Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Discussion specific to the 1989 - 1994 (E Series) KDX200 model sold in the USA
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RockwoodKDX
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Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by RockwoodKDX »

Hey all,
I have a 91 and the upper adjuster (compression), makes no difference in shock behavior. It can turn in either direction, still click, but has no stop in either direction. I have disassembled the shock and have removed this valve. Does anyone know where I can find a replacement? I have looked at Babbitts(Kawasakipartshouse.com) and the valve is not listed separately from the shock. Anyone have any suggestions. Otherwise the shock works fine. The rebound adjuster is working fine. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,


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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by KDXGarage »

It is not a separately available OEM part. How soon are you needing one? I can't get to it quickly, but I have a spare one from a damaged shock somewhere in the spare parts hoard. Finding a used one may be your best bet. That, or just buy another used shock off eBay.

If you can make use of it, I have a KDX shock rebuild kit for sale.

http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 69&t=17383

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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by Jaguar »

Maybe it is working but the difference in adjustment it makes is not something easily felt.
I knew where to set mine because if you have the right spring rate and the right inner "flaps" (different ones have different stiffness) then you can adjust the compression setting for no harsh bottoming on big jumps.
Performance CDI -- KDX motocross mods -- the SR KDX -- expansion chamber analysis---> http://www.dragonfly75.com/moto/
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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by KDXGarage »

"but has no stop in either direction"

It is broken. :sad:
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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by RockwoodKDX »

It is definitely broken. With the shock off the bike and the spring removed, you can turn it and it makes no difference. The rebound makes a noticeable difference every one or two clicks. The compression adjuster should make a similar difference IMO.

Jason, thanks, I might take you up on that. I am going to check with a local junkyard as he has a million shocks laying around and might have a replacement on hand. I will let you know.
Thanks!


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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by RockwoodKDX »

Jason, how much would you want for the compression adjuster? I went to the local shop and looked through about a hundred shocks and could not find one to fit. Send me a pm and let me know.
Thanks,
John


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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by Jaguar »

Ask a shop that works on rear shocks if the compression change can be felt when compressing by hand.
I'll bet you my sons helicopter that you can't. ;-)
Compression damping is way less than rebound damping. Why? The shock needs to compress very rapidly but stretch back out relatively slowly. So with so little compression damping do you really think you can feel an adjustment difference?
Performance CDI -- KDX motocross mods -- the SR KDX -- expansion chamber analysis---> http://www.dragonfly75.com/moto/
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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by KDXGarage »

It is a whopping 9 degrees in sunny Alabama right now, so it may be a little bit before I get to the adjuster. It is from a damaged shock (rust on shaft), and in a box buried in a rental storage building.

Did you drill out the peens on the shock before taking out the adjuster?? :shock:
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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by RockwoodKDX »

I did not drill out anything. Not sure where or what the peens are?


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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by RockwoodKDX »

Jaguar, when riding the bike, I could tell no difference in adjustment regardless of how many turns in either direction. Unfortunately, I have very little knowledge of shocks, so most of this is new to me.


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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by Jaguar »

I just hate to see you chasing a possibly non-existent problem. I raced motocross with my KDX and couldn't tell any compression adjustment change except for hitting really hard whoops or really big jumps. If you aren't bottoming then don't worry about it, jeesh. And if you are bottoming then put on a spring that is right for your weight. Then, if you are still bottoming on the jumps, worry about the adjustment. Don't worry, be happy (ie: just ride)!
Performance CDI -- KDX motocross mods -- the SR KDX -- expansion chamber analysis---> http://www.dragonfly75.com/moto/
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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by KDXGarage »

1989+ KDX shocks have the compression adjuster assemblies peened in. The two round punch marks should be drilled down about 2mm with a 1/8" drill bit, just enough to give clearance. After that, THEN it is "safer" to remove.

The roads are pretty much solid ice now, so I am going nowhere anytime soon.

With fresh oil and nitrogen charge in a shock, the compression clicks should be fairly noticeable.
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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by KDXGarage »

Your bike is a 1991 KDX200 or KDX250??

NEVERMIND: I see this is in the E section.

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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by KDXGarage »

I now have a spare shock that may have a good adjuster. I will have to check it out this week.
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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by RockwoodKDX »

Let me know if you find that adjuster. I am definitely interested. Thanks,
John


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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by KDXGarage »

Hey. I have not had time to get it out yet. Sorry for the delay.
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Re: Rear shock Compression adjuster no good

Post by RockwoodKDX »

No hurry, still buried in snow up here. Thanks


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