Emulator Knock off

[dave_a]

My Christmas present just arrived from Yamahaxs650.com. Got my Taiwan emulator fork valves knock offs.
No instructions, or diagrams, just valves in a box. Anyone have any basic info? (I've read about straight rate springs only)
I'm about to find out why they can't be used in 34mm forks as well.
Thanks in advance!
dave_a

 

[jetmechmarty]

My Christmas present just arrived from Yamahaxs650.com. Got my Taiwan emulator fork valves knock offs.
No instructions, or diagrams, just valves in a box. Anyone have any basic info? (I've read about straight rate springs only)
I'm about to find out why they can't be used in 34mm forks as well.
Thanks in advance!
dave_a

My guess is that they will perfectly fit the 35 mm forks. 34 mm…. ?

You will have to drill out the holes in the damper rods enough to render them completely ineffective.

 

[dave_a]

I leaned on good ole gggGary to measure his 34mm forks. Looks like I'll have .005" clearance. If it fits in Wisconsin...should be a slip fit in FL. I'll bet the emulators don't fit in the the top of the dampers. Maybe I can fix that. Ah, where's me hammer?
Merry Christmas!

 

[SEd27]

https://www.mikesxs.net/blog/how-to-install-the-xs650-fork-damper-valves/

 

[jetmechmarty]

https://www.mikesxs.net/blog/how-to-install-the-xs650-fork-damper-valves/

That’s a nice find. The fault I saw was the stock springs reference. Stock springs on the late bike are progressive. Maybe all of them are. Straight rate springs are required.

 

[dave_a]

My OE springs are toast. 50% sag. Any increase in preload length coil binds and reduces travel.
I bought springs fron Lemonde too. They're progressive for sure.
Since I'm not even sure I can use the valves I thought I'd keep options open.

 

[AUTOMAN]

 

[dave_a]

Automan - this must be a spec sheet from a genuine Racetech emulator?
Merry Christmas all!

 

[AUTOMAN]

Naw just documentation to the mikes knock off i have
caution on the jounce spring. always too stiff. even when cranked out.(stiff)

I got more spring rates to play with. also the by-pass on mine were too small(harsh)

Merry Christmas

 

[dave_a]

Where did you obtain softer springs?

 

[jetmechmarty]

www.Traxxion.com will custom provide you with custom wound springs.

 

[dave_a]

www.Traxxion.com will custom provide you with custom wound springs.

Jet, are you talking about the little emulator springs or fork springs?

 

[jetmechmarty]

Jet, are you talking about the little emulator springs or fork springs?

Fork springs.

If you source the emulators from Race Tech or Traxxion they will provide you with any of those springs or plates you need. I don’t know whether or not either will help with just the springs you seek. I’d be interested to know.

YSS also has emulators. I know nothing of how well they support them after purchase.

 

[SEd27]

Race Tech also has a good web page to aid in determining the spring rates.

https://racetech.com/product-search/

Just plug in the requirements (i.e., bike type/ year, skill level, stiffness preference, rider weight) and it will generate a recommended spring rate

 

[dave_a]

New fork springs: from YamXS650.com

23mm. Dia. x 495mm. long. 30/40 Lb./in rate springs are now in the forks. I have 20-30% sag with rider weight (var. due to stiction. Much improve over OE 50% sag.

Test ride tomorrow.
Ultimately, I'll pull the forks apart and try to install emulators in 34mm forks.

 

[dave_a]

Automan- where did you find lighter emulator springs?
Just a an FYI guys:
Racetech suggested .8kg/mm front springs (44lbs/in) @ $150 plus $250 Goldvalves total $400
I've got $72 total in both. We will see if "you get what you pay for!"

 

[dave_a]

As mentioned, I was using half my travel just sitting on the bike. Going from OE 3.5" spacer to 4" pvc reduced fork travel by .5-.75"

 

[AUTOMAN]

Automan- where did you find lighter emulator springs?
Just a an FYI guys:
Racetech suggested .8kg/mm front springs (44lbs/in) @ $150 plus $250 Goldvalves total $400
I've got $72 total in both. We will see if "you get what you pay for!"

McMaster Carr

NOT fork springs-emulator main spring for jounce

 

[AUTOMAN]

Where did you obtain softer springs?

Mc Master Carr

I bought 11-9 and 7 lbs/inch rates since the knock offs were too stiff
Backing out the spring that came with the emulators, to reduce jounce pop-off pressure just ran out of screw travel.
Thus, softer springs so I could get some adjustability near zero pre-load on emul's.

By-pass hole was also too small for small/sharp bumps on road. Drilled 2x to .062".

 

[dave_a]

Good info. I just picked up some springs at my local Ace Hardware. Did it by feel, went with softer option. No specs@Ace.
40lb/in spring on Mike's spec sheet.
11 to 7lb/in is a petty big jump!
Racetech has 26, 40, 64, 101lb/in options.
Must be a different mechanism?