Kawi2strokes.com Forum

I finally got around to starting on the Gold Valve mod for my H1.
My H1 probably has more than 70K miles on it so I have bought some low mileage lower tubes with internals instead of using the ones currently on my bike. I also have new Emgo inner tubes and Race Tech springs so I can build complete fork legs without disassembling the front end on my bike (there's still some weeks left of the riding season).

I just thought I'd share some pictures along the way.















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Those valves work well.

I used to change the damper setup from H series to Z series, and use Progressive fork springs for H series, good combo.

One thing in reassembly, it is possible to get the bottoming taper on the damper rod off center, if the bolt is simply tightened up, without centering the taper. To center the bottom taper, simply push the fork tube down all the way into the slider, bottoming it out. Then, tighten the holder bolt on the bottom pf the slider. Last check will be to cycle the slider up and down on the foirk tube, should slide very smoothly, not hitting the taper in the last two inches of compressed travel. I use an Allen socket and 3/8ths air impact to tighten the bolt.

P.K.
I will be curious to here how you like them.
I installed a set ages ago as per the instructions, with stock springs, and some low stiction oil (I have the bottle if you are interested in brand and weight). I thought it was a big improvement over stock and I've never felt the need to change the adjustment from the factory setting.

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There are only two types of motor sport racing:
Nitro and everything else
(Sometimes referred to as fast and slow)

I haven't used them, but it seems you could use softer springs and let the compression damping slow the compression.

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Twist the throttle, tilt the horizon, and have a great time. What triples are all about...........

I ordered mine today. I have a set of forks from my 72 that i am gonna go to work on. When you guys say "late model" inners need to be used what are we considering late model?
Jim i would be interested in what low friction oil you used?
Also i get the feeling my 72 forks will not be "late model"........what Z model damping tubes and fork tubes should i look for?
And one more.....Moo you have mentioned to get optimal handling an inch of travel should be added to the ride height? How many mm of travel and or what height am i looking for in a rear shock, 320mm?

13.5" 350mm

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Twist the throttle, tilt the horizon, and have a great time. What triples are all about...........

It's preferable to use internals with a steel rather than aluminum damper rod which is the early/late difference I think is referred to. I would suggest using 15wt Torco fork oil then use the valves to tune the action. Springs tuned to the bike/rider weight are key. Progressive springs work well for normal street riding......the raceTech straight rate springs as PK has I think are better for aggressive riding and getting it tuned properly but that's just my opinion. What feels right to one person is crap to the next.

I'm moving and I just packed the left over oil
It was definitely Torco and I think it said "low stiction" on the label
I have a bottle of 10 weight and 20 weight.
As I recall Dr. James told me to use 15 weight and either they don't make it or were out of it so perhaps I mixed 10 & 20 to get to 15.

_________________
There are only two types of motor sport racing:
Nitro and everything else
(Sometimes referred to as fast and slow)

Torco mixes well for custom weights so mixing 10/20 was fine to get 15......they blend top quality fluids. The RFF is as good or better as the way overpriced "boutique" fluids. I usually grab it here

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/71/988/12545/ITEM/Torco-Racing-Fork-Fluid.aspx

That's the stuff
It was recommended by the guy who recommended buying an emulator by fork size since they didn't used to list for an H2 application.
Curious to see how you guys like them and if you go to the trouble of actually messing with the adjustment. Mine feels really good right out of the box.

It's not as good a mod as chambers or EX brakes but I think it's a bargain way to get half way decent forks on the cheap.

_________________
There are only two types of motor sport racing:
Nitro and everything else
(Sometimes referred to as fast and slow)