Race Tech Gold Valve Kits
Can You Really Do Your Own Suspension?
Can You Really Do Your Own Suspension? For years Race Tech has offered Gold Valve suspension kits that it claimed would allow folks to fully modify their own suspension at home. We were curious whether the claims were true, and if they were, does it make sense to do your own suspension? We ordered up the parts and then installed them with the help of my better-equipped-than-normal home garage. Some riders are more likely candidates for modified suspension than others. For our test we chose DR and Mini Rider test pilot Sean Foos and his 2009 Honda CRF250R. Foos is 5′10″ but only weighs 120 pounds, so modified suspension is mandatory for him. Before we started with the Gold Valve conversions, we installed Race Tech springs in rates suggested by the spring rate calculator on www.racetech.com. With Foos being so light, the suggested rates were significantly lighter than stock. In spite of the softer springs, the bike was still too busy and harsh. What suspension experts like Race Tech said was true: the suspension needed internal modification for such a light, fast rider.
Photo Gallery: Race Tech Gold Valve Kits – Dirt Rider Magazine
Photo Gallery: Race Tech Gold Valve Kits – Dirt Rider Magazine