Craig Vechorik at Bench Mark Works specializes in pre-1970 BMW motorcycles.

How to convert a 1960-1969 BMW motorcycle
hydraulic steering damper
to a friction-style damper
by Craig Vechorik of Bench Mark Works


Reasons why one would want to change a hydraulic steering damper to a friction damper:
1. The complicated linkage system of the hydraulic damper has developed excessive play due to wear and it has become ineffective.
2. The hydraulic damper cylinder has leaked oil and is no longer functional. (The cylinder is not currently available as a replacement part.)
3. You wish to fit a sidecar on a BMW motorcycle that has a hydraulic damper. The change to a friction-type damper is very important to allow for proper steering adjustment.


The actual removal and installation of parts is easy and very straight forward. See the parts diagram that follows. If you need further assistance, call me at (662) 465-6444 10 a.m to 4 p.m. central standard time and I'll be glad to talk you through it.

photo of parts to replace

The following parts are required. You can click the link now to create a secure order form to order the parts from Bench Mark Works. The attachment nuts, bolts and washers are stainless steel. We accept Visa, Discover, American Express and Master Card.

DAMPER CONVERSION KIT: R69S hydraulic to friction-style
    07 11 9 932 090--quantity 1--wave washer 8mm stainless steel
    07 11 9 922 081--quantity 1--8mmX1.25 nut various applications stainless steel
    31 42 2 000 255--quantity 1--damper anchor bolt R51-R60 stainless steel
    07 11 9 923 414--quantity 1--8mm x 1.25 ss castelated nut
    07 11 9 931 065--quantity 1--flat washer 8mm stainless steel
    07 11 9 931 851--quantity 1--washer stainless steel fits steering damper stepped bolt
    31 42 2 000 257--quantity 2--damper anchor rubber R25/2-R69S
    31 41 2 000 295--quantity 1--steering damper bolt Earles fork bikes stainless steel
    31 41 2 000 231--quantity 1--damper thrust plate R26-R69S
    31 41 2 000 217--quantity 1--damper resistance plate
    31 41 2 000 235--quantity 2--damper friction disk
    07 11 9 949 213--quantity 3--copper rivets
    07 11 9 945 111--quantity 2--cotter pin

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Note Bench Mark Works site address:
http://members.aol.com/VechBMW/index.html

Bench Mark Works
Elaine White and Craig Vechorik, Owners
3400 Earles Fork Road
Sturgis MS 39769-8736 USA
Home/Office/Shop/FAX: (662) 465-6444
Toll-free order line: 1-800-323-7102
All rights reserved.


Craig Vechorik of Bench Mark Works in Starkville, MS USA specializes in antique, classic and vintage BMW motorcycle repair and restoration.
Designed by Elaine C. White, oelaineo@aol.com