Race Tech Emulator on GS400/425

[velvet jones]

Hello,

I am interested in fitting Race Tech emulators to my 1979 GS425E. After conducting a search on the Race Tech website and speaking with one of their applications specialists, they do not list a specific solution.

In order to determine if they have an emulator that may fit, I need to provide Race Tech with some fork tube dimensions that I do not have at the moment. This would require me to disassemble one on my bike or purchase a used fork and get measurements from that one. However, before I do either, I wanted to ask if anyone has successfully implemented the Race Tech emulators on their GS400/425. If so, could you please provide the part number(s) that you used? Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Aaron

[salty_monk]

isnt it a 35mm fork? If so use the MikesXS one. Same principal just 1/3rd the price... I use some in my 1100 forks with an adapter & they work great.

http://www.mikesxs.net/

[Big Rich]

I'm pretty sure it has 33mm forks. The later 450's came with 35mm if I'm not mistaken.

But on that note: I would swap the front end with later model GS. It's a pretty easy upgrade.

[velvet jones]

salty_monk,

The outer diameter on the GS400/425 fork tubes are 33 mm, so the ones you mentioned from MikesXS will not fit.

I contacted Speed Moto Co. and they confirmed they have a damper that fits 33-35 mm forks:

http://www.speedmotoco.com/product-p/055-004.htm

I have several other fitment questions that I am waiting on a response to verify everything will work so I will update the thread once I find out anything.

Best regards,
Aaron

[velvet jones]

Big Rich,

Swapping over another front end was option #2. I already have looked on BikeCliff's website to see which front ends may fit based on matching steering stem bearing sizes.

One question though, what other dimensions should I consider from the "new" front end to ensure that my original suspension geometry does not change (e.g. different steering tube length, etc.)?

Best regards,
Aaron

[Big Rich]

As long as you don't use a front end that has a leading axle (from an L model), you should be ok. I have a GS650 front end on my GS450S for the larger tubes and dual disc brakes - the 650 front end has longer forks, but I just slid them up thru the triple tree to keep the original ride height. Really easy to do.

Edit: I want to add - if you do swap font ends, try to find the most complete one possible. Wheel, axle, fender, triple tree, etc.

[hardline_42]

salty_monk,

The outer diameter on the GS400/425 fork tubes are 33 mm, so the ones you mentioned from MikesXS will not fit.

I contacted Speed Moto Co. and they confirmed they have a damper that fits 33-35 mm forks:

http://www.speedmotoco.com/product-p/055-004.htm

I have several other fitment questions that I am waiting on a response to verify everything will work so I will update the thread once I find out anything.

Best regards,
Aaron

Aaron, I've been looking at those KX65 fork emulators for a while to use on my own G450 but I've held off because I'm not sure if emulators meant to work on a 130 lb bike can be adjusted to work equally well on a 400 lb bike. I'd be interested in hearing what Speed Moto has to say about putting them on your 400.

[tkent02]

Aaron, I've been looking at those KX65 fork emulators for a while to use on my own G450 but I've held off because I'm not sure if emulators meant to work on a 130 lb bike can be adjusted to work equally well on a 400 lb bike. I'd be interested in hearing what Speed Moto has to say about putting them on your 400.

They can be adjusted however you want.
They don't hold the weight up at all, they just control a little oil movement.
Huge improvement on the bikes I have put them in.

[salty_monk]

Yes, I'd have no issue using them either.
Emulators allow you to split the two damping circuits is all so you can then adjust independently.

The original piston and oil weight will control rebound damping the emulator allows you to adjust compression damping to suit.

[hardline_42]

They can be adjusted however you want.
They don't hold the weight up at all, they just control a little oil movement.
Huge improvement on the bikes I have put them in.

Yes, I'd have no issue using them either.
Emulators allow you to split the two damping circuits is all so you can then adjust independently.

The original piston and oil weight will control rebound damping the emulator allows you to adjust compression damping to suit.

Thanks for the explanation. I assumed that the size of the openings or the little spring or something might be specific to a certain size of bike. These sound like just the ticket for those who want to keep the original 33mm forks and don't have a lathe to turn down a set of Mike's.