Racetech Gold valve shock conversion?

**Bren_chch** · 9th July 2010, 16:39

Hey all

Has anyone done this conversion? I have a gsxr600 k7 in stock form and am looking at buying this kit for track use (superstock). I've stripped my rear shock for a perv and can see that the gold valve piston is really... REALLY open compaired to the std one. It looks like its also the go to get the Race Tech Shock Rebound Separator Valve. So cool! just wanted to know if anyone has tried this stuff or is there any other branded easy conversions like this out there thats been tried with good results? I also thought about machining out my std piston, they look pretty simple in design, so i guess if i do it on a cnc mill i can get it pretty accurate, but how much to take out, is it a case of more the merrier, because as i said the gold valve piston is very open.

maybe its just easier to buy a kit?

Cheers

**Biggles08** · 9th July 2010, 17:42

Originally Posted by Bren_chch

Hey all

Has anyone done this conversion? I have a gsxr600 k7 in stock form and am looking at buying this kit for track use (superstock). I've stripped my rear shock for a perv and can see that the gold valve piston is really... REALLY open compaired to the std one. It looks like its also the go to get the Race Tech Shock Rebound Separator Valve. So cool! just wanted to know if anyone has tried this stuff or is there any other branded easy conversions like this out there thats been tried with good results? I also thought about machining out my std piston, they look pretty simple in design, so i guess if i do it on a cnc mill i can get it pretty accurate, but how much to take out, is it a case of more the merrier, because as i said the gold valve piston is very open.

maybe its just easier to buy a kit?

Cheers

I'm not sure I would be doing anything before the regs are confirmed for the Superstock class bro!

**Bren_chch** · 9th July 2010, 18:13

Well either open or not for rear shock... this is very many much cheaper for me than going for a complete aftermarket shock, so my questions still stands.

thanks for the concern though, very nice!

**slowpoke** · 9th July 2010, 18:32

Haha, just goes to show what some folks will be doing even if the rules say "OEM shocks only!" You'd never know by lookin' at it externally.

(Not having a go at you Bren, just a good example)

**Robert Taylor** · 9th July 2010, 18:36

Originally Posted by Bren_chch

Well either open or not for rear shock... this is very many much cheaper for me than going for a complete aftermarket shock, so my questions still stand.

thanks for the concern though, very nice!

Biggles is right, dont do anything until the new regs are set in stone.

As for being cheaper maybe initially but have you factored in respringing, have you factored in that you will need a spring rate specific for Teretonga and then perhaps another spring rate for Hampton Downs if you go to that circuit? Have you also factored in that oem shocks need servicing a lot more often as the oil and performance goes off a lot faster. There is no internal top out spring for more stability under brakes, the shock is too short and requires spacers under the top mount etc etc.
At the moment very convenient spring exchanges apply for the most predominant aftermarket shocks out there, this will not apply for modified oem shocks as the springs are all different and even aftermarket springs most often require sizing adaptors ( more cost ) I dont see anyone stepping up and replicating in oem springs the 30 odd k of rotational springs that I currently carry for TTX and cartridges. Leading aftermarket shocks also have great residual value, even further enhanced by the ability to respec to suit a different bike given their modular construction.

Indeed a Race Tech piston kit and flow rebound seperator does improve a oem shock markedly, aftermarket shocks already have had these flow seperators for many years and Race Tech say they invented it!!! We fit lots of these and did two sets today but it doesnt stop there, there is lots of other stuff that can be done internally and we will be doing that if that crazy rule proposal goes through.

We have all 5 600cc class shocks apart at present plus an aftermarket Showa racing shock for a CBR600 that you can oreder through a Honda dealer. The message there being that they deem it neccessary to have a proper racing shock if you want to go racing, with all the convenience features.

Add to that it will take a season or two to get on top of settings that work at all circuits and dont believe the BS rhetoric coming from other quarters. There will be issues, there will be lots of initial tyre expenditure and there will be more crashing. That equates to more frustration and more cost.

I have thought about this long and hard with an open mind but keep coming back to the same conclusion, high quality aftermarket shocks are sold worldwide in large quantities because the stock shocks are just not up to the job, even in highly modified form there will be horrible compromises. That is not a commercial statement, a lot of people have come to the same conclusion.

At present we can revalve a TTX in as little as 10 minutes, stock shocks 30 to 45 minutes. That makes life not so easy for the suspension guys or anybody else

Its not the ''low cost'' bed of roses that many think as the negative by-products are there in abundance.

**paigeo** · 9th July 2010, 18:58

I nearly shed a tear for you Robert

**Bren_chch** · 9th July 2010, 19:30

"Haha, just goes to show what some folks will be doing even if the rules say "OEM shocks only!" You'd never know by lookin' at it externally.

(Not having a go at you Bren, just a good example) "

BAD example.... internals for the SHOCK are... erm... will be open.

**Bren_chch** · 9th July 2010, 19:45

Great info thanks. I see what you are saying. We love the Flash aftermarket shocks, but I am after a kit for when we can’t run the flash shocks as that’s what is going to happen. AU rules.