How To: Install Race Tech Emulators & Rebuild Forks - Page 8

Pugga · 04-10-2012, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squiggy

If the existing springs are not calibrated for your weight, then yes.
If the springs are old and worn, then yes.
If the oil is old, then yes.

Make sure and use new fork oil seals. I went with Suzuki's own fork seals. I have put 11,000 miles since the rebuild and have not had any issues with the fork oil seals.

Thanks for the info! I'll give it a go. I could honestly answer yes to all 3 of those...

I'm on a 2002 with all original equipment, oil included. I think I'll skip the emulators though, that seems like it might be beyond my comfort level at the moment (plus it's riding season and I can't have the bike down that long!).

squiggy · 04-10-2012, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pugga

I could honestly answer yes to all 3 of those.

haha - I know what you mean.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pugga

I think I'll skip the emulators though, that seems like it might be beyond my comfort level at the moment.

The emulators are not a necessary upgrade, but they are a nice to have.

Pugga · 04-17-2012, 11:18 AM

Squiggy, last couple question for you. I did the spring rate calculator on Racetech's website and came up right in the middle of 2 spring rates, the .90 and the .95. With your .90 springs, do you have any regrets or wish you'd gone with stiffer springs? I have been losing weight, I'm at 185 and dropping so I'll get down to a weight where their calculator will tell me I need .90 kg/mm springs but just wondering if they're stiff enough or too stiff from someone who has them. I'll be doing springs only, no cartridges yet.

Lastly, did you do anything to the rear or just upgrade the forks and still on a stock rear?

Thanks

squiggy · 04-18-2012, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pugga

do you have any regrets or wish you'd gone with stiffer springs?

If it was me, I'd go with the stiffer springs as I still have some fork dive and I have a lot of other add-ons to my bike that the calculator can not factor in, but that's just me.

The purpose of springs, or even the whole suspension for that matter, is not to provide soft cushion comfort but to keep the wheel(s) on the road, to aid in providing traction for the tires.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pugga

Lastly, did you do anything to the rear or just upgrade the forks and still on a stock rear?

A few years back I bought one of the last remaining Ohlins rear shock available.

The 750 rear shock is fully adjustable. What can be done is have Tmod (Terry) either rebuild yours, if you have a 750, or purchase one from him. He cab custom rebuild the OEM shock to your needs. He is a member here and you can PM if you wish. He is active in this suspension section as that is what he deals with.

**steves** · 04-18-2012, 06:40 AM

Try contacting resident suspension guru tmod. IN fact he might be able to get you a better price on the parts.

Pugga · 04-18-2012, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squiggy

If it was me, I'd go with the stiffer springs as I still have some fork dive and I have a lot of other add-ons to my bike that the calculator can not factor in, but that's just me.

The purpose of springs, or even the whole suspension for that matter, is not to provide soft cushion comfort but to keep the wheel(s) on the road, to aid in providing traction for the tires.

A few years back I bought one of the last remaining Ohlins rear shock available.

The 750 rear shock is fully adjustable. What can be done is have Tmod (Terry) either rebuild yours, if you have a 750, or purchase one from him. He cab custom rebuild the OEM shock to your needs. He is a member here and you can PM if you wish. He is active in this suspension section as that is what he deals with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by steves

Try contacting resident suspension guru tmod. IN fact he might be able to get you a better price on the parts.

Once again, thanks guys, looks like I need to contact Tmod! I'll shoot him a message and see what kind of magic he can work with my suspension.

beatup86 · 10-11-2012, 01:14 AM

so i have a question, im going to be rebuilding a set of forks soon, and i will not be installing emulators. do i still need to dothe whole brazing thing or is there a set i dont need to do?

cintidude04 · 10-11-2012, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beatup86

so i have a question, im going to be rebuilding a set of forks soon, and i will not be installing emulators. do i still need to dothe whole brazing thing or is there a set i dont need to do?

If you are not installing the emulators, why would you be posting in an informative thread about installing them?

Oh and no, obviously you don't need to braze the damper rod if you are not installing emulators.

beatup86 · 10-11-2012, 06:14 AM

posting cause it said & REBUILD FORKS. and i need to rebuild them, so hence the question.

cintidude04 · 10-11-2012, 06:39 AM

Sounds like you need to check out threads like this then. http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=120255

04-18-2012, 06:40 AM	#75
steves Argh Supporting Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: 19403 Posts: 28,328 iTrader: (18) My Garage	Try contacting resident suspension guru tmod. IN fact he might be able to get you a better price on the parts. __________________ -Steve Welcome to KatRiders.com! Click here to register Don't forget to check the Wiki! http://katriders.com/wiki Help Support Katriders.com via Motorcyclegear.com

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04-17-2012, 11:18 AM	#73
Pugga Katrider Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 169 iTrader: (0) My Garage	Squiggy, last couple question for you. I did the spring rate calculator on Racetech's website and came up right in the middle of 2 spring rates, the .90 and the .95. With your .90 springs, do you have any regrets or wish you'd gone with stiffer springs? I have been losing weight, I'm at 185 and dropping so I'll get down to a weight where their calculator will tell me I need .90 kg/mm springs but just wondering if they're stiff enough or too stiff from someone who has them. I'll be doing springs only, no cartridges yet. Lastly, did you do anything to the rear or just upgrade the forks and still on a stock rear? Thanks

10-11-2012, 01:14 AM	#77
beatup86 Squid Join Date: May 2012 Location: norfolk, va Posts: 25 iTrader: (0) My Garage	so i have a question, im going to be rebuilding a set of forks soon, and i will not be installing emulators. do i still need to dothe whole brazing thing or is there a set i dont need to do?

10-11-2012, 06:14 AM	#79
beatup86 Squid Join Date: May 2012 Location: norfolk, va Posts: 25 iTrader: (0) My Garage	posting cause it said & REBUILD FORKS. and i need to rebuild them, so hence the question.

10-11-2012, 06:39 AM	#80
cintidude04 Kat Legend Supporting Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Vagabond Posts: 5,523 iTrader: (24) My Garage eBay ID: cintidude04	Sounds like you need to check out threads like this then. http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=120255