[06CBR1KMFNRR]

I've looked through the archives and I apologize if I missed it. I was planning on getting my forks done by Kyle USA this year, but I bought a vintage bike that I plan on building and racing this year and that's tearing into my budget for racing the 1000RR.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with both Racetech Gold valves and Kyle USA's work or something similar. I'm hoping that someone can provide insight from a real comparison.

Thanks

 

[06CBR1KMFNRR]

Okay, 50 views and no responses. So either no one has used Race Tech Gold valves, or those of you who have were satisfied enough to not get your forks reworked later?

I picked an Ohlins triple clicker for the rear (trade) and I'd hate to do the forks twice. If the cheaper Race Tech Gold valves (that I'd install myself) aren't worth it, I'll throw down the extra $300 and send my forks to Kyle, but I sure could use that extra money.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Junkie]

I've never heard anything negative about Racetech's Gold Valves. The $300 sounds like labor cost to me...

 

[06CBR1KMFNRR]

Okay, so it looks like the Race Tech Gold Valves are a little pricier than I had originally been told, due to the fact that you have to buy the rebound and compression valves separately. Kyle it is.

 

[HondaGalToo]

I'd go with Kyle.

The racetech "gold" valves are brass, which is soft, and I've heard it can break down and contaminate the fork oil.

 

[JohnnySpeed954]

Ever put a race tech gold valve kit in? If you've never seen it before it's a MIND FACK!!

I've done done and was more impressed with the work from Dan Kyle. Besides if there is an issue Dan will work with you where as Race Tech is gonna place the issue on whoever did the install.

Just my 2 cents!

 

[denzee]

I have only done Race Tech Gold valves front and rear and have been very happy. They were a pain to install but well worth the effort. I hear good things about Kyle too but with them doing the work it'll be pricey of course.

Once installed correctly, I don't think there should be any issues. They are quality pieces.

I also don't recall comp and rebound valves being sold separate. One kit was enough to do compression and rebound on both forks.

 

[06CBR1KMFNRR]

I also don't recall comp and rebound valves being sold separate. One kit was enough to do compression and rebound on both forks.

This is the link to the Race Tech page for the 06 1000RR. I was initially under the impression that one kit was all I would need, but this indicates otherwise. If the cost was $180, it would be worth the risk to me. Even with my racer discount I'm looking at $315 in parts (including seals) and that's assuming I don't need any special tools. For a little more, I get the piece of mind associated with Kyle's work and world famous tuning.

RACE TECH PRODUCT SEARCH

 

[denzee]

I see what you mean now. It's been a while since I did mine and didn't feel I needed the rebound kit I guess and still don't. Plus I bought my kits off ebay for dirt cheap. I think for about $250 I had new front springs (1.1 kg) and Gold Valves front and rear. If you have the time and ability you can still save yourself quite a bit. Otherwise turn key forks from Kyle is a good option.

 

[06CBR1KMFNRR]

What tools did you need to install them, Denzee? The only suspension related special tool I own is the fork spring compressor.

 

[denzee]

The only special tools I wish I had were slim open end wrenches for the fork cap and preload adjuster. It's way too tight for regular stuff and it made it difficult and they got marked up a bit. It's all soft aluminum remember.

Instead of a spring compressor I used a buch of tie raps grabbing like 4 or 5 coils at a time and eventually had the spring down to a manageable length. It was kinda goofy but that's all I had and it worked.

A little grinding is needed to remove peens on threads that weren't made to come apart and aside from that, I got my 200psi of nitrogen at a local guy who does dirt bike shocks.

Building your shim stacks take a bit of patience and that will be based on what Race Tech recommends for your weight and riding style.

The set comes with an instructional CD to help you through it.

 

[bjay51d]

Cant go wrong with kyle...He did the forks on my 954... loved it

 

[06CBR1KMFNRR]

The only special tools I wish I had were slim open end wrenches for the fork cap and preload adjuster. It's way too tight for regular stuff and it made it difficult and they got marked up a bit. It's all soft aluminum remember.

Instead of a spring compressor I used a buch of tie raps grabbing like 4 or 5 coils at a time and eventually had the spring down to a manageable length. It was kinda goofy but that's all I had and it worked.

A little grinding is needed to remove peens on threads that weren't made to come apart and aside from that, I got my 200psi of nitrogen at a local guy who does dirt bike shocks.

Building your shim stacks take a bit of patience and that will be based on what Race Tech recommends for your weight and riding style.

The set comes with an instructional CD to help you through it.

I'm just gonna send them to Kyle. Thanks for the help and input. I'd rather spend the money and never know I could've been alright than save a couple bucks and wonder all season whether or not it was a good call. That and the potential for boning it all up doing it myself, I'm sold.

Thanks again for the input. I'm going to try and get them in the mail tomorrow.