Fork Cartridge/Emulator

[tzrz350]

Hi,

I want to improve the front suspension as much as possible but without swapping the fork inner and outter tubes (keeping stock look). The forks are currently disassembled.

The bike is a 1983 RZ350, Canadian model. Spring diameter is 27 mm and the fork inner tube external diameter is 35 mm. My rear suspension is already upgraded to R6 so it would be nice to have the front follow the same performance.

First I wanted to check if anybody had incorporated a modern bike "real" cartridge into the RZ350 forks. Seems like nobody has done it, probably that there is no cartridge that would fit. If you know one, let me know!

But by doing that research I found that cartridge emulators exist.

Question is, does MikesSM sells one that fit the 1983 RZ350 without modification other than on the dampening tube ? If so, what is the emulator part number ?

I will likely opt for stronger springs 0.8 kg/mm (being above 220 lbs myself) and wt 15 oil. Any comments welcomed.

Thanks!

[JonW]

I think MikesXS units only fit the later forks dont they?

[tzrz350]

That is what I am trying to figure out... you mean the 1986 up model?

[JonW]

85-on... well, for most of the world... not usa as they had 83/4 forks in their 85.

Maybe they will fit with a bit of work machining, I just dont know.

Did you find the threads on this forum that talk about this upgrade?

[tzrz350]

I searched them but the information on emulators are spreaded over many post. I am also confused on whether or not it would fit my bike.

[vmxwinn]

Check with "Evansward" I believe he did this on his US spec bike. I will try and do a search and post a link.

[tzrz350]

I just sent a PM to Evans ward. Thanks.

[vmxwinn]

Here is the forum link;

http://www.rzrd500.com/phpBB3/viewtopic ... +emulators" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[solo 2]

Just contact Racetech, they can probably sort you out. They only make emulators in so many sizes to fit all bikes, I'm sure they could help you out. Yeah they're more expensive but you get good info. I've put them in all my conventional forks and they work great if you take the time to set them up properly.

[Evans Ward]

Answered your PM. Chris (NCRiding) helped me here and this mod transformed the handling of the bike. Although I used the MikesXS emulator, we followed the RaceTech instructions. The MikesXS instructions with their product are written to mod the XS650.

[vmxwinn]

Answered your PM. Chris (NCRiding) helped me here and this mod transformed the handling of the bike. Although I used the MikesXS emulator, we followed the RaceTech instructions. The MikesXS instructions with their product are written to mod the XS650.

Would you elaborate on how they transfromed your bike. I have done the R6 mod and rebuilt my stock forks, which had progressive springs already, with 15wt oil.

Very interested in doing the emulators but would love to here your thoughts, feed back now that you have ridden on them for a while. Thanks!

[Evans Ward]

^ feels and handles more like a modern bike now, has a very firm feel, little dive when encountering hard bumps, confidence inspiring, YRMV.

[evansje1]

Confidence inspiring unless I am trying to keep up with Evans

[tzrz350]

I have been doing a lot of reading. Here are some measurements of my 1983 RZ350 dampener tube.

[tzrz350]

The Race Tech cartridge part number is FEGV S3301: OD 26.5 mm - Step (bottom): 19.5 mm - Plate (top) 13.5 mm

Question, does the MikesXS has similar measurement to this one ?

I also sent a query to Maxton Suspension about their fork conversion and their GP20 cartridge. Anybody has verified their product suitability and price yet? Seems like they have a real cartridge that can be implemented in 35 mm forks.

http://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/files ... rsions.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/files/gp20.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;