Long time reader, but this is my first post. I have recently purchased a K-Tech 35DDS rear shock for the 899 - Its in excellent condition cosmetically. It's done around 7,000 miles on the road (no track) from new. Since it's not yet fitted to my 899, I'm wondering if now is the time to get it serviced? What do you think? Is 7000 miles alot and is it worth servicing ? I will mostly be road riding. but have read there's significant difference between the sachs and Ohlins/K-Tech, so bit the bullet. It has a 80NM spring, I assume that is the right spring for me? I'm around 11 1/2 stone without gear.... Does that sounds about right or do I need to replace the spring? Any recommendations for companies to service it?
Servicing it means you can check with Ktech about the right spring and your usage. Money well spent. Dave
The spring is a major component and the having the right one for your weight means you will get the full benefit. Definitely worth calling them and asking about which spring is recommended for you weight / usage.
IIRC KTech should be serviced on a time basis and 30 hours is in my head. They are designed for track use so that might well be overkill on a road bike but again I think every other year would fit the bill (track use). So yes. It’s way overdue a service.
30 hours doesn't sound a lot, that's around 15 trackdays ,means I should be getting mine done twice a year nearly
Race suspension should be done atleast once a season if not more. you’d be surprised how knackered the oil looks even after a handful of race weekends. It’ll likely state in the manual on the interval, or just speak to a ktech dealer at 7k miles it’s massively overdue. But most road riders never service their suspension anyway and on the road you’d often not notice
Thanks everyone, great responses. I think I'll get it serviced whilst it's off the bike. After a bit more surfing, I did find the K Tech manual online and it says: "K-Tech Suspension Ltd recommend that this product is serviced every 20 hours of use." Of course that's track use, but by my math, 7,000 miles averaging 45mph (a really rough guess) that's about 175 hours of road use.... So well over due I'd say...
I did a little google search to find the DDS shock which is fitted to a YZF R1, has the following advice from Ktech ***This product is not designed or intended for highway use.*** K-Tech Suspension Ltd recommend that this product is serviced every 20hours of use. Assuming an average speed of 60mph, & the aforementioned shock shock is similar, it should be coming up on its sixth service reasonably soon.
I will stick to every two years on my track only bike. It was new this year and about 20 hours so far.
