Hello, i am new to this forum, i recently purchased a 2011 KLX250S (FI Model Thai Version) with only 9km mileage, it was a very good deal and i had some interest on this bike for a while. Im planning to use this bike for touring long distances and some trails (i know plenty here will tell me i got the wrong bike, i was using the versys previously which would be considered the right bike but i like the challenge after i met a guy touring on a bicycle, so touring on the klx is a luxury in comparison)

I also have been lurking in this forum looking for info before purchasing the bike. Though considered new with only 9km on the clock, i had to change a few things, first thing was the battery, bike has not been started for a long time so that is obvious. After using it for around 2000km, the tires started having problems, the sides started cracking probably the tires have passed its shelf life a while back. Im very happy with the Metzler Enduro 3 Sahara i installed recently.

Anyway, after riding for 3000km, i noticed there was an oil leak and that could be traced to the rear shock. I am very surprised it can leak so soon. I read on another thread regarding this problem and a simple procedure can be done to fix this problem.

However, when i brought the bike to the shop to fix this problem, i was told i need to change the entire rear shock because this model do not allow for an oil change in the rear shocks. Is this true? From what i read in the forum, the guys who did the rear shock oil change had model '09 and below but mines a 2011. Is there any difference with the rear shock with the newer models?

Having said that, i tried searching for after market rear shocks and there seem to be none available, most of them just sell the spring but not the entire rear shock. I also checked the service manual, the older version of the manual gives an instruction on the oil change for the rear shock but the newer version ('09 and above) does not give an instruction on the oil change.

I hope someone can help me clear this confusion. How can i solve this problem with the oil leak? The oil have completely been drained out by now and the rear suspension feels like cr*p whenever i go through bumps. Do i need to just change an oil seal or are there other things thats needs to be done. Another thing is how do i find out the part number of the parts i need to order for this bike, is there a work shop manual i can buy or download from somewhere?

Appreciate your feedback on this

 

If you do a search on the site I'm sure you will find threads about rebuilding/re-valving the shock. Racetech in the States offers replacement seals for the shock but it may be problematic getting them to you in Thailand. Check this link for parts/prices RT - Digital Product Search

 

Thanks for your feedback and the link but i need to know if the rear shocks for the KLX 250 is similar throughout the different models from 2006 - 2013? I just find it puzzling that the old service manuals provides oil change procedure for the '94-'97 models but the manuals for 2009 and above does not mentioned anything about the rear shocks having oil. I tried searching the forum for an answer to this but yet to find one.

Its not a problem buying things from the States and shipping it down here, i just want confirmation that it would fit the 2011 model i am using.

 

Interesting question. On the '06/'07 models, the shock is no different in design than the KLX300 or earlier KX's that used this KYB shock. I thought I remembered someone posting a pic of the piggyback gas/air valve on the later models that showed a plastic plug instead of the shrader valve. I think this would be a manufacturing issue to keep people from messing with shock pressure on a dual sport type bike rather than an indication of not being rebuildable. I'm pretty sure that some owners of '09 and later models have had Moto Pro rebuild their shock and hopefully they will chime in here. Even the poorly optioned rear shock on the new Honda 250 can be rebuilt from what I've read.

 

I believe that the shocks are identical internally- the primary difference is that the 09+ models don't have a bleed plug on the housing and they use a different bladder cap on the reservoir. Seems that most late model machines require a hypodermic style adapter to charge the reservoir. If you have access to hypodermic needles it pretty easy to make an adapter with a tire valve and some epoxy to glue it together. I also took TNC's advice and picked up a mountain bike shock air pump to recharge it. The only issue on your shock would be the condition of the shock shaft-I would suspect some damage that may have created the damaged seal since the bike has very low mileage. Inspect it closely-small imperfections can be fixed with emory cloth to knock down any burrs.

 

Thanks a lot for your feedback TNC & GBAUTO, very helpful. TNC in particular have been very helpful in other threads.

Yes, i believe they do not want people to mess around with the rear shock for the '09> models and that's why there is no instructions on how to service the rear shock for those models.

Anyway, after going through many threads, i came across a thread which Joel From Phuket informed that there is a particular YSS model that fits the KLX, after checking the YSS website i found the model that fits.

The best part is its manufactured in Thailand so no shipping charges as compared to buying parts from the US. The cost for better springs and gold valving kit plus shipping will work out about the same with replacing with the YSS shock which i hope will perform up to expectations and not fail on me like the KYB.

If anyone is interested in a YSS rear shock, the model number is MZ506-425TR-02 which will fit the KLX250 '09 > models. I will feedback on the performance once i got it installed.