1st ride with Gold Valves
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver, B.C.
1st ride with Gold Valves
Despite some electrical issues I'm still having after installing Wild 1 513s, chrome controls, switch covers, etc, I rode home tonight for the first time with the RaceTech Gold Valves and springs in the front end of my RKC.
What an improvement!
I dare say that the front end delivers a better ride than the rear of my RK now......and the rear is no slouch with Works Steel Trackers and Accu-Track. Prior to this it was clear that the rear exposed the faults of the front forks. Now the rear needs more dialing in, at least for around town. I know that on the highway and at speed it'll be about as good as you can expect to get.
CN
What an improvement!
I dare say that the front end delivers a better ride than the rear of my RK now......and the rear is no slouch with Works Steel Trackers and Accu-Track. Prior to this it was clear that the rear exposed the faults of the front forks. Now the rear needs more dialing in, at least for around town. I know that on the highway and at speed it'll be about as good as you can expect to get.
CN
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 5
From: Oregon
RE: 1st ride with Gold Valves
Hmmmm first I have heard of someone modifying the front end suspension on a Harley...
I guess I'll go www hunting for what did you call em... RaceTech valves..springs.. see what they all about, work in a softail? heh
I guess I'll go www hunting for what did you call em... RaceTech valves..springs.. see what they all about, work in a softail? heh
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver, B.C.
RE: 1st ride with Gold Valves
Solved my electrical issues today and took the bike for a long spin.
It is now clear to me that the front forks are vastly improved with the mods, springs, and Gold Valves. It took some getting used to the baby apes with the change from the stock RK bars, but with the front and rear suspension setups so much better than before the handling has moved into another dimension.
For those following along, (and might care) here's what I've done over the last while.
Removed the Progressive 440s and replaced them with Works Performance Steel Trackers.
Added Accu-Track. (someone else's answer to RideStr8 or True-Track)
Modified stock front fork damper rods. (as per RaceTech)
Added RaceTech Gold Valves.
Added RaceTech custom fork springs.
Swapped out stock RKC bars with WildOne Chubby 513s.
Swapped out stock clutch cable, throttle cables and brake lines for Barnett and Goodridge stainless braided cables.
Swapped out all stock, black hand controls and switch covers for full set of HD chrome hand controls, chrome switch covers and caps.
Replaced stock brake disc rotors with HD six-spoke, chrome floating brake rotors.
CN
Note: Pic in sig is "before".
It is now clear to me that the front forks are vastly improved with the mods, springs, and Gold Valves. It took some getting used to the baby apes with the change from the stock RK bars, but with the front and rear suspension setups so much better than before the handling has moved into another dimension.
For those following along, (and might care) here's what I've done over the last while.
Removed the Progressive 440s and replaced them with Works Performance Steel Trackers.
Added Accu-Track. (someone else's answer to RideStr8 or True-Track)
Modified stock front fork damper rods. (as per RaceTech)
Added RaceTech Gold Valves.
Added RaceTech custom fork springs.
Swapped out stock RKC bars with WildOne Chubby 513s.
Swapped out stock clutch cable, throttle cables and brake lines for Barnett and Goodridge stainless braided cables.
Swapped out all stock, black hand controls and switch covers for full set of HD chrome hand controls, chrome switch covers and caps.
Replaced stock brake disc rotors with HD six-spoke, chrome floating brake rotors.
CN
Note: Pic in sig is "before".
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1st ride with Gold Valves
my wife has the race tech gold valve emulators and front suspension fork springs in her 01 fxdl and her comments are they are perhaps the best single improvement made on her highly modified bike. because of her short inseam length, she had to have the front and rear lowered in order to get her feet flatly on the ground - also needing the seat to be modified to get her closer to the ground. with the race tech system in place, the bike now is a real pleasure for her to ride - very significant improvement in steering especially in tighter turns and on rougher roads.
if you go to their website, you can actually get the springs that are designed for your weight specifically. i am putting them in my fxdwg right now as i plan on doing a lot of distance riding with it this summer. everyone who has actually installed the race tech springs and emulators that i personally know have raved about them.
excellent product.
if you go to their website, you can actually get the springs that are designed for your weight specifically. i am putting them in my fxdwg right now as i plan on doing a lot of distance riding with it this summer. everyone who has actually installed the race tech springs and emulators that i personally know have raved about them.
excellent product.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1st ride with Gold Valves
Have Race Tech Gold Valves on order for my FXDB, even though they don't list them for the model. Ordered to suit a V-Rod instead - same diameter fork. Stock springs, the '06 front springs are good for my weight.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: 1st ride with Gold Valves
I put them in my '06 superglide a while back. Used a V-Rod kit - perfect fit. Dramatic improvement in both ride and handeling. One of the things I really hated was that sawhorse action as you upshifted through the gears. Shift and the front end dips, gas and the front end rises. All gone now.
As I compared the Race Tech springs to the stock H-D springs, I couldn't see much of a differance. They are both progressivly wound. Of course, no way of knowing rates.
As I compared the Race Tech springs to the stock H-D springs, I couldn't see much of a differance. They are both progressivly wound. Of course, no way of knowing rates.
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Texas
RE: 1st ride with Gold Valves
anybody know what I need for a '06 Ultra?.....dampers in both tubes, no cartridge
They don't have a kit for an '06 listed....can I get a separate spring set and a separate emulator set?....which one?
What Race Tech oil weight?
They don't have a kit for an '06 listed....can I get a separate spring set and a separate emulator set?....which one?
What Race Tech oil weight?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
RE: 1st ride with Gold Valves
Did you use their lowering kit or did you have cutom springs made for you? I have an 05 road king classic that I am looking to lower with their front end kitalong with their rear shocks. Did you buy the rear shocks? If so ,how much adjustment is there? Thanks for any info .
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: 1st ride with Gold Valves
ORIGINAL: kdietz
anybody know what I need for a '06 Ultra?.....dampers in both tubes, no cartridge
They don't have a kit for an '06 listed....can I get a separate spring set and a separate emulator set?....which one?
anybody know what I need for a '06 Ultra?.....dampers in both tubes, no cartridge
They don't have a kit for an '06 listed....can I get a separate spring set and a separate emulator set?....which one?
I'm not well versed on the Ultra, but I don't think the suspension has really changed in the previous few years. I could be wrong, though, so don't quote me. Find out what HD front end parts interchange with your machine. Take note of the lower fork tubes. Then buy the Race Tech parts to match.
For example, there's no listing for 06-07 Dynas. But I noticed the new Dynas use the same forks as the V-Rod (even though the parts guy said they didn't). I purchased a V-Rod kit for my machine, and it fits/works just great.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mchad
2018+ Softail Models
7
Jun 26, 2019 12:04 PM
