I recently had a K-tec 35DDS shock fitted to my bike. I have since done 3500mls on bike but from the start thought the rear was too hard, but no matter what i did with the remote preload adjuster it didnt make any difference to the bike. I will contact the dealer shortly but thought id try for answers here first. I believe the remote adjuster isnt working, well not that it isnt working just that it cant work with this shock. I will try to explain below and maybe im completely wrong? I ordered shock and it arrived with the dealer, i took bike up to dealer and he showed me the shock and i said great and asked where do i change the preload and he said you need to take the shock out to change preload or i can order a remote preload adjuster wheel, i said i definetly need to change preload without taking out the shock so he ordered the remote adjuster for me and installed on bike two days later. But as i said the remote adjuster doesnt work. I sent an email to K-teck looking for info about the remote preload adjuster and they sent me a manual- i noticed the 'ByPass Adjuster Valve' the red sphere on the shock (please see photo) On the manual they sent me this can be adjusted by a centre screw but my shock doesnt have this. It has the red sphere at top of shock but there is no screw in centre to adjust. I saw this review online with this statement-"It has compression and rebound damping adjustment and a bypass adjuster valve which allows the damping range of both compression and rebound damping to be adjusted externally." - what does that mean? I can already adjust the rebound and compression externally with the black and natural knobs. My question is if there is not a 'ByPass Adjuster Valve' on the shock will the remote preload adjuster even work because it doesnt seem to on mine? And obviously if my shock doesnt have a 'ByPass Adjuster Valve' and the remote preload doesnt work then there must be a connection given the high quality kit K-tech produce. It seems my preload has been set and it will not budge. Here is what i think happened- my dealer ordered 35DDS without 'remote preload adjuster', then ordered preload adjuster for that shock after i said thats what i wanted, but the shock already ordered wasnt remote preload adjuster compatible? (Please see photos)
I think the by-pass adapter valve is a red herring. The remote preload adjuster is a separate unit that would replace the normal adjusting rings seen on most shocks (fireblade excepted). If the remote adjuster takes up more space on the shock than the adjuster nuts it might be the case the dealer would fit a slightly shorter spring with the same spring rating. If you turn the remote adjuster you should see some movement on the shock as the spring is compressed or released. If this is not happening the remote adjuster isn't working correctly. K-Tech have released a cheaper version of the 35DDS called the 35DDS Lite - this has no by-pass adaptor valve or hydraulic adjuster - it sounds like this is what you were supplied with. Have a look at the K-Tech web site there is some info in the news section.
Yes your right just got a reply from K-tec and i have the 35DDS Lite so the preload adjuster fitted to my shock doesnt work- UNBELIEVEABLE You would think the dealer would have known that before fitting. So now will have to go back to dealer to see what can be done WHAT A NIGHTMARE
Considering the dealer cocked it up perhaps they should let you have the normal 35DDS, which has the remote adjuster fitted, at no additional cost. Good luck on getting it sorted. Steve
looks a nice unit and a good alternative to ohlins......do you mind me asking how much Wonga was passed ?
Have to hold my hands up i was wrong, the 35 lite can be upgraded with a remote preload adjuster, and after double checking i can see that it works fine on the shock!! I had my compression and rebound upto nearly max so made it feel stiff but having decreased them it feels better- how stupid am i. The rear shock costs £652 +VAT, if you want the remote preload adjuster its a further £225 +VAT Cheers
Oops..... Summat to tell your mates down gone pub.... Nice unit though so the derrière will now not be bashed so hard !
Good one but the thing is there is only 10mm of preload adjustment not alot and i think the spring is too hard for my riding style, but whatever at least i know the kit is sound and i can spend the winter experimenting with a good setup!
Kidder the dealers who supplied the unit - did they not ask about your weight and riding style?? The shock should be fitted with the correct spring for your weight and the rebound and compression adjusted to be near to what it should be. If you check the K-Tech site there are rear springs to suit the shock for loads of different weight riders so why haven't they sorted it?. If the right spring is fitted 10mm of preload should be enough. The ramp on the standard shock doesn't move the preload much.
Yes, i gave my wt etc I cant fault them and they set up sag etc Very happy with the service, and the bike is far better than it was, but all suspension setups are a compromise and i think its a personal thing- ive never liked the recommended sag figures on my bikes and ive been riding for over 20yrs and done loads of track days in the fast group with no problems.(Fireblades, GSXR1000 etc) Personally i think rake setup is as important as sag for a riders personal riding style and confidence, ive just raised forks by 10mm and think this will help turn in etc Ive had bikes in the past that i couldnt ride and after changing the geometry they were transformed into confidence inspiring missiles But whatever every one to their own!
