Racetech Gold Valve Shock WR250X

Racetech Gold Valve is a valve for shock absorbers that lets you tune the suspension individually and provides smoother damping over a wider stroke range. This valve allows for both high- and low-speed compression, which provides much more stability during acceleration and navigating obstacles off-road. Racetech manufactures valves for a wide range of shock absorbers. The kit includes everything needed for the replacement, with detailed instructions. The valve configuration is calculated on the Racetech website using several parameters: rider weight, motorcycle class, experience, age, etc. You can also choose the stiffness. Information on settings and assembly is also provided (tightening torques, reservoir pressure, etc.).

Installation highlights

• It is not necessary to remove the bladder from the reservoir unless you want to clean all the parts.
• A caliper is enough to measure shim thickness. A micrometer is not needed.
• If the valve height is too big (the last rebound washer is higher than the chamfer), call Racetech. They can give you a new configuration of the desired height. It is not recommended to replace the washers by yourself. It is hard to work out which pair of shims to replace with a single shim of the right thickness.
• If the valve height is too small (the upper base washer is below the chamfer or at its level), then a washer can be added immediately after the lower base washer. It is important that the diameter of the spacer is larger than the first washer in the stack.
• After tightening the fixing nut, you must wait 15-20 minutes until the threadlocker cures.
• We recommend bleeding dry — it takes longer but is easier. Before installing, be sure to check for air in the system (hissing bubbles when the rod moves). If there is air, it must be released through the compression valve, and the valve should be at the highest point.
• It is advisable to use special 2.5W or 5W shock oil with a high viscosity index, which retains its properties over a wide temperature range. Fork oil will also work, but in winter or extreme heat the difference will be noticeable.
• It is better to pump nitrogen into the bladder (it heats up slower and has better retention), but practice shows that the air works normally.
• It is better to overinflate the bladder by one atmosphere, as it will come down a little when the needle is disconnected.
• Make sure to grease the fastening bolts to prevent them from seizing.

The result is a rear suspension with fast and slow compression, adapted to the specific rider and riding style. This solution is a relatively cheap alternative to installing a new shock absorber. With different shock absorbers, the valve is dismantled differently — the correct method is specified in the instructions.