Race Tech Gold Valves - Problem?
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5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Race Tech Gold Valves - Problem?
I had these Race Tech Gold Valves installed by a local shop some time ago. The front suspension seems really squishy and if you roll the bike forward a bit and pull the front brake, the front dives really far and you hear a screeching sound like a spring is compressing in a tube with no oil in it.
I told the shop about it and they said to just ride it a while longer and see if it gets any better. Fast forward to today, it's still like that.
I guess the first answer is to check the tubes and make sure there is actually oil in it. Can I just wrench off the caps on the top of the fork tubes without putting it on a lift or anything and look in there? What should I be looking for (i.e. specific oil level, anything else)?
I told the shop about it and they said to just ride it a while longer and see if it gets any better. Fast forward to today, it's still like that.
I guess the first answer is to check the tubes and make sure there is actually oil in it. Can I just wrench off the caps on the top of the fork tubes without putting it on a lift or anything and look in there? What should I be looking for (i.e. specific oil level, anything else)?
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 15
From: Tucson
Yes you can do that but you won't be able to get an accurate read on whether or not you have the proper amount of oil or if the pre-load is correct. If you're able to take it apart at home I recommend 1) talking to the Race Tech tech department. They're very helpful. They can make sure you've got all the right equipment to start off. Also go online and get yourself a set of installation instructions. 2) take off one of the forks (loosen the fork cap before you take if out of the triple tree - much easier that way and be very careful taking that cap off if you're new to that. You'll need a 1 3/8" socket for that job), remove the spacer and spring and check the oil level. Mine was 130mm of air space with the fork fully compressed. You can get a $20 tool online to do it or you can go super cheap and get a 18-24" dowel and measure 130mm (or whatever your specs are) from one end and drop it down the fork tube. Worked just fine in a pinch for me although I'm the first to admit there are definitely more accurate methods out there. 3) Ask the shop what oil they put in. RT recommended 15w which I ordered from them. 4) Double check the preload using the instructions provided. You may have to get yourself a piece of PVC or whatever and cut new ones. If you have a tube cutter it makes the job really easy.
Your front end shouldn't feel squishy with the Gold Valves in there if everything is installed correctly. I just added them and springs and it was a very noticeable difference immediately. No brake dive either. Like I said, start by calling the techs. They can take all your info and plug it into their computer to make sure you've got the right gear to start with. Good luck. PM me if you need me to clarify anything.
clown
Your front end shouldn't feel squishy with the Gold Valves in there if everything is installed correctly. I just added them and springs and it was a very noticeable difference immediately. No brake dive either. Like I said, start by calling the techs. They can take all your info and plug it into their computer to make sure you've got the right gear to start with. Good luck. PM me if you need me to clarify anything.
clown
Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 608
Likes: 42
From: Kingston, Washington
You need to either do it yourself, or find another shop.
It is not going to get better, they don't know what they are doing, and they blew you off.
After doing the research, I had to take mine apart twice, and have the oil wt(15),
preload, and valve adjustment pretty close.
I ended up at 3 turns on the valve, oil level at HD spec, and preload spacer 1/2" shorter than RT spec.
I can hit a bump and don't even know it till the back hits, with black tracker rear shocks.
There is no brake dive, or throttle rise.
You need to fine tune.
It is not going to get better, they don't know what they are doing, and they blew you off.
After doing the research, I had to take mine apart twice, and have the oil wt(15),
preload, and valve adjustment pretty close.
I ended up at 3 turns on the valve, oil level at HD spec, and preload spacer 1/2" shorter than RT spec.
I can hit a bump and don't even know it till the back hits, with black tracker rear shocks.
There is no brake dive, or throttle rise.
You need to fine tune.
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