I did quite a bit of digging into emulators a while back. In the end I bought the Teknik valves based on some rave reviews and the fact they do specific ones for the XT, unlike others such as Racetech/Ricor, which are more generic. Although I know a few people who have used the Racetech version and more than happy with the result. Whichever you choose, you won�t be disappointed. You could even make some, it isn�t rocket science, as long as you (or someone you know) has access to machining tools.

The information on the Racetech site is actually very good (applies to all emulators) and explains all you need to know about their function and operation. There�s not a great deal on the Teknik site regarding the technical side. Rather than me explain everything here second hand, have a read of read of this and this.

Fitting is dead simple, the instructions/steps/principles are the same whatever emulator you use, and it is no more challenging than a normal fork dismantle and rebuild. I took advice from my local suspension specialist and opted to drill out the existing damping holes/orifices to 8mm, some others tell you to drill the holes out to 6mm and add two extra 6mm holes. In the end it makes no odds, there are many ways to skin a cat, but basically all you�re trying to achieve is to make sure the total cross-sectional area of the holes is big enough to prevent any damping effect coming from the original damping rod. The emulator will do all the work once fitted, so the rods themselves effectively become redundant as far as damping is concerned.

Important note: Bear in mind, this mod is not reversible after the drilling. You cannot remove the emulators and return the bike to stock without fitting new damping rods; with no emulators in place there will be no damping at all due to the enlarged holes, with an obviously catastrophic effect on handling. If you decide to sell your bike in the future you will have to leave the emulators behind.

FYI these are the parts/part numbers I looked up from Racetech and the Teknik I ended up buying:

Racetech:

Part number: FEGV S4301 (use TDM900)

36.0mm/29.2mm/17.5mm

racetech.com

Teknik:

Part number: 25-051-07 (XT660R/X/Z)

36.0mm x 29.2mm x 17.0mm

www.teknikmotorsport.com.au

I did notice, when checking the Teknik website, that the V4S valves are currently out of stock. Probably a good idea to contact them.

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