steering dampener and tire questions for a 72 interstate.

The first Commandos crashed a few guys when they rode over cats-eyes in the wet. It takes almost nothing to cause a tank-slapper. If you are experienced, you usually know when one is coming because the bike is twitchy. But I never race without a damper because I have been over the front at high speed too many times - usually due to locking a brake when approaching a corner. But I have ridden bikes which were unsafe at any speed. If you ride slow enough, you don't usually get into trouble - but who does that ?
Joey Dunlop used to wind the damper on harder as he raced. He probably worked up to speed. Mine is usually on a moderately hard setting - it has to be there when you need it..

'He grudgingly gave me the MOT with a warning to not bring a motorcycle for an MOT fitted with a device that doesn't work!!!'

Crash helmets and leathers do not work, unless you crash. Nor do crash bars. And you don't need mudguards unless it rains.