So, speaking of front forks...

[Gmac]

I keep seeing people mention "emulators" when fixing the front forks vs rebuilding the air assisted forks and going with different types of springs.

Just what is an "emulator"?

Where are "emulators" sold?

Do they really improve handling enough to make it worth the investment to have "emulators" installed?

[bikerphil]

I think they improve it a lot...
Learn about emulators...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3QYZEQoN_M

[crazy steve]

Emulators are NOT a substitute for properly functioning forks; if your forks need rebuilding, they aren't the cure, you'll still need to rebuild them. And to get the most out of emulators, you WILL need to replace the factory springs AND add a fork brace.

With that said, are they for you? Well, it depends.... Many here love 'em, and they can offer a marked improvement in fork performance. But IMO, the 'average' rider won't see much improvement in 'normal' riding. They're more than a bit difficult to tune (you have to pull the fork caps/springs/emulators each time you want to make an adjustment... messy). You can get nearly the same results by experimenting with fork oil level/viscosity if your OEM springs are still good. Clean oil with particular care taken to make sure the oil level in each fork is exactly the same is the first step in better fork performance, along with proper fork alignment and careful preload setting of the fork stem bearings.

[jetmechmarty]

Yep. I agree. I love the emulators, but they come with custom springs, fork brace, and complete overhaul. Less is a waste. You can have it all done professionally and tuned if you're willing to write the check.

In the end, I love it!

[Gmac]

I pretty much knew that

If I was pulling the front end everything was getting rebuilt and getting the fork brace was a given in that I've already contacted T-Kat about them. Originally that and a heavy duty spring were going to be the only additions to the front end I was going to make to improve the ride capabilities.

I'm sure all of you have had your moments at speed with a tank slapper, mine were survived with little more than a huge adrenaline rush that I managed to survive something that unexpected and hairy. I'm NOT willing to experience that again, to old for that noise and very unlikely to have the reaction speed and strength to manage a heavier bike with a front end oscillating that wildly

Watching the videos of the inventor explaining the theory and operation of the Gold Valve was very educational over everything I previously knew about suspensions. He confirmed why the ride gets harsher at speed (oil velocity) and how the valve actually functions to improve handling.

Yeah, I'm pretty much sold on getting the kit and doing the install myself, it can't be that difficult and I have tech support just a phone call away if I back myself into a corner.

Thanks for the feedback everyone and jetmechmarty, wasn't there a shop over your way that does this kind of upgrade? I think I remember seeing you talk about having done to your bike?

[jetmechmarty]

Thanks for the feedback everyone and jetmechmarty, wasn't there a shop over your way that does this kind of upgrade? I think I remember seeing you talk about having done to your bike?

Gmac,

I sourced my emulators directly from RaceTech. They disappointed me in the support they failed to provide. After the fact, I bought my custom springs from Traxxion Dynamics in Woodstock, GA and learned that they should have been my one stop shop. Crazy Steve is pretty much on the mark as getting it right was not an easy process, especially without the support from RaceTech I felt I paid for. In the end, the results are better than expected as it isn't the same motorcycle. I rode another XS1100 that had the whole job done by Traxxion and it is better than mine. It probably adds $200 to the cost to be done in one step.

If you come to XS Southeast, you may check it out, up close and personal. I will happily help you avoid the pitfalls that made my experience such a challenge.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Gmac.
Having had the good fortune to ride Marty's bike in the mountains of Georgia . I can tell you it is a wonderful upgrade. Handles beautifully.
I am too financial challenged or I would have it done too.
Phil

[bikerphil]

I put the MikesXS emulators ($57) in my Special with Progressive springs and is a great improvement over stock IMHO. Set them at 2 turns and that was it, no repeated adjustments, YMMV.

[Bergman16]

Just wanted to say that I finally got a chance to put on my replacement set of forks with this mod. It was like night and day. I'm still tweaking it--I used 10W fork oil and think I should have gone with 15, but I haven't tried a little bit of air in them yet. Even so, and without my TKAT fork brace re-installed, it was noticeably smoother and tighter. I did the Mikes XS emulators, 2 turns, 10W fork oil at 220 ml each and Progressive springs (can't remember how long my spacers were though. All I can say is the force I had to use to compress the spring was about the same as stock springs).

A LOT less dive on braking. I'll try some air, and put the brace on as soon as I get it totally un-wintered.

There's another thread with a detailed writeup on how to install (sorry, would like to give credit but couldn't find it right away).

Anyway, I'm a big fan. It was well worth the expense in my book.

Steve

[skids]

15 weight fork oil is very stiff in cold weather. The oil is really supposed to be a dampener but it does have an effect on "stiffness."

[motoman]

Just wanted to say that I finally got a chance to put on my replacement set of forks with this mod. It was like night and day. I'm still tweaking it--I used 10W fork oil and think I should have gone with 15, but I haven't tried a little bit of air in them yet. Even so, and without my TKAT fork brace re-installed, it was noticeably smoother and tighter. I did the Mikes XS emulators, 2 turns, 10W fork oil at 220 ml each and Progressive springs (can't remember how long my spacers were though. All I can say is the force I had to use to compress the spring was about the same as stock springs).

A LOT less dive on braking. I'll try some air, and put the brace on as soon as I get it totally un-wintered.

There's another thread with a detailed writeup on how to install (sorry, would like to give credit but couldn't find it right away).

Anyway, I'm a big fan. It was well worth the expense in my book.

Steve

7-12psi in forks oughta' be bout right for ya'. Careful doing it if using a pressurized fill tank supply....can blow seals out the top of fork legs.

[Bergman16]

7-12psi in forks oughta' be bout right for ya'. Careful doing it if using a pressurized fill tank supply....can blow seals out the top of fork legs.

Thanks, then I will probably use a bicycle tire pump. If I were to blow out a seal after all this I'd be...unhappy!

[MindWebs]

air....

slighty off topic... but a neat air fork upgrade is steering head easy adjust valve and gauge assemblies.





i think it's good to know the pressures at a glance.

just a thought.