Progressive springs vs Gold Valve Emulators

[David (N. Alabama)]

I know most folks go with progressive springs and heavier fork oil for their Voyagers.
I chose to go a different route and put in Race Tech Gold Valve Emulators, and Race Tech springs.
I notice that a lot of folks go with the progressive 412 shocks in the rear. The 412 shocks are gas charged and have variable valving.
That is what the Gold Valve emulators are attempting to do for the front suspension.
With the Race Tech system there are more varibles with the front suspension. This allows the best compromise between handling square bumps (expansion joints, pot hole), controlling a mushy feel and the speed the front end dives under braking. The oil viscosity is used to set rebound, which affects traction and stability. You also use spacers to set the spring preload.
Using progressive springs and oil viscosity in the front end only take care of rebound with a variable speed on front end dive. Plus the progressive springs that I looked at eliminate the use of spacers, so they decided how much spring preload you need.

Will the average Voyager rider notice enough difference to justify the extra cost? Maybe not, but if you like ride your bike on the curvy backroads, you might find the cost worth it.

If anyone is interested in investigating this further, send my a PM with your email address and I will scan in the paperwork that came from Race Tech and send it to you so you can determine if this is the suspension for you..

[xszgrider]

I have a 1980 Yamaha XS1100 which I bought used and it came with Race Tech fork springs plus who knows what else and Honda Valkyrie shocks in the rear. I bought it from motorcycle mechanic and he stated that the Race Tech suspension made a big difference over the stock suspension.

All I know, it rides considerably better than my Voyager with the Progressive springs and 412 shocks. I have the Super Brace and played with various fork oil weights.

I might switch also since my Voyager is going to be with me for awhile.