Trail Rider Magazine

24 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com As for the rear shock, we gave it the full treatment with K-Tech's shock piston kit, Reservoir Bladder Kit, a Kashima/K-Tech gold anodized shock body, and a heavier straight-rate K-Tech spring. We've tested these components in the past and feel the benefits are many. Let's start with the K-Tech Shock Piston Kit. With more stable and consistent damping, trac on is increased as kick is reduced with the rear re stay- ing planted to the ground. K-Tech Reservoir Bladder Conversion. This kit replaced the OEM WP Reservoir and piston as- sembly. By replacing the piston with a bladder, gas volume inside the reservoir is increased improving compliance at lower speed movements of the rear wheel. As a woods rider, I've found bladder conversions to make a no ceable difference in ride quality. They make a big difference in bump compliance. K-Tech Kashima Shock Body. What is Kashima you ask? Well, it's a hard anodizing process for fork tubes & shock bodies. Kashima coa ng reduces corrosion, nicks, and scratches. It increases lubrica on and reduces fric on resul ng in smoother suspension ac on. By reducing internal wear, the Kashima shock body will extend shock absorber oil life. Ok, enough technical talk, let's dive into the nuts and bolts of the project. Those familiar with linkless PDS suspended KTM appreciated the ease of the rear shock removal and installa on of the previous genera on models. Well, it's s ll pre y easy but the new bodywork of the 2024 models makes it a bit more difficult to remove the rear shock. The upper shock moun ng bolt is hidden behind the plas c side panels. In looking up the procedure in the shop man- ual, the process described is lengthy with the remov- al of the wear plates, taillight, and side cover. How these components interlock together is also a bit of a puzzle. Thanks to Jeff Slavens and his informa ve videos, we've learned a cool trick that makes remov- ing and installing the shock on the '24 models much easier. Basically, just remove the seat and remove the two fasteners that mount the radiator shrouds to the tank. This allows to bend out the rear of the shrouds just enough to pop out the side cover blocking access to the upper shock bolt. Thanks for this Jeff, you've saved us a lot of me and frustra on.

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