First, I have read all of the threads here about shims, check valves, mid valves, gold valves, etc. etc. (so please don't tell me to do a search) I have bought the Race Tech kits, watched the videos, and studied the shim charts, so I have a general idea of how to adjust a stack and what each part does.
I weigh 240 lbs, ride motocross at the beginner/intermediate level, and plan to jump some big stuff (if I'm not already). I have .46 fork springs and a 5.4 shock. Forks and Shock have recently been serviced and have stock valving. Fork oil level is at maximum for the spring (400cc I believe). All is in good condition, properly installed, not binding, linkage is lubed. The clickers are in the stock position and I prefer not to change them unless that is the BEST solution to my situation. Race sag is set at 3.75 inches.
My goal is to get a smoother ride on the choppy stuff so my hands don't go numb and my arms and shoulders don't hurt from the pounding. I also feel like the bike bottoms too easily over larger jumps. I would like to adjust this myself so I can do it quickly and know what is going on. The reason I am asking this question is that I would like to eliminate AS MUCH trial and error as possible. I am also quite interested in this for educational purposes and I am going to do it myself either way...so I'm not just trying to get a handout, just some guidance.
For the shock: I assume I should install the Race Tech kit as instructed since there isn't a mid-valve variable.
What is the best solution for the forks:
1. Install Race Tech kit and eliminate mid-valve (what I read would suggest no and I think I would like to keep it)
2. Stiffen the mid-valve and/or adjust the float?
3. Install the Race-Tech kit at a lesser stiffness and leave midvalve stock (I don't have a clue about compensating for leaving the mid-valve in on Race Techs chart - they wouldn't tell me)
4. Adjust portions of the stock base valve (less low speed, more high speed)
5. Can the oil level go higher?
6. Some combination of above or your suggestions?
I weigh 240 lbs, ride motocross at the beginner/intermediate level, and plan to jump some big stuff (if I'm not already). I have .46 fork springs and a 5.4 shock. Forks and Shock have recently been serviced and have stock valving. Fork oil level is at maximum for the spring (400cc I believe). All is in good condition, properly installed, not binding, linkage is lubed. The clickers are in the stock position and I prefer not to change them unless that is the BEST solution to my situation. Race sag is set at 3.75 inches.
My goal is to get a smoother ride on the choppy stuff so my hands don't go numb and my arms and shoulders don't hurt from the pounding. I also feel like the bike bottoms too easily over larger jumps. I would like to adjust this myself so I can do it quickly and know what is going on. The reason I am asking this question is that I would like to eliminate AS MUCH trial and error as possible. I am also quite interested in this for educational purposes and I am going to do it myself either way...so I'm not just trying to get a handout, just some guidance.
For the shock: I assume I should install the Race Tech kit as instructed since there isn't a mid-valve variable.
What is the best solution for the forks:
1. Install Race Tech kit and eliminate mid-valve (what I read would suggest no and I think I would like to keep it)
2. Stiffen the mid-valve and/or adjust the float?
3. Install the Race-Tech kit at a lesser stiffness and leave midvalve stock (I don't have a clue about compensating for leaving the mid-valve in on Race Techs chart - they wouldn't tell me)
4. Adjust portions of the stock base valve (less low speed, more high speed)
5. Can the oil level go higher?
6. Some combination of above or your suggestions?
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