A few months back I bought the complete kit, with bearings for the lower link and Norman’s steering damper.. I also put in new steering head balls and cups. It took a while to complete the work on my Rapide but I’ve been doing a lot of other things on the bike preparing the bike to be ridden a lot.. I have rebuilt both wheels with new bearings and fitted a pair of disc brakes on the front. (See thread on disc brakes on a C) I also reprofiled the front fender and made a new bracket and new support struts, this was partly in case the fender hit the exhaust and engine now the fork moved in a different arc but I never really liked the way the fender sat so high with the 19” wheel, the clearance under the fender made me think it looked like a dirt bike...
Back to the steering head mod.. originally Norman had suggested 45 lb springs and a heavy AVO damper but when I got the bike on wheels it was obvious to me that the fork was going to be too firm and uncomfortable, not Norman’s fault really, I had told him I would like the fork to be firm as I would be 2 up with luggage much of the time.. however, as we’ve read on this thread, much has changed in the way of opinions and experience.. as soon as I told Norman I found I may want softer springs and damper he had new parts winging their way to me.. Thank you Norman for that!
This is my resulting set up:
My weight 210lb wife 150lb (ish.. I guess?) saddle bags and rack for big bag.
36lb springs, no modifications at all
AVO damper, normal. minimum setting
Norman’s hydraulic steering damper set 7 clicks (I did find I needed to modify the arm to clearance the engine, but Norman now specifies this)
Ball bearing lower link
Ball race steering head
AVO coil over rear shock, a lot of preload (for this trip) and damping about half way
19” wheels on Roadriders
Powerful twin discs...
one other modification I found necessary, although probably peculiar to my bike, I had to fit slightly higher wider handlebars as the new fork action meant the top link could come into contact with my brake master cylinder.. I’m content with the new riding position although I really liked the Vincent flat narrow bar.
I had the bike ready just in time for my trip to The Quail in California, I took the bike around the block and packed on the luggage for the first ferry from Victoria in the morning.. Was I prepared for my first long trip on a freshly built bike? Was I sure I had the suspension set up satisfactory? Well time was up, I was as prepared as I could be.. I had gone through everything more than once, I had read and re read the forum threads etc.. I was satisfied and confident, at least l knew the bike was as good as I could get it..
2800 miles later I have to say a big thank you to Norman for his help, also to the many posters that chipped in with useful tips and advice, even if sometimes it was heavy, technical and maybe a little bit over thought out. (gulp)
So my experience with the steering head mod could be just luck, it worked for me right out of the box. I will pass on this tip though, careful assembly! Mainly the pivot bolts and lock pad bolts, over tightening will cause stiff action and although it’s obvious now I’m saving it if you just tighten everything up it doesn’t work properly, if it’s loose then your steering and suspension will feel ‘loose’
I know I still have some riding to do with less weight on the bike and maybe I’ll want to modify or adjust things.. so far though I’m very happy with the handling and comfort, easily as good as my BMW R90S that I’ve been riding for 40 years! The Vincent tracks straight and corners smoothly with no weaves or wobbles at all.. I’m sure the steering mod is essential with a more powerful brake although I admit I have no experience of a bad handling or poorly brakedVincent.. why would anyone put up with that? Haha
So thanks again Norman, of course John Emmanuel for the development, and you guys for your input and encouragement.. I will continue to try to improve my Vincent and I guarantee to keep riding the bloody thing..