RaceTech Gold valves

[bentwrench]

So, I've got all the parts needed to do an overhaul on the frt. forks and I'm thinking about installing the Racetech gold valves.I would love to get rid of the bar slap I get when doing 80mph on Pa.s crappy highways.
So has anyone done this upgrade and is worth it?
BW

[BonS]

I have the RaceTech Gold valves sitting on my bench waiting for me. For some reason they simply won't install themselves.  Actually, I purchased them several years ago when my seals were leaking and I was going to rebuild the front forks. I ended up using a SealMate to clean the seals and the leaking stopped and hasn't returned. Sooooo, there they sit. If you decide to proceed with trying them then please PM me and I'll save you 25%. 

[fordmano]

I had my forks rebuilt with full RaceTech setup and I like them, my route was pricey since I had mine done at my local Honda Stealership but the ride is nice.

I have nothing other than stock to compare to so I am probably not the best to use as any help with decision making.

[bentwrench]

Thanks Fordmano,mine is stock now.Did the ride improve over sharp edged joints thats where mine feels it's worst.

[fordmano]

Yes I believe it improvd, but I was off the bike for about a year during the rebuild.

I have an ongoing handling issue (don't believe it related to the forks at all) so I still have some issues. The front end is smooth and feels soft until some pressure is applied like hard braking and or hard turning. It never feels liek it is bottoming out and it recovers in a very polite stable form.

[ValkFlyer]

Yes I believe it improvd, but I was off the bike for about a year during the rebuild.

I have an ongoing handling issue (don't believe it related to the forks at all) so I still have some issues. The front end is smooth and feels soft until some pressure is applied like hard braking and or hard turning. It never feels liek it is bottoming out and it recovers in a very polite stable form.

Fordmano, since you most likely looked at all the common problems like leaking shocks, worn shock bushings, improperly adjusted shocks, tires and the steering head bearings, I was wondering if you'd considered the swing arm bearings, or a worn axle, or even an improperly seated axle?

[fordmano]

The only bearings that have not been changed out is the swing arm bearings.
I recently verified they are properly torqued. Of course this does not gaurantee they are in proper condition. Now I have fairly worn tires so I am being patient and waiting to do much of anything else until I install a new set of tires. Hopefully end of next month.

I feel confident the front axle is fine, the rear axle is fine and both front & rear bearings are good, I even did the double bearing mod on the rear. I could still have some looseness in the head bearing due to my installation. Rear shocks are new 416's (actually had them inspected and rebuilt at factory due to a line failure causing damage) this included new shock bushings. There has never been any loss of fluids on any suspension parts. I have tried every poundage of air for the rear shocks from 25#'s to 85#'s and with 1 & 2 up

Thanks a bunch for the suggestions, appreciate it.

[ValkFlyer]

The only bearings that have not been changed out is the swing arm bearings.
I recently verified they are properly torqued. Of course this does not gaurantee they are in proper condition. Now I have fairly worn tires so I am being patient and waiting to do much of anything else until I install a new set of tires. Hopefully end of next month.

I feel confident the front axle is fine, the rear axle is fine and both front & rear bearings are good, I even did the double bearing mod on the rear. I could still have some looseness in the head bearing due to my installation. Rear shocks are new 416's (actually had them inspected and rebuilt at factory due to a line failure causing damage) this included new shock bushings. There has never been any loss of fluids on any suspension parts. I have tried every poundage of air for the rear shocks from 25#'s to 85#'s and with 1 & 2 up

Thanks a bunch for the suggestions, appreciate it.

With as thorough as I've seen that you are I didn't think you'd need the input.....but sometimes we let things get by us so I thought I'd try.  I'll be interested in knowing what you eventually find, be sure to fill us in.
Be safe out there, Bob