FJRiders.com

From an email with Traxxion today.

When asked about moving my Ak 20 from the 06 A to a new 18

We do have AK20 builds for the ES model and the 16+ non ES. You will need parts for the swap. The newer forks require new fork caps, which are $250, new cartridge rods at $150, and new base valve holders at $60. Installation labor including rebuilding and converting the cartridges is $300. Penske rebuild is $225.

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.

The 18A only has one working cartridge, right side.... IF I interpret their note correctly, they are drilling out the left side for a compression adjuster, AKA turning the dummy cartridge (left) fork into a non dummy type? All that PLUS moving your AK-20's over? How about finding a Gen2 left side fork lower and a top cap to match. Or, just put your forks on the 18A?

raYzerman wrote: ↑Wed Sep 30, 2020 7:58 pm The 18A only has one working cartridge, right side.... IF I interpret their note correctly, they are drilling out the left side for a compression adjuster, AKA turning the dummy cartridge (left) fork into a non dummy type? All that PLUS moving your AK-20's over? How about finding a Gen2 left side fork lower and a top cap to match. Or, just put your forks on the 18A?

i may just do a swap.
If things match up.

SKOOTER, I went with the A not ES

The Gen2 forks dimensionally fit, only the internals were different for Gen3/4. Direct swap.

Guessing this also means they know how to mute complaints from the ES electronics about not being connected to ES components?

raYzerman wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 7:37 am The Gen2 forks dimensionally fit, only the internals were different for Gen3/4. Direct swap.

Confirmed, although with a swap will lose the purdy black fork legs on the ‘18A. A can of spray paint works too...

If money is no object, I’d go with the GP/Penske cartridges and have adjustments on top. Sounds like cost is going to be expensive with Traxxion anyway. Another alternative is Andreani / Fast Bike Industries drop-in cartridges. I plan to use them this winter for new cartridges in my ‘15A’s USD forks. Talking with them on the phone was a pleasure, and they were very interested in checking out the ES internals. Found them via the FJ/Tracer 900 forums. Cost is very reasonable too.

~G

I still would like to find somebody to rework an ES shock. Haven't found anybody yet.

To my knowledge no aftermarket suspender guy has worked on ES anything. They will need the part in their hands to see what they can do. I would think there are 3 choices..... a refresh of the existing as is, a re-spring, and a re-valve. Most I'd think would want the first two and try a spring for your weight with the existing valving..... or at least I'd want that if I had an aging ES shock. I'd absolutely want a new spring at minimum.

raYzerman wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:42 pm To my knowledge no aftermarket suspender guy has worked on ES anything. They will need the part in their hands to see what they can do. I would think there are 3 choices..... a refresh of the existing as is, a re-spring, and a re-valve. Most I'd think would want the first two and try a spring for your weight with the existing valving..... or at least I'd want that if I had an aging ES shock. I'd absolutely want a new spring at minimum.

Why the necessity of a new spring?

There’s a place in England that does them. I’m surprised I haven’t seen service become available here.

griff wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 8:03 pm I still would like to find somebody to rework an ES shock. Haven't found anybody yet.

SkooterG wrote: ↑Fri Oct 02, 2020 2:06 am

raYzerman wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:42 pm To my knowledge no aftermarket suspender guy has worked on ES anything. They will need the part in their hands to see what they can do. I would think there are 3 choices..... a refresh of the existing as is, a re-spring, and a re-valve. Most I'd think would want the first two and try a spring for your weight with the existing valving..... or at least I'd want that if I had an aging ES shock. I'd absolutely want a new spring at minimum.

Why the necessity of a new spring?

Because it is undersprung, same as all FJR's were. You can get by if you crank the preload up. It's a 685 lb/in spring rate. Some are finding it inadequate.

I talked to Traxxion a while ago about rebuilding an ES shock, but they didn't want anything to with that. Cogent Dynamics was interested, but hadn't ever worked on an ES shock. I have a 16 rear shock with about 16k miles on it that has a leak on a fitting, otherwise is ok. May try again to have Cogent replace the spring and see if they can fix the leak.

griff wrote: ↑Sat Oct 03, 2020 6:07 am I talked to Traxxion a while ago about rebuilding an ES shock, but they didn't want anything to with that. Cogent Dynamics was interested, but hadn't ever worked on an ES shock. I have a 16 rear shock with about 16k miles on it that has a leak on a fitting, otherwise is ok. May try again to have Cogent replace the spring and see if they can fix the leak.

That’s nice that you have that shock, but what about if someone has an ES shock with, say 160,000 miles on it. What does he do?

Griff, If you bought YES you could have the dealer replace the shock

fencer wrote: ↑Sat Oct 03, 2020 8:56 am Griff, If you bought YES you could have the dealer replace the shock

Wellllll, it never malfunctioned - it just has 140k on it and I don't think I would win that argument.

I dont know, if a seal is leaking, that seems like a malfunction.

Yes is regardless of miles and age if within the term of the policy.

It never hurts to ask, so to speak

fencer wrote: ↑Sat Oct 03, 2020 12:56 pm I dont know, if a seal is leaking, that seems like a malfunction.

Yes is regardless of miles and age if within the term of the policy.

It never hurts to ask, so to speak

Never had a seal leaking on my shock. YES doesn't cover wear items, so why would I even ask?

griff wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 8:03 pm I still would like to find somebody to rework an ES shock. Haven't found anybody yet.

My understanding is the problem with servicing the A shock is that it is essentially welded together like a throw-away car shock. That at one time Race Tech's HQ in CA had cut some open and fitted a threaded end. The oil, seal, and shims inside are not unusual. Seems like a lot of expense for what is probably not nitrogen charged.

N4HHE wrote: ↑Sun Oct 04, 2020 12:02 am

griff wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 8:03 pm I still would like to find somebody to rework an ES shock. Haven't found anybody yet.

My understanding is the problem with servicing the A shock is that it is essentially welded together like a throw-away car shock. That at one time Race Tech's HQ in CA had cut some open and fitted a threaded end. The oil, seal, and shims inside are not unusual. Seems like a lot of expense for what is probably not nitrogen charged.

The guy who rebuilt my Wilbers shock has rebuilt an OEM shock. Said it is kind of a pain the ass but is well built. If I remember right, he had to add or change some fittings. After the first time, it would be like servicing any aftermarket shock.