Racetech bladder conversion?

M

MWEISSEN

Whaasssup?

Mi. Trail Riders

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Dec 6, 1999

2,233

0

• Dec 17, 2002

• #1

Any experiences here with the Racetech bladder conversion for KTM shocks?

 

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^SQUID^ RACING

Member

Feb 28, 2001

33

0

• Dec 18, 2002

• #2

I installed the WER bladder on my '02 400 EXC, and really liked the results. It's a nitrogen filled rubber bladder, suspended in oil, that replaces the piston in your rear shock. It made the bike much more subtle and forgiving, especially during steep, rocky descents. I found that the stock rear WP shock was too nervous and unforgiving. I nick named it the "Pee Wee Herman" Mod, and is well worth the money if you ride rocky, rutty terrain.

 

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mike rue

~SPONSOR~

Oct 24, 2002

14

0

• Dec 18, 2002

• #3

INSTALLED ONE ON MY 98 250 EXC. IT TOOK THE HARSHNESS OUT OF THE SHOCK. IT MADE THE SHARP BUMPS AND LOGS A LOT SMOOTHER. WORTH THE MONEY.

 

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Buckholz

Member

Mar 15, 2000

396

0

• Dec 19, 2002

• #4

I have the WER. Works great for doing your own shocks.

The bladder doesn't fit the '03's. Assume somebody will have one soon.

 

marcusgunby

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Jan 9, 2000

6,450

2

• Dec 19, 2002

• #5

Squid and mike did you replace just the bladder or have a revalve at the same time?

 

S

^SQUID^ RACING

Member

Feb 28, 2001

33

0

• Dec 19, 2002

• #6

Marcus....Yes, I only had to replace the bladder, and dial back the clickers. Remember, when you do this, you're replacing the piston that is inside the stock WP shock. It's not exactly a high tech mod. If anything, it's retro tech. You will find the same set-up--a nitrogen filled bladder suspended in oil-- inside the shock of a '76 CZ, or Jawa. The end result gives you a very plush ride. The bike is far more forgiving, and everything feels like it's in slo-motion. I ride only mountain trails, that are mostly hard packed, with lots of rocks and ruts. To me, a soft suspension set-up is a must.

 

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mike rue

~SPONSOR~

Oct 24, 2002

14

0

• Dec 20, 2002

• #7

I JUST CHANGED THE BLADDER. CHANGED THE FRONT FORKS SPRINGS AND INSTALLED A RACE TECH GOLD VALVE EVERTHING WORKED AWSOME. COULD OF USED A REVALVE ON THE SHOCK.WOULD OF MADE IT EVEN BETTER BUT NOW I AM GETTING A NEW BIKE 03 250 EXC :yeehaw: SO I CAN START ALL OVER.

 

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ktm033

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Mar 19, 2001

485

0

• Dec 20, 2002

• #8

Installed the factory connection bladder on mine, shock works lots better in the choppy stuff....

 

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euro gasgas

Sponsoring Member

Sep 18, 2001

287

0

• Dec 20, 2002

• #9

The bladder makes it easier to service the shock (it's easier to bleed the shock - remove air pockets). The bladder itself does not change the action of the shock when compared to a properly bled piston reservoir. I believe that the only claims that race-tech makes about converting to a bladder is ease of service...

Fresh oil and properly servicing the shock will give improved shock action in any terrain...

jeff

 

M

meddle1999

Member

Jan 23, 2001

15

0

• Dec 20, 2002

• #10

I too went with the WER conversion. shock works great, service is a breeze. no complaints.

 

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socal scott

Member

Nov 2, 2001

101

0

• Dec 21, 2002

• #11

Install a schrader valve and set the pressure no lower than 150#'s.

Same result, less nose pressure at the tip of the shaft. Of course this doesn't aid servicing, but it will maintain nitrogen volume.

 

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BBD

Member

Apr 10, 2002

69

0

• Dec 24, 2002

• #12

The shock bladder kits are available for 03 PDS shocks from Race Tech. The kits do ease maintance and also allow the shock to be smoother over rough stuff. Our KTM riders felt the differance right away and this is with stock valving and stock psi.

 

marcusgunby

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Jan 9, 2000

6,450

2

• Dec 24, 2002

• #13

Its interesting as i fitted one to a 00 PDS and i could feel it was any better-just my feelings on the bladder.

 

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Bud-Man

Member

Dec 5, 2000

139

0

• Dec 27, 2002

• #14

I went back and forth between the stock floating piston and a WER bladder on my '00 200 MXC a few years back. Couldn't really tell any difference. (Everything else was kept the same....oil, valving, etc.)

 

S

^SQUID^ RACING

Member

Feb 28, 2001

33

0

• Dec 27, 2002

• #15

I just bought a new '03 450 EXC, with the new WP PDS Shock. From what I have read, it's a different shock than what came on my '02. I have only rode it twice, and I haven't gone out in the woods yet, but the '03 shock feels as plush as my '02 rear shock felt with the bladder.

 

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OCCRA_Racer

Member

Oct 29, 2002

41

0

• Mar 4, 2003

• #16

Squid, Mike

Did you change the service pressure of the shock? I don't see how a bladder change will change ride quality with the same pressures. I've seen the claims, they are just a little hard to swallow. No offence meant. I just wanted to make sure you were comparing apples to apples.

That said... Has anyone comeout with the bladder conversion for the '03s yet?

 

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OCCRA_Racer

Member

Oct 29, 2002

41

0

• Mar 4, 2003

• #17

Sorry about that post. I didn't realize I was on page 1 of 2.

 

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^SQUID^ RACING

Member

Feb 28, 2001

33

0

• Mar 5, 2003

• #18

OCCRA_Racer....I'm not sure about the service pressure of the bladder, I had it proffessionally installed by the local Pro Action Suspension guy here in town. I was skeptical at first as well, but it really does work, and makes a BIG difference. I wanted to keep it, when I sold my '02 , to put it on my '03, but it wouldn't fit. The '03 shocks are different. And, yes, Pro Action, and WER now offer bladders for '03's. I'm not yet certain if they need it though. The '03 shock has a much more plus feel to it, than the '02. Rumor has it that all '04's will come with bladder's.