Fork emulators?

**sil3nt** · 12th October 2009, 13:06

I am looking at upgrading the front suspension on the little ninja as it needs it quite badly. Apparently vavle emulators are the bees knees although they appear rather complicated to install for a simpleton like myself.

If it took it in to a shop are they going to know how to install them or are they not commonly used in NZ? The major concern on the install is drilling extra holes in the damper rod which i can not do myself. I am also wondering whether a bike shop would be able to do this or if i need to take it somewhere else to get it done properly.

Anyone in the business know how to do this or know anyone that can?

I have full step by step instructions on how to do it from here just lacking tools/balls

**vifferman** · 12th October 2009, 13:14

No offense intended but is it worth it? Are you going to be keeping the bike for a goodly while?
The best solution is to get CKT to do it, but it's not cheap. You can do the work yourself, but unless you have the expertise (which you've already noted you don't) and the data you need to set it up correctly, and the equipemnet to check that all your internals are true and in good nick, you're going to end up with a suboptimal result.

I upgraded my rear shock myself, and replaced the fork springs and oil, and even though I could have done the emulators myself (I had access to the data, and could source the bits required at a reasonable price), I opted to get CKT to do the work.
Twice.
Some of my data was wrong, so I had fitted the wrong springs. The small amount of coin I saved initially ($250 on the shock, and maybe $100-$150 on the first fork work I did) was gobbled up in short order.

While the bike was definitely MUCH better than it had been before I got CKT involved, I think the money I sent their way was worth it, and wished I'd just got them to do the whole lot.

**sil3nt** · 12th October 2009, 13:29

Is it worth it? I think so! Parts will come to around $500NZD maybe a little more and i have decided not too upgrade early and stick with this bike for awhile yet. So i am not too worried about it being a waste of time/money.

I really can't go too wrong doing it myself. The stock suspension on this bike is utter shit. The stock springs are .440 kg/mm and every spring rate calculator out there says i need at least .60 kg/mm (although i can only get .585 (ex500) or .70 (new from sonic). I only weigh 70 kg so that further shows how crap the stock springs are as heavier riders have it worse off than me.

I do plan on doing the rear shock myself as there are many options from other bikes that bolt straight in (even the new ninjas rear shock).

**CookMySock** · 12th October 2009, 15:09

I'm in the same position as you.. want to do the same mod, but feeling unsure. If you want a hand, gizzus a shout. Can bring tools etc.

Steve

**slofox** · 12th October 2009, 15:54

Boyds did mine for me. They talked to RT (Crown Kiwi Tech) in Taranaki about the job (he supplied the emulators) and followed his advice. I thought it was well worth the effort myself.

(They're "Cartridge" Emulators btw...)

**Robert Taylor** · 12th October 2009, 17:10

make sure they are Race Tech brand emulators.Their construction is solid and long lasting, the poppett springs dont sack out.

**sil3nt** · 12th October 2009, 17:53

Originally Posted by Robert Taylor

make sure they are Race Tech brand emulators.Their construction is solid and long lasting, the poppett springs dont sack out.

Yep was going to try and order them straight off the site as i couldn't find anyone in NZ that did it. But their online shop isn't working and i now see that you supply them (although a little more expensive than direct from them

)

**Robert Taylor** · 12th October 2009, 18:05

Originally Posted by sil3ntwar

Yep was going to try and order them straight off the site as i couldn't find anyone in NZ that did it. But their online shop isn't working and i now see that you supply them (although a little more expensive than direct from them

)

GST inclusive and local backup...............

**Squiggles** · 12th October 2009, 18:17

Slyer has some on his also ancient GPX

**sil3nt** · 12th October 2009, 18:34

Originally Posted by Robert Taylor

GST inclusive and local backup...............

Yeah i know

Did Slyer get them put on or did he buy the bike with them on?

I guess i should go talk to the local dealer and see if they can do it.

**NDORFN** · 12th October 2009, 20:35

Originally Posted by sil3ntwar

I do plan on doing the rear shock myself as there are many options from other bikes that bolt straight in (even the new ninjas rear shock).

You wanna buy one? Did you get that lense on Friday?

**sil3nt** · 12th October 2009, 20:50

Originally Posted by NDORFN

You wanna buy one? Did you get that lense on Friday?

Yeah i got the lense thanks! Had to find a couple of odd screws lying around to fit it on as the others had fallen out. Whats the shock your selling just the standard GPX one? That wouldn't be much of an upgrade

Not too worried about the rear suspension for now its the front that feels like shit!