Traxxion Dynamics fork cartridges ?

[dipstick]

Anybody out there tried these? if so what do you think?

[The Anvil]

I've had some Traxxion stuff. I had a custom valved and sprung Penske shock and rebuilt forks on my Buell and they supplied the stuff I used to rebuild my ZX7 forks (springs, valves, damper parts). They make great stuff. But those cartridge kits are pricey and depending on what you want to do with your front end it may not be what you need. What exactly are you looking to do? More compliant or stiffer or are you looking to correct a tracking issue?

[dipstick]

No real issue, just looking to improve handling of a big heavy but pretty good handling bike. I ride the back country roads of NC 90% of my riding and ride hard. Im just wondering if its worth $1100 to redo the front end or just put some progressive springs in it and be done. I know the new Gold Wing stuff makes the bike handle 100% better.

[The Anvil]

No real issue, just looking to improve handling of a big heavy but pretty good handling bike. I ride the back country roads of NC 90% of my riding and ride hard. Im just wondering if its worth $1100 to redo the front end or just put some progressive springs in it and be done. I know the new Gold Wing stuff makes the bike handle 100% better.

Well I know your situation because I ride the back roads of New England. Personally I don't think you'll find what you're looking for there. The other limiting factors (weight, geometry and brakes) are greater obstacles to making the fat girl a real handler. I found that the Progressive springs + fresh fluid made for a significant handling improvement over the tired stock springs and gross old fluid. Race Tech also makes a Gold Valve kit (compression and rebound, P/N FMGV S2042C at 270 bucks) for the Valk that may also improve damping without going for the 1100 dollar cartridge kit. So for 1100 bucks you could do the springs up front, a gold valve upgrade AND rear shocks. That would be what I would do if I were looking to drop that kind of cash into the boingers.

Also the switch to SS Spiegler lines improved the brakes by a world's worth. I find that having the vastly improved feel up front means for a lot more confidence.

[dipstick]

Thanks, im from up that way so I know those roads well. I already have the progressive 440HD's on the rear and just need to address the front this winter.

[The Anvil]

I already have the progressive 440HD's on the rear

Lucky! 

[blackvalk]

Does anyone have the "Race Tech" front springs and valving?

I spoke to them yesterday trying to improve a very harsh front end. My bike pounds when it hits a small road seam or defect.

The total price including shipping my fork tubes to them was around $500.00.

[The Anvil]

Does anyone have the "Race Tech" front springs and valving?

I spoke to them yesterday trying to improve a very harsh front end. My bike pounds when it hits a small road seam or defect.

The total price including shipping my fork tubes to them was around $500.00.

I do not have the Race Tech gold valves in the Valk but I've had them (and their springs) in a couple of other bikes. They were an improvement over stock. Though I wouldn't say they necessarily made the ride "softer" they just made the damping more precise. Maybe someone will chime up with more info on how they work in this bike. I'd like to know myself because I'm always looking to improve suspension.

But it sounds like your problem may either be too heavy of an oil weight OR overservicing, both can result in harshness. I remember also that when all of the oil had leaked out of one of my fork legs the fors would bottom and bang very easily. You didn't recently suffer a leaky leg did you?