Traxxion Ak 20 on ES is possible

[raYzerman]

On standard shocks, they have to drill a hole and install a Shraeder valve so they can recharge. Many shocks use standard size seals, etc.
Recharging an ES shock (~G can correct me if wrong) shouldn't be an issue as it has an external reservoir, which SHOULD have a charge valve, or perhaps a Shraeder can be added to it.
The oil leak I believe Griff is referring to is likely an o-ring at the preload adjusting mechanism.... no official service parts exist, but somebody like Cogent could figure that out. IIRC, the shock itself wasn't leaking.

[N4HHE]

Am not certain the A shock is gas charged.

Notice Traxxion offers "emulsion" Penske shocks without external reservoirs. Those are not gas charged.

[griff]

The oil leak I believe Griff is referring to is likely an o-ring at the preload adjusting mechanism.... no official service parts exist, but somebody like Cogent could figure that out. IIRC, the shock itself wasn't leaking.

Can't remember exactly where the leak was, but yes - it wasn't the actual shock. Doesn't appear to be any fitting to recharge the system, so some time of fitting would have to be put in.

[fontanaman]

Interesting. I had been told by another who previously contacted Traxxion that it could not be done. Seems things have changed.

But you better plan on living with the OEM stock ES shock.


So my question is: Is the Traxxion upgrade worth it on the ES forks? Does it really improve them much? I think the general consensus is the ES forks are set up pretty darned good.

If anything, the ES shock is the (slightly) weaker link if you 1) Like a stiff performance set up. 2) Using the electric options while very convenient, obviously limits set up somewhat, 3) Removing the ES shock is supposedly one major PITA, 4) If you ever have to replace the ES shock it is going to break the bank.

I'm not trashing the ES suspension. I really like the ES suspension and think it is the best solution for 80-90% of folks. But it is not perfect and has some disadvantages I outlined above.

I bought a '17 ES and regret not not getting an A model and moving my after market suspension from my 09 to the newer bike. The front forks on the ES are good as Skooter points out. The weak link is the ES shock. Simply put the ES rear shock isn't as good as the Penske I had on my 09.