KDXRIDER.NET

Hello all,

I just bought a new (supposedly unused) shock for my bike. I was wondering how much I should do to the shock before installing it. I am assuming that I should have the nitrogen charge checked/refilled, but what about the oil? Should I replace it? My bike is a bit of a beater but it does have a 2001 KX front end on it (which is another story that I am trying to figure out) so I want to try to get the suspension working the best I can. Just looking for some group input.


Thanks
Jeff

Can you post a pic?

Is it a KDX shock? If someone handed me a new in the box KDX shock, I would go straight to my nitrogen tank. Shocks lose pressure over time.

Given your situation, assuming it is new, nitrogen (or air if you must), then slap 'er in there. As soon as you get the forks situated, with fresh fork oil, then at least dump and fill the shock with fresh oil.

Well, it came in, and it is beautiful. I wish I new how much nitrogen was in it. I just want to install and go, and it is not like I can just run down to the shop and have it checked. :(

I guess I am just going to install it anyway and have the nitrogen done later when everything opens back up.

Unbelievable that there is a new shock like this out there running around.

BTW: Does anyone know the spring rate of this color spring? Was it just a color change for later years?

Thanks
Jeff

A shock should not be checked for pressure. A huge volume escapes when that is done. It is 142 stock. The volume is tiny compared to a car tire or motorcycle tire.

A lossless chuck is usually used. That also usually means one can not just connect the chuck while it is still on the bike. With the way the pipe and frame are, it might be a tight squeeze.

Running it with low pressure can damage the seal.

The shock spring color was different on the last 1, 2 or 3?? years.

The bumper is showing its age, but the shock looks great, though!

Wow, nice find! I don't know what is essential where you're at but here motorcycle shops are considered essential and most are open as usual. Call around before installing it as you might get lucky.

Here's a picture of my setup, so you can see the height of the chuck. (Race Tech)

Thanks for all the input. I will call around today to see if any shops are open. I just assumed that they would be closed.

Jeff

If you don't have any luck with a bike shop, find an HVAC guy. He'll have nitrogen, gauges, and low loss fittings.

Well, I got it charged (thanks for the suggestion about the bike shops still being open). Went in great. Definitely handled a lot better. Went out for a ride and ripped it up. One more ride around the back yard and then I will put her up.

Then... Catastrophe :(

Grenaded the piston. The whole front of the skirt came off. I have it all torn down and will need to get the bottom end flushed. I haven't inspected all the parts closely yet but I will definitely be a good spring project. I always wanted to freshen up the motor, i guess.

Well, what are you gonna do. She was a beast for a while. Now on to the rebuild...

Thanks again for all the help.
Jeff

WOW!

Sorry to hear of its troubles!!

yep they always say they run their best just before they blow up!!! No joke Millennium is a good place to get your cylinder all fixed up right,pistons are every where as top end gasket hits are plentiful. Be sure to drain all of the old gas out and clean the carb before you start it
it is possible that is what caused this its pretty much a mandatory step. Remember to use only a big name brand of premium only Shell,Exon
Chevron Ect… What a bummer!!! what brand of piston was in there??? And for curiousitys sake do you mind if I ask where you found a brand new shock ?

Is your bike a 220 by any chance? If it is, only go with a forged piston for replacement.

Hi Jeff, Just wondered where you got the new KYB shock if there are any out there i'd be happy to Know, the clevis on my recently purchased bike has hairline cracks(which the suspension specialists say renders it non refurbishable) so just wondered if you know of any decent new/used ones for sale, it's holding up my restoration so I can't proceed, the clevis, without the rest, would be fine, but finding one without cracks is difficult, the cracks around the damping eye are a weakness, witnessed by some of the bodged repairs i've seen on ebay, which render the shock unusable afterwards anyway. Any help would be appreciated. regards john