|
29 Nov 2004
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 148
|
|
Fork upgrade - RaceTech cartridge emulators
Hi all
I fitted a pair of RaceTech cartidge emulators to my Tenere forks in preperation for a recent trip to morocco.
I have only a vague idea of how they work, the basic principle is they turn old-fashioned 'damping rod' forks into modern 'cartridge' type forks.
They did a great job, really transformed the handling on and off-road. The bike feels much more supple and the front end is heaps better at coping with sharp jolts, and the wheel travels much more smoothly through its full travel. Very happy with the end result.
I bought mine from PDQ in Berkshire at £100 for the pair. They're easy to fit and adjust, however you have to remove the damping rods and drill six 8mm holes in each. PDQ gets top marks for being friendly and helpful.
I looked at the RaceTech (US company) website to work out what part number I needed. There's also a description in there of how they work and list of distributors: www. racetech
For my '88 XT600Z the part is: FEGV S4101
------------------
Barry
3AJ Tenere
[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 04 December 2004).]
__________________
Barry
XT600Z 3AJ Tenere (rebuild in progress)
SRX600
|
3 Dec 2004
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Toulouse, France
Posts: 216
|
|
Hi Barry,
Are they compatibles with the compressed air preload system on the ténéré forks ?
Why do you have to drill holes, and in the cartridges?
Regards,
Matt
[This message has been edited by Matt595 (edited 04 December 2004).]
|
4 Dec 2004
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 148
|
|
From my understanding of the air preload on teneres it should work fine with the emulators. However, I don't use mine (zero pressure). This is a low-tech, very basic way to pre-load forks. You are much better off buying fork springs of the right stiffness for your load.
The basic principle of damper-rod forks (stock tenere forks) is that oil is forced through a hole as the suspension extends or compresses - this provides the damping. However as the hole is a fixed size, often either too much or too little oil gets through the hole - meaning the ride is either too soft or too harsh. For example, when the suspension tries to compress quickly, the oil can't get through the hole fast enough and slows the suspension - giving a harsh ride (wheel is unable to follow contour of road). Equally, when the suspension is moving only a little, too much oil gets through the hole and the suspension is under-damped and feels soggy.
The emulator uses a clever spring-loaded valve instead of a hole. The valve can 'sense' how much damping is needed and adjusts the size of its 'hole' to suit. You need to drill extra holes in the damper rod so that the oil flow is controlled by the emulator valve, and not the original hole in the damper rod.
I don't have anything to do with race-tech and I'm no suspension expert, but the emulators certainly made the bike feel much more capable.
------------------
Barry
3AJ Tenere
__________________
Barry
XT600Z 3AJ Tenere (rebuild in progress)
SRX600
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|