How to: Race Tech Gold Valve Cartridge Emulator install

[burning1]

Sorry I wasn't clear. I did run emulators. Unfortunately, I didn't play with the adjustments on the emulators very much. I can compare them directly to full cartrage forks however. The short version is that emulators don't provide the same level of rebound damping control as full cartrages, and don't work nearly as well when the bike is cold.

Regardless, they are a huge improvement over the stock damping rods. Pretty much everyone here would benefit by installing a set.

Edit: They were a drop-in install for the early model 93 GS500E forks. I had to make a new preload spacer for the springs, but the emulators worked fine on the stock damping rods. I think I have a photo floating around somewhere, actually.

I didn't personally run modified emulators... Dave moss built them for my girlfriends Ninja 250 race bike, but it looks like what he built would work excellently on the GS. I did run mine on the track, and can attest to their performance - I managed to get within a few inches of dragging elbow with them, a Kat shock, and a set of BT003RS wheels.

[burning1]

Forgive me, I've posted this before, but I really love the shot...



Emulators, .85s, oil, Katana 750 shock, and BT003RS tires. About $750 worth of stuff including tires.

[Slack]

No need to apologize.  If that were a picture of me I'd post it everywhere because it is a bad ass pic 

Finally finished the write up.  Might still add a photo or two, but it's realistically done.  If anyone sees anything I need to change/add please let me know.

[Slack]

I've put a little over 1000 miles on the new set up.  BIG 

It feels much more precise in the turns, like I can pick an actual line instead of just a general swooping area 
There is hardly any brake dive when clamping on the front rotor, and yet if I hit a big bump on the interstate at 80 mph the fork just soaks it up like a cadillac.

It's hard to describe how much better these feel, it's like a new bike.  Everyone on the forum needs to install these, NOW.  They give that much better of a ride.

It's funny you kept mentioning the lack of rebound tuning, Burning, I wish I could slow it down just a smidge 
I may mess with a custom weight oil, 17.5 or so, but I'm not sure it's that big of an issue for me to bother: More miles will tell.

[xunedeinx]

I need this...

Who wants to come down to FL when we move into the new house to have an emulator party? 

[k.rollin]

I realize this thread hasn't seen a new post in nearly eight months, but in my email correspondence with Terry at Race Tech regarding the installation of emulators in a 2004 GS500 front end, he claims that the adapter/spacer between the damping rod and emulator body is not required. Did Race Tech provide you with those spacers, or did you have to machine them yourself?

I personally haven't started my installation yet, because I need to ride to my parent's place to use my drill press (and possibly my father's lathe), and being my only vehicle, I'd like to minimize down time. Do you happen to know the dimensions of the spacers, so I can make a set this weekend if need be?

[Slack]

I purchased them from Race Tech (they were the only thing I purchased directly from Race Tech as you can find their stuff much cheaper through a middle man).  They are definitely required for the 2004+ front end.  They didn't think I would need them either. . . I'm kind of surprised they didn't update their web page to say they are required after I called them needing one half way through my installation, I specifically suggested that they should.

[Slack]

Update:  I've put 6,500 miles on my bike since installation.  I still love them.  I was serious when I said every one on this forum should get a set.  It makes that much of a difference in handling.

[k.rollin]

I got my emulators yesterday, and while I still haven't heard back from the folks at Race Tech (no doubt due to the holiday), I was able to take some measurements and determined that the appropriate dimensions for the adapters/spacers to be 1.219" OD, 0.96" ID, and 0.50" high. I didn't have any aluminum bar stock on hand, but 1" Schedule 80 PVC pipe will work fine with minimal machining. I figured that if anyone else was considering this upgrade, they might appreciate the new information.

BTW, are you running a K&N lunchbox with the stock exhaust? If so, have you noticed any decrease in fuel efficiency or with the engine running too lean?

[Slack]

The spacer can be longer as well, if it makes it easier to cut at 1" or something.  The difference would be made up when adjusting your preload. 

Yes, K&N Lunch Box stock exhaust (Intake Noise is sweeeet!)
My carb set up is 20/65/142.5 / 0 washers / 3 turns out
It's good, maybe a hair rich on the low end.
MPG went from mid/high 50's to mid/low 50's.

[Mechmech]

Heya. Vaguely related question: The last owner of my GS installed these emulators on my bike. Is there any kind of extra upkeep or maintenance required for them? Only been riding with them for about 500 miles, so I don't know what to expect.

[Slack]

No extra maintenance. 

[burning1]

It's funny you kept mentioning the lack of rebound tuning, Burning, I wish I could slow it down just a smidge 
I may mess with a custom weight oil, 17.5 or so, but I'm not sure it's that big of an issue for me to bother: More miles will tell.

Yep, using slightly thicker oil is the key. I'd be inclined to suggest a 20 weight oil. If you ride in the cold and can find a multi-grade fork oil, (10w20?) that might be a good bet.

You can of course create custom weights by mixing oils. E.g. equal parts 10w20 and 20 weight fork oil will produce a 15w20 fork oil. 15 weight and 20 weight will produce ~17.5 weight, as you probably know.

[k.rollin]

For anybody with 2004+ forks considering cartridge emulators, the adapters you'll need are FPEV AD3802 and they retail for $9.99 per pair if you don't make them yourself according to Terry Diederichs.