Race Tech GVE's on KZ650 - drilling question

I don't know if anyone has installed Race Tech's Gold Valve Emulators (GVE's) in their KZ650 forks, but I was half way through my installation last night when I find out that I have to drill 2 new (or enlarge current ones) holes on the damping rod so that effectively the damping rod is not causing any damping. The new GVE's will now control the damping.

My question is that looking at both of my damping rods close up, each one has 2 sets (4 holes) of holes and they are not lined up very well especially on the other damping rod (not pictured). I am wondering if originally there was only 1 set of compression holes (2 holes) and the PO had drilled out the other set. The size of the holes are also different in circumference, leading me to believe that Kawasaki did not do it.

For those that have rebuilt your KZ650B2's forks, how many compression holes do your original damping rods have? 1 set or 2? If 1 set then I am done and can finish the install because the PO drilled a set for me, but if the KZ650 came with 2 sets of holes, Race Tech technician, Tony at the headquarters said to drill another set for a total of 6 holes. Don't want to add more holes than I have to.

I am also installing Race Tech springs with the GVE's. I am still trying to figure out what rear shocks I am going to install. Possibilities are Works, Race Techs or YSS. YSS's are the least expensive option of these 3 and I have heard good things about the YSS on other sites.

Thanks!

Ok, I'll preface this by saying that I have no specific experience with the KZ650 forks. However, you said it all when you stated that the GVE will control the dampening. IMO it doesn't matter how many holes there are, so long as you don't weaken the rod by drilling too many. You just want enough oil flow that the dampening rod can no longer control compression. Personally, I would follow the advice that Tony gave you, and drill one more pair of holes. Race Tech seems to me to know their stuff. I installed a Gold Valve in my rear mono-shock and followed their instructions to the letter. It works very well.

Hopefully someone with specific knowledge of those forks will come along and clarify how many holes should be there.

I think all the KZ models have four holes there. I've had 650. 750 twin and four, and 1000, forks apart, and I think they've all had four holes there.

Dave Sloan (fuel injected 650/810) has GVE's in his forks, he did it at least a couple years ago and discussed it here. Might try a search to locate his post on it.


But drill another couple of holes anyway, won't hurt a thing.

Thanks guys. I think I am going to drill another pair of holes for a total of 6.

Don't forget to remove any burrs inside the rod as they may later break loose and bind up the damping action of the valves.

Smoothe any external holes too, if it were me, I'd wash the rods with hot soap and water after drilling, using a light film of oil to prevent any flash rusting after drying.

Thanks guys. I think I am going to drill another pair of holes for a total of 6.