So I ordered the Racetech gold valve kit for my '02 from GMD Computrac (comp and rebound valving). Pile of stuff comes in and looks very sexy. Got on the website and entered my "special code" for valve stack application. Hmmm, something a bit fishy here, not a single number matches up with the numbers in the package. Oh well, maybe after I take the forks apart and look more closely all will become clear....NOT! What a total cluster-fvck! Instructions are so generalized that they apply to any fork, any bike, any damned application! I didn't pay $603 for "general" instructions! The video should be very helpful. It is titled "Dirt Bike Forks"! Unless a flash of understanding comes from somewhere, this pile of crap will be for sale CHEAP to anyone who is willing to try to install it. I'm just going to put the forks back together with the stock internals (new bushings, seals and springs) and forget this convoluted, bass-ackward set of useless instructions sent to me by RaceTech. I am sure that someone who installs these kits on a regular basis can understand their instructions. In my case, I am totally lost! Oh and to make matters ever more aggravating, there is no tech like on weekends!
The instructions do suck and if you have the G2-R kit the bleed hole is in a different location. Here is a link that will help . If you need a pic of bleed hole location let me know. Installing Racetech Gold Valves - VFR Discussion
Yes the instructions are very generalized. In actuality you can't even use all the parts that are supplied with kit because they won't fit so you have to use some of your stock bits. That of course isn't in the instructions. For the compression valves you need to use your own spring and cup washer. It's a very good piece of kit though but I can understand your frustration. It's not really a job for anyone because of that ambiguity so for anyone wanting to tackle this themselves I would do it during Racetech business hours so you can call them and have a whole pile of previous knowledge before you begin. In the end the computer generated numbers were close, I needed to up the fluid to 7.5wt for the effect I was looking for vs the 2.5-5.0wt that they suggested. http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/28381-my-6th-gen-suspension-upgrade.html#post233251
I did a search for that particular thread and failed to find it. Dammit! I could have saved myself a LOT of hassle if I'd been able to read that description before my fiasco. Well, what's done is done. If the forks work at all it'll be a friggin miracle.
Maybe I should just write a book: "How to Destroy Your Forks in One Easy Procedure". Forks, well one side anyway is toast. Sh*t! My own fault, trying to go beyond my ability to wrench. :crazy: :frown:
I think what did NOT go wrong would be easier to answer. Not filing off the ping on the end of the shafts is the primary failure mode. When threads come off with the nut...."here's your sign"! DOH! Completely my fault for not recognizing what the instructions were telling me. I plead guilty. :crazy: I tried to salvage by re-threading and felt like I was successful but one fork has a gawd-awful internal sound (like a washer is rubbing the side of the tube) so I have thrown in the towel and started looking to the salvage yards for some more sticks.
I would send back the kit. With a letter describing all the lack of information and other problems BEFORE it happens to others. I doubt other companies could improve HONDA'a product, considering all the resources of Honda Motor Company. But HONDA does need to get more motorycle people in the design department. Get those plastic toy designers out.
Donald, I have no doubt that the RaceTech components, when properly installed, will improve on the fork characteristics. I had previously installed these on a couple of different Kawasaki ZRX's. Noticeable improvement was there. Returning the components is, unfortunately, not an option. I tend to use the hammer-method on things when I am pissed and frustrated. :crazy:
Hey toe cutter, not without the same parts I am looking for you won't. :redface: If there are any pieces-parts left over, you are welcome to them though.
I was offering to fix them for you, I have a magician of a machinist at work that waves his magic wand for almost nothing and reassemble and return them to you on the cheap.
Thanks dude. Thought you were laughing along with me at my ineptness. May take you up on it if I cannot find a suitable replacement set.
