Anybody using Race Tech front suspension for a /5?

I'm rebuilding a /5 and plan on keeping the original forks and brakes.


I'm looking for a basic weekend canyon road and city performance. Nothing too aggressive. I'd love to handle bumps without snapping my forearms and have a nice response when cruising in the twisties.

Has anybody installed the Race Tech kit in the front springs?

I love the idea of a better fork response that Race Tech supposedly offers.
When i look up their spring guide, it says the stock BMW springs are .300 kg/mm.
And it recommends a spring that is .834 kg/mm.
What does that mean? The springs are going to be stiffer?

I am also concerned about the Cartridge emulator kit. Does it require cutting the top of the dampening rod?
Or do those cartridges and emulator adapters install without any modifications?

Thanks in advance.

-josh

Yes

Has anybody installed the Race Tech kit in the front springs?

Click to expand...

I installed some on my R75/6. According to the fiche, the forks innards look to be the same as the /5. I don't know if my front springs were original as they look like they're progressive. I did the front end and replaced the worn out rear shocks at the same time, about three years ago, and it's hard to remember if the front end is stiffer now. I do know that the bike sits higher unladen and is no longer in danger of blowing over while on the side stand.

I am also concerned about the Cartridge emulator kit. Does it require cutting the top of the dampening rod?
Or do those cartridges and emulator adapters install without any modifications

Click to expand...

Yes, the dampening rod must be modified by drilling out the bottom holes to a larger size and either cut off the top or enlarge the top holes as well.

I did it for my R90S and love the results. I found the spring recommendation from RaceTech to be dead on, but then I prefer a sportier front end. Stock springs on the /6 and /7's I've had were much too soft. You could probably choose a spring rate between the stock and RT's recommendation and be happy.

Do a search using my name and Gold Valve for the 'how to' post I put up.

Thanks guys. Drilling the cutting the dampening rod has me a bit scared. But i think i have a spare set just in case.

I may go for it and purchase the Race Tech and rely on you guys when i get around to the install. I'm sure i will have questions.

For example, is there a PVC at the top of the springs as well? (like when installing progressive springs, they say to put a piece of PVC about a .5 to 1 inch on top of the springs under the upper fork nut)

And you said the ride is sporty...
I'm don't want anything to aggressive. I would like something more 'modern' feeling so the ride isn't harsh over bumps and the bike glides into turns when out joy riding.

The bike will be a stripped down cafe style bike. No Bags. no passengers. Just a weekend cruiser.

Thanks.
-josh

Another question... I assume all the stock fork seals and gaskets remain the same?
I'll need a rebuild kit when i rebuild these forks.

It appears that is actually the top of the piston that gets cut... not the rod itself. Is that correct?

j_withers said:

For example, is there a PVC at the top of the springs as well? (like when installing progressive springs, they say to put a piece of PVC about a .5 to 1 inch on top of the springs under the upper fork nut)

Click to expand...

Yes, the provide a length of PVC and you need to cut 4 pieces, 2 that sit between the top of the damper rods and two for the top of the spring.

j_withers said:

Another question... I assume all the stock fork seals and gaskets remain the same?
I'll need a rebuild kit when i rebuild these forks.

Click to expand...

Stock seals and gaskets.

j_withers said:

It appears that is actually the top of the piston that gets cut... not the rod itself. Is that correct?

Click to expand...

Correct.

Hey Fellas,

I am finally starting to build my forks.

I drilled out the bottom holes of the dampener rod to 1/4"
I drilled out a hole in the top of the pistons.

I assume you leave the holes at the top of the dampener rod (up near the piston) alone?

And it looks like each fork leg requires a 35-40mm PVC spacer at the bottom and a .5 to 1 inch spacer at the top. I'd assume that a bit more then a half an inch would effect the handling as well.
smaller = not as stiff ?
larger = stiffer ?

I am running the Race Tech springs.

Thanks

-Josh