17 R-TX SE - Suspension options

[klr650r]

Is there anything out there to replace the rear skid shock? Gettin' really tired of it's poor performance.
But I don't think I can upgrade it much without changing some bracing and such in the skid.

What have you guys been doing. I'm looking for a complete skid right now with descent shocks, without much luck. It'd be perfect if I could find an RR skid with those long pivot arms.

 

[number1kyster]

You have several options.

1. Send the shocks to a reputable builder like Hygear or Monster Performance. They will revalve them to your Specs. Hygear runs around $1,100 to do all 4 shocks with dual rate springs. I'm not sure what they charge for just skid shocks.

2. Buy a set of QS3 shocks from a ZR 9000 Limited. You can get the rear shock only for about $325 shipped. This will give you 3 settings, soft, medium, and hard. You can also buy the front ski shocks for about $360 each and you will have 3 adjustments.

3. You can buy a set of QS3R shocks from a Sidewinder LE or Cat RR. These are about $2,000 for all 4 shocks. The rear shock alone runs about $600. Front shocks are about $500 each.

4. You can buy a set of custom Axis shocks or Z-Broz Exit shocks from a reputable shock builder like Hygear.

I'm in the same boat as you. I have an RTX SE. I'm 210 pounds all suited up. I'm still playing with my suspension, but with the rear springs on medium and a 160lb center shock spring I am bottoming out a lot. I'll try the springs on hard but I'm not sure how much that is going to help.

Option 1 is attractive because you will have shocks that are setup for your weight and riding style. They won't have reservoirs so they may fade on rough trails. I haven't ridden a machine with the standard Qs3's so I can't speak for how nice they do or don't ride.

 

[klr650r]

You have several options.

1. Send the shocks to a reputable builder like Hygear or Monster Performance. They will revalve them to your Specs. Hygear runs around $1,100 to do all 4 shocks with dual rate springs. I'm not sure what they charge for just skid shocks.

2. Buy a set of QS3 shocks from a ZR 9000 Limited. You can get the rear shock only for about $325 shipped. This will give you 3 settings, soft, medium, and hard. You can also buy the front ski shocks for about $360 each and you will have 3 adjustments.

3. You can buy a set of QS3R shocks from a Sidewinder LE or Cat RR. These are about $2,000 for all 4 shocks. The rear shock alone runs about $600. Front shocks are about $500 each.

4. You can buy a set of custom Axis shocks or Z-Broz Exit shocks from a reputable shock builder like Hygear.

I'm in the same boat as you. I have an RTX SE. I'm 210 pounds all suited up. I'm still playing with my suspension, but with the rear springs on medium and a 160lb center shock spring I am bottoming out a lot. I'll try the springs on hard but I'm not sure how much that is going to help.

Option 1 is attractive because you will have shocks that are setup for your weight and riding style. They won't have reservoirs so they may fade on rough trails. I haven't ridden a machine with the standard Qs3's so I can't speak for how nice they do or don't ride.

Not sure I want to revalve what I have...there is zero adjustment on it it. I need at least compression.
I already have front shocks from and 2018 Winder LE, they work OK maybe even a bit better. I'd like a spring change but that I'm not worried about. At least those I was able to tune to my linking.

As for the skid, the front of it is no problem, every shock on the market is going to fit in there. plenty of room. But the way the rear is done. I don't know what it's going to allow for shocks without changing something. They are not the same as 2018 SE or Cat limiteds. I don't really have a skid to compare so I don't know what bracing needs to change to allow different shocks. Direct options on Hygear and Elka site do not list my model.

I'll contact them. See what's up. My problem is I've always gotten the better shock packages available. But now you can't get much. Specially if you wish to stay in the 129" class. Manufacturers are puttin' the money in the 137" market.

 

[number1kyster]

Cat made the 129" in limited and RR in 2017. Those shocks should bolt right in.

 

[klr650r]

Cat made the 129" in limited and RR in 2017. Those shocks should bolt right in.

I think you may be right...handn't noticed the reservoir off to the side instead of up or down.
Would simply need to move one set of inner wheels to outer and the reservoir would clear.

 

[number1kyster]

If you go this route, please post back the results. I'm up in the air with what to do with mine.