Topic: CB550 Race Tech Cartridge Emulators

[Clinto]

I was finally able to go for a test ride and have to say my suspension is significantly better after installing these. However, keep in mind I was going from progressive rated springs running on dampers that had been modified to allow more oil to flow through the damping holes (unknown to me at the time) and so my suspension before was really out of wack. I was using too much preload and fork oil to compensate for the softness. Anyway, here's the setup that worked for me with the emulators:

1977 CB550F
Rider weight: 200lbs
Race Tech 90kg rated springs
Gold valve emulators with 40lbs/inch springs installed with 2 turns of preload
15wt fork oil measured 180mm from top of fork when collapsed and spring out of fork
(6) 5/8" holes drilled in damper lowers
Both rebound holes at top of damper welded shut
12mm total preload (PVC with washers on either side sitting above springs)

If anything, it might be a little stiff but it still feels wayyy better than it did. I haven't been able to really rip yet but going around the neighborhood and testing it out on some potholes and speed bumps it feels so much better. If I do anything, I may go down to the lighter weight emulator spring and preload it to 3 turns and see what that feels like. Overall, though, I'm very satisfied. It's not super cheap (though I did save a few bucks by shopping around for the emulators and springs) but it's not a difficult job to do (I outsourced the welding) and adjusting the setup to dial it in further really doesn't seem that bad either. The biggest pain would be adjusting the fork oil level. Just thought I would share my experience and say thanks for all the info and help that was already available here.

[calj737]

And since you upgraded the front suspension, what have you done for the rear?

[Scott S]

 What does everyone think of these?

https://www.mikesxs.net/yamaha-xs650-damper-valve-pr-front-forks-77-84-oem-1t3-23170-00-00.html

 I picked up a set for the GS550 forks when I was going to keep the stock front end (along with some Sonic springs). I'll eventually use them on an upcoming project. The GS guys swear they're just as good at much less money. What would it take to use these on a CB?

[Clinto]

And since you upgraded the front suspension, what have you done for the rear?

I've been running Hagons for years and have been really happy with them

[Clinto]

What does everyone think of these?

https://www.mikesxs.net/yamaha-xs650-damper-valve-pr-front-forks-77-84-oem-1t3-23170-00-00.html

 I picked up a set for the GS550 forks when I was going to keep the stock front end (along with some Sonic springs). I'll eventually use them on an upcoming project. The GS guys swear they're just as good at much less money. What would it take to use these on a CB?

I think these would be a direct replacement for the Race Tech emulators. There are threads on these and most guys it seems end up buying the Race Tech ones so I skipped the step of buying the Mike's XS and went straight to Race Tech. I think the biggest difference is that nobody knows what the emulator spring on the Mike's emulator is rated for where Race Tech gives you 3 sets of springs to make them far more adjustable. Not to say you can't get good results with Mike's, I'm sure some people have.

[seanbarney41]

What does everyone think of these?

https://www.mikesxs.net/yamaha-xs650-damper-valve-pr-front-forks-77-84-oem-1t3-23170-00-00.html

 I picked up a set for the GS550 forks when I was going to keep the stock front end (along with some Sonic springs). I'll eventually use them on an upcoming project. The GS guys swear they're just as good at much less money. What would it take to use these on a CB?

I think these would be a direct replacement for the Race Tech emulators. There are threads on these and most guys it seems end up buying the Race Tech ones so I skipped the step of buying the Mike's XS and went straight to Race Tech. I think the biggest difference is that nobody knows what the emulator spring on the Mike's emulator is rated for where Race Tech gives you 3 sets of springs to make them far more adjustable. Not to say you can't get good results with Mike's, I'm sure some people have.

I would like to play around with the Mikesxs stuff after more experience with Racetech.  Racetech comes with very good adjustment directions and info as well as baseline settings based on you, your bike and riding style, and most will find the baseline so good no further adjustment is necessary.  This is what you are really paying for.