ZX2 and G-Force Shock Service and Re-Valve

[SnoWarrior]

I spoke with Bruce from Pioneer Performance and he will be servicing my G-Force Shocks from my ZX2.

At this time I will not be doing any re-valve, as I like the way my skid performs the way the shocks are now.

He advised me that he could do a re-valve judging from the G-Force manual, that rxrider was so kind to provide for us. (Thank You Jon-Ove)

Bruce is also a sponsor of this great site.

 

[kinger]

Awesome he did mine on every sled I have owned and always hit the nail on the head. Amazing to me he can make it ride so good for every rider.

I'll send mine after they hit 3-4000 miles. Like you i probably wont change a thing.

 

[rxrider]

Great to hear that Bruce at Pioneer Performance can do the service and revalve. I'm in need of more rebound dampening in my ZX-2.

 

[rxrider]

Off topic, but I got a chance to ride my friends turbo Attak with a ZX-2 136" under it. MAN what a plush ride compared to mine, the skids are set up exactly the same, go figure. His skid have 1" set in on its own weight with another 2" with the rider on it. My sled has no set in and hardly no set in with me on it, 1/2" at the most. I looks like my springs are extremely stiff compared to his springs.

I ordered my skid back in May last year, he ordered his late January this year. My question is, what would be the differences between the skids???? Springs? Valving?
My guess it gotta be the springs???

Jan-Ove
rxrider

 

[STAIN]

In my humble opinion based on my 2700 miles of riding this year is that this skid would greatly benefit from from ride in or "sag" . It seems to absorb stutter bumps better in "G-OUT" situations than not---that being it works better partially compressed. Even though I have the softer springs I will be valving the shocks for softer compression and slower rebound next year. I respect the knowladge of Bruce at Pioneer but will do all the work myself as to cut down on down time and gain a better knowladge as to what this skid really needs. It may take another half of a year but I believe it will be well worth it.
I don't think you can break this skid, it dosen't rust and so far slide durability has been great.

 

[ahicks]

>>>In my humble opinion based on my 2700 miles of riding this year is that this skid would greatly benefit from from ride in or "sag" . It seems to absorb stutter bumps better in "G-OUT" situations than not---that being it works better partially compressed. Even though I have the softer springs I will be valving the shocks for softer compression and slower rebound next year.<<<


I couldn't agree more. FWIW, I've found that most any sled suspension needs a little sag/sit in (maybe = 10-20% of the total travel?) to work right. After that, either set up the coupling or valve it to prevent/control bottoming. Seems to work pretty good across the board in my experience. Springs set to keep the sled kinda tall (with sag), shocks set to let it use all of the suspension travel. The biggest, maybe most frequent mistake I see from a trail riding perspective, is to set it up to prevent bottoming in G-bumps...you need to get off your a$$ for those. Just me.

 

[STAIN]

With the ZX2 the G-out problems are a thing of the past---skid shines in this area---but will it with different valving???-----hmmmmmmmm. I think it will due to the unique nature of the shocks with thier dual valve stacks and internal anti-bottoming spring.

 

[ReX]

With the ZX2 the G-out problems are a thing of the past---skid shines in this area---but will it with different valving???-----hmmmmmmmm. I think it will due to the unique nature of the shocks with thier dual valve stacks and internal anti-bottoming spring.

Yes, I'm sure those shocks are really functional and could literally eliminate bottoming out if the anti-bottoming piston and valve stack was firm enough.

Inside the shock there are two sets of separate pistons and compression valve stacks.

One piston, complete with both a compression and rebound valve stack is located at the end of the shock shaft, like a normal shock absorber.

The cool part is the second piston and valve stack. This piston sits near the bottom of the shock, located so that the regular piston will make contact with it when the shock compresses to something like 85% of its travel. At that point, the second piston travels along with the primary piston for any additional compression motion.

The second piston and valve stack allows the primary valve stack to be set up soft and soak up smaller bumps well combined with a nice increase in compression damping once the second piston starts to come into action.

The anti-bottoming piston (second piston) doesn't have any rebound valve stack so this helps to "work" the suspension travel away from bottoming out as "little" bumps within the big bump will sort of "jack" the sled up when the skid is in that last 1-1.5" of travel. It also uses a small spring under the anti-bottoming piston to ensure the piston moves up to the proper location as the shock expands.

Those shocks are what makes this skid ride so well.

Does anyone know if the shocks are available for other skids (like the ProActive CK...)?

 

[rxrider]

Has anyone changed the springs out for a set of softer springs?
Has there been an upgrade on the springs from early production to this years production?

Reason I'm asking is my buddy's ZX-2 136" suspension is soooo much more plush over the small bumps and trail chatter compared to mine. Any info would be much appreciated.

I may talk to Denis about this....

 

[STAIN]

I have the dual rate softer springs and felt it was a great improvement but still need some rebound control. Maybe slightly softer compression also. I had hoped EXCELL or PIONEER had a chance to work with one of these skids.

 

[rxrider]

If they do, please keep me informed I may keep my old girl afterall, she runs so nice now I don't want to sell her anymore