Description
This KTM OHLINS Type 3A Shock Absorber Owners Manual (booklet) is an authorized reproduction of the original, out of print manual. It provides tuning information for KTM motorcycles equipped with Ohlins single Type 3A shock absorbers including:
1997 KTM 360SX
1997 KTM 360MXC
1997 KTM 360EXC
1997 KTM 360EGS
1997 KTM 300MXC
1997 KTM 300EXC
1997 KTM 300EGS
1997 KTM 250SX
1997 KTM 250EXC
1997 KTM 250EGS
1997 KTM 125SX
1997 KTM 125EXC
1997 KTM 125EGS
DESIGN – Ohlins shock absorbers are designed according to the de Carbon concept. In short it means that the shock oil is under pressure and separated from the gas by a floating piston. This eliminates the chance of inconsistent damping due to aeration of the damping oil and improves the cooling because the oil is in direct contact with the outer tubing. Compression damping At low speeds the oil is forced through the bleed-hole, past the needle valve. This valve can be adjusted into different positions and thereby change the low speed damping characteristics. At higher speeds the oil is forced through the bleed hole, but also through orifices in the piston. The oil flow forces open a number of shims (thin steel washers) on the opposite side of the piston. By changing these, different numbers, thickness or diameter it is possible to alter the medium to high-speed compression damping. Rebound damping At low speeds the oil is forced through the bleed-hole, and past the needle valve. The needle valve can be adjusted in 25 different positions with an external knob at the end of the piston shaft. The needle valve is controlled with an aluminum rod that runs inside the piston shaft. When the damper gets hot the oil gets thinner, but the aluminum rod expands due to the temperature increase and pushes the needle valve thus decreasing the oil flow through the bleed-hole. That means that the damping remains the same as from start. When the piston speed increases the oil is forced through a number of shims which then bend away from the piston and increases the flow area. By changing the numbers, thickness and diameter of these shims, it is possible to alter the characteristics of the rebound damping to give the desired effect.
BASIC ADJUSTMENT – The primary system is determined by the marking on the shock body. This system can only be altered by an authorized Ohlins service workshop. The secondary system is determined by the amount of click counted from completely closed adjustment wheel (maximum damping). The preset click for each brand and models is noted on the supplement to this manual. The compression damping system is determined by the amount of clicks, counted from completely dosed (turned all way in, clockwise). The preset click setting for each brand and model is noted on the supplement to this manual. Warning! Do not alter the gas pressure. In order to do that you will need a special filling device and nitrogen supply. Normally there is no need to change the gas pressure.
FINE TUNING OF DAMPING – The adjustment wheel for fine tuning of damping comes preset (sec supplement sheet). Now ride the bike and try to evaluate if any fine tuning has to be done. If yes, please look into our trouble shooting section….
