Posts
335
Joined
9/26/2023
Location
Underwood, MN, USA
Fantasy
I've serviced my own shocks on Jap bikes in the past. Getting back into riding again after 15 years.
What is everyone using to gas fill KTM shocks these days? Convert to Schrader? Needle? I've seen some sort of clamping device on YT but looks expensive. The tool I have currently below
I convert them to bladder with schrader valve on first rebuild.
Do those shocks still use a floating piston stock?
Yes.
I see several solutions for bladder kits. Would you have a recommendation? It looks like the WP one is only available through a WP dealer. I wonder how the WP cost is compared to the RT, Ktech, ect...
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Free shipping: VITALMX
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
I have both bladder and piston versions with schrader valves. Super easy and can adjust at the track if you are testing.
On the -2022 bikes I always used Race Tech bladder conversions. On the 2023+I used JBI. Seemed to be the only readily available one with Schrader and not needle or something else.
I will say, many bladder caps nowadays have the stem recessed in a hole that will make it difficult to get on with that filler you posted. I use the Race Tech filler that has a nice extended nose and is truly zero loss.
https://www.dirtfreak.co.jp/en/products/detail/093F4255-4547836338809/
I appreciate the insights!
That looks slick! Only drawback long term is setting piston height. Drawback to bladder is I hear removing the reservoir can be a pain with heat needed. Decisions; decisions 😅
I haven't used that one, but it looks like set piston height before you bolt it on and charge it.
Having the piston just complicates the bleeding process in my opinion. I really can see no benefit to having a piston over a bladder. That Zeta product is a cool workaround but I'd rather just swap the whole can and get away from the piston.
Reason I chose the JBI bladder for the 23+ bikes, the only other one I saw readily available with a schrader was the SDI. But on that one the bladder cap threads in instead of pushing in with a clip like a traditional style. And the schrader valve sits right in the middle of the bolt recess you need to use to thread it off/on. So, you'd need to remove the schrader valve every time.
Yes, heat definitely helps removing the stock cans. Also, if you are going to use a strap wrench, completely remove the WP sticker and adhesive first so the strap can get good grip on the can. On all the ones I've removed, they've varied wildly from almost no loctite and easy to remove to tons of bionic loctite and damn near folded the can before it finally broke loose.
Thank you for the tips!
I also put the JBI bladder on my 23 350SXF. I can fill it using a similar tool you have here (I made my own). The no-loss valve just barely fits up in the recess.
I used one of these (1/8 npt schrader). Didn't remove the chamber, just drilled it vertically so chips would fall down/out instead of in. Used grease on the drill and tap to help contain chips. Used a stop collar on the drill bit for safety. Deburred the inside corner with a homemade tool. Flushed out w some brake clean and then air for good measure. Shock never left the vertical orientation. Schrader fitting installed w blue loctite. Plastic cap replaced with a metal one. Always checks out at full pressure, zero leaks. Dirt cheap, simple, easy.
There is a Tusk version of this now as well.
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-shock-reservoir-gas-valve-p
Post a reply to: KTM / Husky / GasGas Shock Nitrogen Filling