EMULATOR FITTING REQUIREMENTS FOR

UNLISTED MODELS

  1. SELECT THE EMULATOR SIZE TO FIT INTO THE FORK TUBE - The outer diameter of the Emulator must be smaller than the inner diameter of the fork tube by at least 0.75mm (0.030"). It can be as much as 4mm (0.160") smaller.
  2. FIT IN or ON THE DAMPING ROD - Typically there are two types of damping rods, cupped top and flat top. Please keep in mind that a "perfect" seal is not required for optimum performance. The main fork spring holds the Emulator down on top of the damping rod. The Emulator can move around a bit without losing its seal.

    CUPPED-TOP - (fig 1) Most Japanese forks are cupped on top. This is the typical installation for the standard Emulator (though some special models are designed specifically for flat-top). Before installation, check the fit of the Gold Valve Emulator by placing it on the top of the damping rod. The step on the Emulator must sit into the top of the damping rod (D1 - fig 1) and have 0.5mm (0.020") clearance minimum. It can have quite a bit of clearance but it must completely cover the opening in the end of the rod.

    FLAT-TOP - (fig 2) The instructions for the Flat Top Style also covers damping rods that have parts of the rod extending upward as well. Many older model Ceriani, Betor, Bitubo, etc. forks are this type. A special adapter must be manufactured for proper fit. 

    • During final assembly check to be sure the adapter and Emulator are sitting properly on the top of the damping rod.

 

  1. REMOVE STOCK COMPRESSION VALVES OR ADJUSTERS - (Older KX80, 86 KX125 - 500, 86 YZs etc.) If there is any type of compression valve or adjuster, it must be removed.
  2. STOCK REBOUND ADJUSTMENT - Some models have rebound adjustment. In some cases installation of the Emulator requires removal of the adjuster.
  3. ENLARGE THE COMPRESSION FEED HOLES - To allow enouth flow to the Emulator you must enlarge and / or add compression feed holes.

    Note on increasing the compression feed hole size: All you need is enough compression hole area. A little more than enough does not hurt.

    As a general rule use a 6mm (1/4") drill for damping rods smaller than 17mm (.675") and an 8mm (5/16") drill for larger dampng rods.

    Unusual scenarios - Sometimes that are feed holes underneath bottom-out cones. Sometimes they are not Compression holes at all but, rather are feed for one-way bottom-out or anti-dive mechanisms.  Check out the Damping Rod Gallery to see if your application is similar to something listed.
     
  4. ANTI-DIVE MECHANISMS - Anti-dive mechanism will be disabled. The Emulator and spring combination we recomend will eliminate the need for anti-dive.

    SPRINGS

  5. SPRING RATE - Most street motorcycles come with springs that are too soft. This is in an effort on the manufacturers part to keep the front end from being too harsh with damping rod style forks. By using the Emulator you will eliminate the major cause of harshness. This allows you to use a stiffer spring and creates a much better ride in every situation.
  6. SPRING INNER DIAMETER - The spring inner diameter must be large enough to allow for proper flow between the inner diameter of the spring and the outer diameter of the Emulator Valve Plate. The inner diameter of the fork spring must be at least 4mm larger than the Emulator Valve Plate (figure 1).

    This is quite often a problem when using aftermarket springs. Also check that the spring does not cover the refill slots in the Emulator.

  7. SPRING LENGTH / PRELOAD - The Emulator (and adapter) length must be considered when setting up the spring spacer length.

  8. OIL LEVEL - Set the oil level with the Emulator installed (submerged). 

    NOTE: Spring volume affects oil level. Aftermarket springs quite often take up more volume than the stock springs. In fact some springs take up so much volume the maximum oil level does not cover the damping rod completely when the fork is fully extended. This causes a loss of damping. (We recommend only RT Springs.)

    FOR UNLISTED APPLICATIONS

    PLEASE EMAIL US WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

Brand/Year/Model ________________________________

Fork Tube OD / ID _________ / _________

Damping Rod Head OD / ID ________ / _________

Damping Rod OD / ID  ________ / ________

Spring ID ________

Take pictures of the damping rod(s) and send them to us.

Contact Info _____________________________________

Phone __________________________________________


   -  Technical Support: tech@racetech.com