Gold Valve install - To drill or not to drill

[Alex_V]

Going to install GV on my 89 Hawk. Am I correct with this direction?

Blue Spring Color
2.5 Turns Preload
3 Bleed Holes

What about drilling the damping rod? Enlarge holes, or drill more? Any advice?

[6]

I would enlarge, because its easier, but im not sure it matters as long as you let the fluid through.

Your setup will vary depending on a lot of things. Weight, bike setup, use case, personal preference, etc. But if that's a baseline Jan listed somewhere, they you cant really go wrong.

WHat fork springs are you putting in there?

[Captain 80s]

As 6 said, you have to make sure you're getting enough oil to the Emulators. The RT instructions state:


6 - Enlarge the Compression Feed Holes

Based on Damping Rod Diameter:

• 17mm or larger - drill 8mm (5/16”) holes
• smaller than 17mm - drill 6mm (¼”) holes

Enlarge existing compression holes and add holes if necessary so you end up with six holes (3 sets of 2 holes).

New holes should be spaced lengthwise above the existing holes at 10 mm (7/16") increments. Place each set of two holes 90 degrees from the last set so the strength of the rod is maintained.



There are exceptions to this as some models keep the holes in the same line. See notes on the DVS Setup Sheet.

After drilling, chamfer and deburr the compression holes, inside and out.

The exact size of the holes is not critical. There needs to be enough flow area. This step transfers control of the damping from the compression holes to the Emulator.

[JanM]

From the how-to section:

https://www.hawkgtforum.com/forum/honda-hawk-gt-bros-discussions/mechanical-and-technical/how-to-s/1399-race-tech-cartridge-emulator-instructions?p=195569#post195569

Further to that, it is important to carefully deburr the new holes, if you decide to drill them.

I would begin with measuring the area of bleed hole in the emulator and the area of the emulator blowoff orifice - you just need to have your total damping rod hole area a little bit bigger than the emulator bleed hole plus blowoff area, then the emulator is always going to be the restriction and there is going to be sufficient flow to the emulator.

[Alex_V]

That makes sense, thanks.

p.s. I am installing .85 springs.

[lamelylounges]

Going to install GV on my 89 Hawk. Am I correct with this direction?

Blue Spring Color
2.5 Turns Preload
3 Bleed Holes

What about drilling the damping rod? Enlarge holes, or drill more? Any advice?

I just did mine a couple months ago.

I did drill the damping rods.

Regarding the brass disc with holes: I was given 2 in my kit. One with 2 holes and one with 4 holes. I was instructed to use 3 bleed holes like you.
I thought, before drilling the holes, why not just test out the 4 hole and then test out the 2 hole setup.
So I'm currently using the 4 hole disk.
My intention is to have a softer ride for the bumpy local New England roads. The 4 holes experience has been fine so far. Not really feeling an urgent need to firm it up.
At some point I will get around to trying the disc with 2 holes. And from there I'll see if that leads me to wanting an "in-between" firmness.

I hate making a mod that I can't reverse easily.

[ParcNHawk]

It's not like you're drilling a cowl for turn signals or cutting a stock subframe up. There are plenty of unused stock forks around and even more damping rods from bent and pitted forks.

You can always buy a second pair before you drill yours. Or look for some that have already been drilled.