Model 50 steering damper

Previously Paul Gibbons wrote:

I'm in the process of restoring a 1957 Model 50. I have rebuilt the forks but there seems to be no facility for a steering damper. there is no threaded hole in the front downtube of the frame for the damper plate to bolt to, also no hole in the fork stem top nut. Does anyone know if it was maybe an option on the bike for that year, or were they just not fitted? Paul Gibbons

Hi Paul, I have a 1960 model 50, in near original condition, and I don't think the model 50 ever had a steering damper, why would you need one?.Whilst mine is a slim line, and I gues yours is a wide line, it is so stable, and can be ridden for miles(carefully) with no hands without the slightest shake from the forks, truly a featherbed ride.I understand from my 99 & 88 days that dampers were available, but unless your wheels are out of line it should be ok.I think the ES2 was available for sidecar use, possibly with a different trail, and presumably with a stealing damper. Regards John O