to order them of Stein-Dinse.

The pegs are actually to lock the plate so there's something for the damper to act against.

. I was referring to the pegs on the plate. They prevent you from turning the knob all the way around by bumping into the pegs on the triple clamp (that lock the plate into position as you said). Nifty system.

So, a fender washer is a guard washer.