Experiencing the Performance Damper for the Hunter Cub first hand! (Part 1)

ACTIVE has released a Performance Damper for Hunter Cubs. This is a one-of-a-kind damping device that is unparalleled even among the many custom parts available for the Hunter Cub and it has attracted a great deal of attention. I was able to borrow a sample from ACTIVE themselves, so I installed it and went for a test ride. Here is my review!

What is a Performance Damper?

The Performance Damper is a vibration control device developed by Yamaha Motor Co. It is an unprecedented mechanism that absorbs deformation, unpleasant noise and vibration, and focuses on viscosity rather than rigidity. Originally developed for automobiles, it was introduced as the "Power Beam" as the first ever vibration damper for motorcycles. The initial lineup was for the SR, SEROW, and T-MAX. Later, the name was consolidated back to the same name as for four-wheeled vehicles and it became the Performance Damper. Since the technology was developed by Yamaha, it was initially only available for Yamaha models, but now ACTIVE, who have been provided with the technology by Yamaha, have begun expanding the lineup to include models from other manufacturers.

For more details you can check out the following two articles with information from the technical briefing session.
This “magic wand” calms your machine! The Performance Damper can reduce fatigue on long trips! (Part 1)
This “magic wand” calms your machine! The Performance Damper can reduce fatigue on long trips! (Part 2)

What's special about the Performance Damper for Hunter Cubs?

Until now ACTIVE had been developing a lineup of Performance Dampers for medium and large displacement bikes, but now they also have one for the Hunter Cub. It is compatible with both the JA55 and JA65.

For small displacement bikes it was already available for the KTM 125DUKE ('17-20), but this is the first by ACTIVE for a Japanese manufacturer. Since we had the opportunity, we asked the person in charge of development about the various particulars.

Interviewer: I would like to thank you for your time today. First of all, please tell us what you focused on when setting up the Performance Damper for the Hunter Cub.

Mr. Ataka: It is not limited to just the Hunter Cub, but for any model, we consider several locations before deciding on the final mounting position. In the case of the Hunter Cub, we considered various points, such as the frame area under the battery lid. We make a comprehensive decision on the mounting position based on a number of factors, including vibration control performance and appearance, such as not detracting from the bike's original style. For the Hunter Cub, I think we were able to find an ideal position where it would have a great effect.

Interviewer: Did you encounter any difficulties?

Mr. Ataka: We had relatively few issues in designing the bracket and deciding on the mounting position, but it was very difficult to accommodate both the JA55 and JA65 models.

Interviewer: I see, although the name is the same Hunter Cub, the engines are different and the model numbers too. It might be easier to treat them as different models.

Mr. Ataka: The damper rod is fastened to the right crankcase cover and the bolt spacing on the cover is different for the JA55 and JA65. However, thanks to our hard work, I am proud to say that the product is one of the best we have ever made, in terms of its composition, performance, and looks.

Interviewer: Was there any difference in effectiveness between small-displacement and medium- or large-displacement bikes?

Mr. Ataka: I was surprised when I first rode the Hunter Cub for development. It has a, how would you put it, very energetic frame.

Interviewer: Cubs are a bit mischievous, aren't they?

Mr. Ataka: That's why the Performance Damper is so effective. My impression is that it is one of the most effective in the lineup so far.

Interviewer: I'm not quite sure what to expect from the phrase "vibration control", do you think I'll be able to tell the difference when I try it out myself?

Mr. Ataka: This is just my impression or expectation, but the effect is so great that I think about 70% of people will be able to feel the difference right away.

Interviewer: I'm not very sensitive, so I might end up in the remaining 30%.

Installation is very easy!

Well, now that I've heard the story and borrowed the Performance Damper, I'm going to go ahead and install it on my Hunter Cub (JA55).

Required Tools

First, the necessary tools. There are not many special tools, but since this is a vibration damper you want to make sure to have good torque management. By the way, the reason we're using hexagonal sockets instead of Allen wrenches is because there are places that are a little hard to reach. You'll also need extensions.

- 8mm socket
- 12mm socket
- 5mm hexagonal socket
- 6mm hexagonal socket
- Extensions
- Ratchet handle
- Torque wrench
- 12mm box wrench

There is one place where it is difficult to get a torque wrench in, so a torque wrench with a 12mm wrench head would be ideal.

Let's install it!

For a clear view in the photos I have removed the exhaust, but you can install it with the exhaust equipped. However, it is easier if you remove the heat guard. First, let's assemble the front bracket. And by that I mean just putting it together.

Remove the leftmost of the two bolts (8x16 socket bolt) on the black resin part (right front bracket cover) on the upper side of the underpipe. The tool used is a 6mm hexagonal socket. It is a bit deep, so a socket is easier to use than an Allen wrench.

Temporarily fasten the front bracket assembled earlier in place of the removed bolt. Don't tighten it all the way yet.

Next, let's assemble the bracket for the rear side. The side with one hole goes to the rear and the side with three holes is the front. In the case of the JA55, you need to put the supplied bolt through the middle of the three holes.

Next, remove the two bolts from the right crankcase cover. The bolts are 8mm wide on both sides; the crankcase is in the way, so using extensions will make it easier. You should also remove the clip that holds the wires.

Then, after temporarily fastening the rear bracket, temporarily bolt the Performance Damper to the front and rear brackets. It should be installed with the damper side in the front and the rod side to the rear. If the logo sticker can be read properly you've got it right.

Lastly, since we've removed the wiring clip, thread the supplied cable tie through the bottom hole on the rear bracket to keep the wires together.

The rest of the installation process can be seen in Part 2!