I have already measured the travel, it is not an issue. The Race Tech springs make a huge difference in controlling dive under braking. The front end is set up fairly stiff, with full preload, but thats how I like it.
Why gold valves on a 500 lb steel framed bike that will never see the track. I would rather put the $ into cams or RS carbs which are coming soon. Springs and fork brace made a world of difference, the front end does not chatter or misbehave under sane street riding conditions so I see no need to dump $ into unneeded suspension mods.
But I did cut my teeth on 16 valve GS bikes where hp was premium and everything else was BS, so maybe I am a little bias.
Anyway, Ride On, Ed.
2005 GSF1200SZ
1983 GS750ED