Damper tower for Scotts stabilizer - 07 EC250

[SpeedyManiac]

I have an older bolt on damper tower (welded from 2 pieces of steel) but unfortunately it keeps slipping. Saw a new one for an Elka stabilizer (which has the same physical dimensions for mounting as the Scotts) that is way sturdier and more secure and am wondering what options are out there for Gassers?

 

[HydroDog]

I have a GPR damper with the 04 RM250 clamp on mount. It clamps on pretty good but is a little flexy compaired to a weld on mount.

 

[GMP]

One reason I tried a sub mount was to eliminate flex from the long towers. I have the latest Scotts (BRP) tower. Single M6 clamp bolt design. The older 2 bolt (M5) tower was actually for a YZ but happened to fit a GG, but the clamping area is inadequate. The new tower is much better, but for added security, I drilled and tapped each side for M5 and added a setscrew and jam nut. Zero slippage, but I have slightly bent it once, where the 2-3mm thick steel attaches the tube to the clamp ring. With a sub mount no issues, your set.

I'm going back to a top mount because I do not like the high bars, so I either have to weld and reinforce my cut down tower, or buy a better one.

 

[Skidad]

I wonder if the Motosportz tower would work with the Scotts damper? Looks like a nice tower and either over or under bar models are available. Just a thought....

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Looks like it might fit, but I'm not too stoked on that pinch system. Looks awkward to tighten in a hurry (Looks like I'd have to remove the front number plate).

 

[GMP]

That pic may not be of a GG tower, the one I saw was a one piece ring, single pinch bolt design like the Scotts.

 

[Skidad]

That pic may not be of a GG tower, the one I saw was a one piece ring, single pinch bolt design like the Scotts.

Yup, you are correct Glen. The Gas Gas tower is a single bolt clamp.

 

[GMP]

It doesn't matter anyway, Kelly just got back to me and he will not sell the tower separately.

I'm going to design my own tower, screw it.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Glenn, try to find an Elka tower and base the design off that. My buddy Cory (Graffunder - see 09 EC300R test) has an Elka damper and post on his KTM and the setup is awesome. He said the Elka has the same mounting dimensions as a Scotts damper, so now I'm just trying to find out what the diameter of the head tube is on the 09 KTMs to see if it will fit my Gasser.

 

[GMP]

I'm thinking similar to the Motosportz tower, but instead of the tower just bolting to the flat clamp surface, I'll counterbore the clamp a few mm for a press fit and added strength, that way your not just relying on the bolt. Maybe just weld it and be done. I'll sketch something up soon and see how much $$ the local machine shop wants. I also have a top mount damper plate to be made, goes over the top of the bar clamps or in my case Bike Bonz handguard mounts.

The Scotts puts a lot of stress on towers from the high speed circuit locking up. Especially mine since I run the high speed damping up and low speed down. I broke two old style (YZ) towers and bent a new one. This is what I like about the Scotts though, it saves my ass in the rocks.

If your only issue is slippage then just add the setscrews, works great. The short sub mount towers are much less prone to flex and bending. Too bad I just hate the high bars.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Yeah, I've never had issues with breaking the tower - sub mount and I don't run the clamp super tight (it slips). I'm going to try the set screws. The Elka tower is a machined unit (no welds like my BRP one) that comes with set screws. Looks really nice.

I have a drawing done up for a new SUB mount that is lower and farther forward than the BRP unit. It puts the bars just clearing the damper. I'm hoping to get a prototype made in the next month or so. I'll post pictures when I have it done.

 

[GMP]

I did some measuring today. It seems that the Scotts/BRP tower with its three piece welded design is based on the damper using the standard 40mm link arm. This requires that the pin center be very close to the clamp ring, not allowing a larger stiff tower riser to be used. Longer link arms are available, and it would pay to design around this, as a larger tower can be used, plus forces are less on the tower pin using the longer arm. I guess Scotts designed around the hundreds of standard link arms they had in stock.