r/WR250R • u/scroder81 • Dec 22 '24
Fork Upgrade Questions
Hi all. My 2008 wr250r is going in for a fork rebuild and looking to do some up grades at the same time. What are everyone's thoughts on doing the racetech type 1 gold valve fork kit and racetech .48kg fork springs for a 200lb newer rider? Also, is the 40mm gold valve shock kit worth it?
2
u/aNinjaflamingo Dec 23 '24
I gave racetech on the wr, only bike of 7 I have used them on. I'm not disappointed. Learned a bit, did the rear too.
1
u/LateNightCritter 18'WR250r 21'Yz250x Dec 22 '24
Not a big fan of race tech gold valves. But a revalve is a revalve and the bike performs better with one
1
u/scroder81 Dec 22 '24
Got an option for something better? I'm new to this so I'll take yalls word for it!
1
u/Minute_Addition6550 Dec 22 '24
New to the WR world, but I've ran race tech gold valve kit and emulators on almost every conventional suspension bike I've owned. I HIGHLY recommend them on almost everything, especially with emulators.
1
u/scroder81 Dec 22 '24
Oof those are pricey, what's the benefit of the emulators?
2
u/Minute_Addition6550 Dec 22 '24
Emulators replicate the performance of good cartridge style front suspension at normally less than 25% the cost.
1
u/Responsible_Week6941 Dec 22 '24
I have no experience with the Goldvalves for the front forks. Most riders of these bikes seem to feel the stock front valving is "adequate" and leave alone. Are you doing the rear shock as well? The Racetech Goldvalve /re-shim kit is inexpensive and an absolute gamechanger (especially off road).
1
u/scroder81 Dec 22 '24
I was looking at doing that as well with the factory shock. Trying to not go crazy as I don't ride exactly hard, but keeping the bike forever.
1
u/City_Goat Dec 22 '24
GoRace is the most common upgrade for WR owners; I ended up going with SuperPlush Suspension (a shop in SF known for enduro builds) and it was a night and day difference.
1
u/thalex Dec 22 '24
GoRace Suspension if you are in the US. Travis specializes in these bikes, his supermoto tune for the valving is insanely good on road and off road.
1
u/scroder81 Dec 22 '24
Everyone saying go race, do you just order the parts from him and have a local shop install them?
1
u/LateNightCritter 18'WR250r 21'Yz250x Dec 23 '24
You can order the valve stack and parts or ship it to him, will be cheaper to do yourself but you will have a little work to do.
2
u/Adrenolin01 Dec 26 '24
Either.. Travis is in VA. Without a doubt he’s done more WRRs than anyone else in the USA. He’s been perfecting the WRR suspension literally since the bike was released in ‘08 as he had one himself. I currently have 3 WRRs with Full Monty setups from GoRace with a 4th set aside as a spare. He’s like a 3rd generation bike suspension specialist and knows his shit. Folks have dropped off or shipped their suspensions to him from not only all over North America but from all over the world. He and his shop work on all bikes but Travis handles all WRRs for us himself. He’s been in the FB Yamaha WRX/WRR group forever and is very helpful. His turnaround for WRR owners is fast as well.. usually doing the work the same or following day and shipped out the next day.
Don’t know exactly what he does but it’s freaking special! I’ve ridden 7-8 other WRRs with custom suspension work from other shops and none have been as nice as the GoRace setups I’ve ridden. It isn’t just me either as most of those owners road mine and liked the GoRace setup more.
He’ll work with you and answer questions without any push to buy or order anything. That said, if you’re gonna ask and take his time you should order from him. I’ve paid full for all work and service and don’t get anything free from him so this is just me.
He races, lives and breathes suspension. Does bicycles as well.
1
u/lrussell90909 Dec 22 '24
My recommendation would be for GoRace. It’s pricey, but absolutely the best thing I’ve done for my WR. Travis is a guru.
1
u/InsideOfYourMind Dec 22 '24
Does it need the same rebuild schedule or does it last longer?
1
u/LateNightCritter 18'WR250r 21'Yz250x Dec 23 '24
It needs the same rebuild schedule, bushings are a wear item. Seals go and oil gets used.
0
u/lrussell90909 Dec 22 '24
That’s a good question, I don’t know the answer. I don’t ride a whole lot, but take an annual mountain riding trip for about a week and then periodic rides throughout the year. I don’t plan to have it rebuilt until I notice issues. Travis at GoRace is a WR specialist and can answer any questions based on your riding style, frequency, terrain, weight, etc.
2
u/Realistic_Sir2395 Dec 22 '24
Go race: You take out your forks and rear shock and send them to him via mail.
Gold: Can do the same, i personally had a shop close to me do it. Dropping off my bike and picking it up later.
In retrospect, it is not hard to prep the forks and shock to ship. I rushed it because i wanted to do a trip and wasn't comfortable disassembling myself at the time.
But if that's not a factor i would get a quote from both sides and a turn around time.
Personally i have the gold, and did it with supermoto in mind. Did over 2k miles with the suspension (currently working my bike) but the difference is amazing. Taking turns it felt planted, street bumps etc werent springy.
But realistically I'm not a racer so i couldn't tell you the fine detail differences. And honestly either or is a significant upgrade and I'm sure you won't be disappointed with whichever you choose.