Nitrogen Bladder or Piston | Dirtbike Shock

Nitrogen Reservoirs work much better with a bladder in them than with a piston!
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[ajr.]

All I can say is...Wow! I never thought of it this way, always thought as people trying to push small bump sensitivity and yaddayadda. Now you made me wanna try and go get me some bladders! Thanks, really like your videos. Cheers from Brazil!!

[ktkace]

I like the science fair show n tell format! naise!!

[camwoodsend]

Yes Morgan Yes! this makes so much sense. I'm struggling with the rear being rough on small fast bumps like roots and stones. This could be the solution! Your videos are GOLD.

[brianmartindale]

Good explaination of how the system works

[ronbradshaw]

I agree. I'll add that a bladder will contaminate the oil much slower then a piston type ( no aluminum and/ or teflon bushing and "O" ring frictions), less thermal increase (piston friction) and, no need to worry about the correct piston position when re-building. Bladders won't leak oil in the Nytrogen either unless it catastrophically tears up.

[enduro-parts-aus]

I agree
Bladders give a smoother feel 👌🏻
Easier to do shock services with it if your into diy

[zxcvbnmnz]

Just changed mine to a bladder and ride on it tomorrow, hoping to gain traction on small bumps and stop crushing my spine on big holes/logs without the stiction of the piston.
SKF make a piston with a small bladder in the center now.
Was pointed out to me that the sticker has "Do not heat or dissemble shock" while it was on fire while I was heating it.
Oil moves in and out of the reservoir with the displacement of the shock shaft low or high speed not just high speed, the way you explain it makes sound like it only does at high speed.

[petebusch]

Similar to a bladder pressure tank for a well.

[dougsommerfeld]

Great video! Makes perfect sense to me. Now only if it would stop snowing so I can get out and try my Highland Cycles/TBT suspension!

[lukaszt-techsuspension]

Bladder = constant servicing . I'm surprised people can feel the difference when the shock dyno doesn’t see the change in the numbers.
I believe a good valving and well balanced damper is way more effective regardless of whether I'd it a contenis balloon or the floating piston .nice to hear others opinion .thanks tlfor the video

[peaceprayer]

That's actually a great explanation. Thank you.

[BackHurtsBad]

What about the MX-Tech Natty with super low friction ? Isnt that a fix for that stiction and the best of both worlds, aka not losing pressure and consistent performance? I think that shock is something wow....not ridden it but the people who did are amazed

[blarpieman]

I will add my 2c. The bladders perform better and are more bump sensitive and give the shock more compliance. In having said that, there is a bit less reliability and higher maintenance with a bladder as they begin to lose pressure over several month. As an example I build lots of suspension and my own personal bladder will lead down about 15lbs over the course of 4 months or so with not much riding. Also If you are a AA GNCC'r you can blow them up. In general pistons maintain psi for years and bladders will need to be recharged or rebuilt every season at least to maintain ride quality. It isn't the end of the world but over time the shock will sit lower in the stroke as it loses pressure and will cavitate more easily. Overall bladders win though for ride quality. I just wish someone would develop a better material that doesn't leak or blow up under high stress than it really is no contest.

[atomicmongoose]

Neat, always wondered what the diff was.

[benwrightson]

The bladder system is just like a hydraulic accumulator!

[tylermarsh]

Just found your channel, it’s awesome.

[barswapmedia]

Bladers are fantastic if you service your suspension on time. I have worked on bladder kit shocks that the nitrogen leaked into the oil side of the shock. This is bad in every way; you have bubbles in your oil, low pressure in the bladder, and the shock is like an explosive when you open it for service.

[robh]

The nitrogen is actually a high pressure cushion and because it's an inert gas it's not effected by temperature change which keeps the pressure stable and consistent, I've converted every KTM shock I've ever owned to a bladder system, much easier to service that way.

[scottphillips]

Nice demonstration of the bladder vs piston. If you are only racing motocross it is less of a benefit. If you are into cross country/desert racing it is a must have. WP should have bladders from the factory.

[johnbarnhart]

Seems like the piston would have less stiction (than demonstrated) when installed with oil against reservoir wall and lubing O rings.