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7/19/2011
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Tedor
6/7/2016 9:23am
6/7/2016 9:23am
Edited Date/Time
9/22/2017 8:25pm
Hi, I know it wont fit right away but before the 2016 trax arrived alla the factory and support guys and some others was running what appears to be a reworked 2015 trax to fit the 2016 ktm, check out this photo of oldenburgs bike. I know the factory guys have some special stuff but I have some fabricator skills too, and the 2015 trax is lot cheaper than the 2016. Inputs guys? Thanks
The Shop
langhammx: who have done it? Only reason Im asking is beacuse the 2015 shock is alot cheaper than the 2016 one. Regards
The only difference is that the 2016 shock is 13mm shorter than the 2015, just drill a new hole, also the 2015 trax shock on a 2016 will hit the frame where the subframe fits, just round a corner off. I have talked to one guy that have done this. Anymore that have done this? Also change to a softer spring since the linkage is more progressive on the 2016. Dont know if a 44nm on stock shock is equal to a 44nm on a trax?
Digger29: why change 95% of the parts? Maybe they just want to sell you a new shock for 2500 dollars?
Regards
So once again Digger29 Im courious why those guys said that you need to change 95% of the parts for it to work. Do anyboy know the CC length of the 2016 trax?
For my weight at 78kg + equipment I will run a 48nm spring or possibly a 45nm. It will pair up good with my 2015 cone valve forks I belive.
Regards
I ran a square against the top clevis
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/The-Bazaar,26/KTM-Showa-A-Kit,1305331
Are there any success story's? How does it feel riding the bike?
The 2015 Trax is fitted on my SXF250 2016, this is the shock the factory guys etc run but they appears to have a resovoir with smaller diameter where the normal one will hit the subframe mounts if you dont modify it like I did.
I have not ridden with it yet beacuse I dont know if my xtrig preload adjuster is working like it should. Se the thread I just started if you think you can help me on that one. Regards
Pit Row
I would actually like to see this with my own eyes instead of reading about it being possible to do.
Would the shock clevice from the 2016+ not mount up to the 15 and be a much simpler conversion? (Obviously you'd still have to figure out how to make the reservoir fit)
Edit:
Another thought: the earlier linkage trax shocks (pre 2015) were a bit shorter than the 15. I don't know the exact amount, but it may be worth a phone call. That clevis or entire shock if you are searching eBay might be closer in length to the 16-17
Here's an older Trax on my '16 350, no frame mods necessary.
I'm actually starting to think about finding an old Trax shock now. I should be able to find one for only 500-600€ here in Finland!
what are the specs for
15 model eye to eye = 490mm
16 model eye to eye = 477mm (13mm shorter than previous years)
15 model shock stroke =
16 model shock stroke =
If I think it is achievable I might mod my second trax as it will sell easier if it suits the new models
Quote Originally Posted by Motovet45 View Post
I know a lot of people say it won't fit but I have one and it bolted right up, no clearance issues at all. My question is the Trax is longer than the stock 16 shock so will shortening it to match the 16 shock work? What effect will it have on handling, etc... if I leave it as is and get the correct spring rate for it?
I finally got some spare time to look into that project with some more detail. The link Trax shocks for the 2011-2015 KTMs are pretty similar and have a shorter stroke and longer overall length than the Trax for the 2016/2017 bikes. As Motovet wrote I couldn't see any clearance issues with a 2011 Trax on a 2017 Husky (=KTM) either, so a conversion seems realistic. What you want to avoid in any case though, is shortening the shock with reducing the stroke (spacer for example) any further - this is a big NoNo as you are looking at a reduction in shock travel of 10% on the 2016/2017 bikes doing it this way. That is a major change and not desirable at all. The easiest and most effective way is to cut the shock tube as there is plenty of space inside the 2011-2015 link shocks without top-out spring, but in any case you need to do the check yourself to be sure as there are quite a few versions of the Trax shocks out there. Removing the shock tube takes a lot (and I mean a lot) of heat and the easiest is to cut 10mm (or whatever your desired length is) off the threads on the upper end of the shock tube. Recut the seat for the o-ring and you're done. If you decide to stay with the 2016/2017 linkage which I strongly recommend as this is what this chassis was developed for, use a shock length of 477mm (+/- 1mm). It really makes no sense converting a Trax (or any other shock) without remaining within the stock dimensions and thus screwing up the chassis balance completely. Don't forget to convert to the 2016/2017 stock bump rubber as the different linkage ratio demands a shorter one (especially with the slightly reduced stroke anyway).
As noted before, the 2016/2017 linkage trades suspension travel (less) for shaft speed (increased) and this will most likely demand a lighter valving than the 2013-2015 bikes needed. 2011-2012 is even more different with yet another linkage ratio that has a very different low/high speed bias.
Michael
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