Additional tips on valve emulators

Date: Mon, 6 Jan 1997 15:15:07 -0400
Reply-To: libssd@emory.edu
Sender: HawkGT List
From: Selden Deemer
Subject: Racetech Cartridge Emulators
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII

Got a pair for Christmas. They work; much better fork action over sharp
bumps. Available for $118 from Dennis Kirk catalog (shipping included).
Depending on your working speed, installation takes 2-3 hours, requires
no tools other than ordinary wrenches, an electric drill, and something
to hold up the bike while the forks are off. Have plenty of paper
towels/shop rags available, as it's an inherently messy job.

Here are some tips in addition to what Jim Davis has posted to this list:

1. 1988 Hawks have 4 holes already in the damper rod, so need only one
additional pair drilled.

2. If you're a light rider and don't ride terribly aggressively, the
stock springs may be OK. If you keep the stock springs, follow
Racetech's recommendation and mount them small end UP.

3. The stock springs don't have enough preload, so the extra half
inch that the emulator valves add helps -- DO NOT cut the spacers
in your forks. Even with the added preload, more is needed to get
a proper preload, which means either fork caps from an F2/F3, or
in my case air valves with 10 PSI.

No hints on tuning. I'm running 2.5 turns in from full loose, with
15 wt fork oil, and it feels about right.

Next to do something about the rear end.

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