H Shock action

[gsa102]

Has anybody big like me come upon a shock clicker settings that they like for the H model? I weigh about 230, and have been experimenting with different settings, but can't seem to get it smoothed out. I have been using the Fredette settings, but I am trying to get even better. Spring rate is good. I know I should get it serviced and maybe tuned a little. I don't know if it has ever been opened up for even an oil change.

[Varmint]

I think the spring on the KDX is designed for 160 lbs rider. You might want to start there first.

[KDXGarage]

What rate shock spring and fork springs are you running?

[gsa102]

I am running a Ti 5.5 on the rear, and have DRZ forks with their stock springs, I think a .46. The springs are not an issue, just struggling to dial in the clickers on the shock. It hits really hard on square edge bumps. Maybe I have it set too soft.

[KDXGarage]

What are your clicker settings now?

How many hours are on the oil / last service?

You are 230, or 230 in full riding gear? .46 and 5.5 sounds a little off balance.

[gsa102]

I started with the Fredette settings and have been working from there. I was at R 12 out, and C 12 out. The rear was hitting hard over roots still, and was rebounding too fast and kicking up at speed.

I am at R 11 out and C 14 out now. I weigh 230 without gear. FRP recommends .42 front and 5.4 rear for my weight. I have .44 in the front and 5.5 in the back. I tried a used 5.2 before, but it was tired and wasn't much better than stock.

Probably new seat foam would help with the sharp jolts, too. I am just looking to smooth the bike out some so my 43 YO back doesn't hurt so much after a long ride.

I don't know if the shock was ever serviced. I should pop for that but don't have the extra cash now. The wife wants a $150 tree for mothers day, and I need a tire before the next race on the 20th.

[KDXGarage]

Race Tech shows .48 for your weight without gear. I doubt .44 is correct, much less .42. Years ago, FRP's recommendations were based on the stock amount of preload, which I feel is way too much.

if the oil is as old as it sounds, then you probably should get it changed. (after the tree and tire)

Watery, stinky, extremely old shock oil won't dampen properly, so forget about worrying too much with the clickers until you get some fresh oil for them to work on.

[gsa102]

I didn't do very good for her birthday, so I will get the "weeping cherry" tree she has always wanted, and watch her kill it with our salt-softened water.

Thanks for the help, and I will get it serviced, at least.

I would love it if we could find a newer, better, shock model to fit in the KDX. I have become a showa fan since getting my DRZ forks.

[scheckaet]

didn't read the whole tread, but I can tell you the rear shock works very well if you have the correct spring even with stock valving.
I had mine revalved by FRP soon after and it was even better. There is no need to find a replacement IMO...

[KDXGarage]

You could have your current shock revalved. Unlike forks, the shocks are not leaps and bounds better than they used to be.

[gsa102]

I missed a year because I had Knee surgery. I practiced with and raced the bike Sunday, and the shock is still terrible. I am going to take it apart myself and change the oil, and see if anything else is wrong with it.

After riding my WR (revalved and far newer oil) for a couple days, then getting on the KDX, I couldn't believe how bad it was. If I had seen how wide open the track was, I would have taken the other bike.

[Slick_Nick]

Fresh oil and nitrogen will do wonders

[KDXGarage]

I have a KDX shock rebuild kit for sale, if you are interested.

http://kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=13857

[gsa102]

I may have to get one of those kits. I saw the picture and thought i was looking at a Whibby post for a second.

[gsa102]

SO... I changed the oil and tweaked the valving on my H shock, finished up bench bleeding and.... broke the bleeder screw off when I went to tighten it up

At least I can get one from Kawi. I am dying to go for a ride.

[gsa102]

I did some research, and it appears visually that about 1995 through 2003 KX 125/250 shocks will fit the KDX. 99 through 01 have a high speed compression adjustment. I looked at part numbers and can't verify that way. I have my eye on a 99 shock on ebay and may snap it up, depending on how my stocker works after the oil change. I should be able to get to the shop and do the nitrogen charge today, but it's raining.

[KDXGarage]

You may want to check the overall length of the "other" shocks before buying. I think you are about to open a can of worms. Spring outer diameter, clevis width, reservoir placement, etc. are all things to worry about.

[rbates9]

Someone on here did put in a KX shock and I think he said it worked ok. I think he said the length was about an inch longer.

[KDXGarage]

Wow! I would like to see some pictures of the super jacked up KDX.

[rbates9]

It was CoronasAndChips that put in a 97 KX250 shock. Maybe he can chime in with how it worked out for him.