Nitron NTR1 Shock Maintenance

[piotrek]

This might be useful to anyone with the basic NTR1 shock (without the remote), or any shock with a similar design. I noticed over the course of the season that the preload adjuster ring and the carrier would sometimes turn together (in either direction). Made preload adjustments frustrating since I rely on counting exposed carrier threads for preload "set-points" (baseline, touring and 2-up). Took the thing apart and found a couple of issues... the preload ring carrier unscrews itself from the base as the preload is increased, and the Torrington bearing was nearly dry. A couple of photos for reference.

I applied threadlocker on the carrier base thread and greased the bearing lightly, and all works well now. I will make this an annual maintenance/check item.

[texscottyd]

Thanks for the information @piotrek.  

And it’s good to see you posting again...  you seemed to have gone dark for awhile.  I hope you have a great new year.    

[piotrek]

7 hours ago, texscottyd said:

Thanks for the information @piotrek.  

And it’s good to see you posting again...  you seemed to have gone dark for awhile.  I hope you have a great new year.    

Thanks @texscottyd... and a great 2021 to you and the rest of the forum gang.

[Buggy Nate]

I found a similar thing on my Nitron shock. I had it out for a service and was unable to loosen the seal head cap due to some muppet over tightening the crap out of the cap. Distorted the cap so I’ll need to make a proper 8 pin tool to remove it, rather than the usual two pin style.

[piotrek]

On 12/31/2020 at 10:20 PM, Buggy Nate said:

I had it out for a service and was unable to loosen the seal head cap due to some muppet over tightening the crap out of the cap.

Good to know @Buggy Nate. Good luck with the tool and tell us how it goes. I haven't attempted to undo the cap. I would love to dig into the shock to do basic service, like replace the oil, clean etc., but I don't know what oil is in there. I would also have to get a shop to charge it. I will try and get Nitron to shed light on some of this as only they know how they valved and setup the thing.

I asked a reputable local suspension shop if they would service the shock, and of course the response was a... 'sure'. I'd like to do basic service on the shock during the next off-season sometime. It will likely go to a Nitron shop in the U.S. for major service when due.

Edited January 4, 2021 by piotrek

[Buggy Nate]

Yeah I asked nitron for some information on that. Even told them I was a mechanic with all the tools and they kept their secrets. Wouldn’t divulge any information.

Wished I’d had of gone with the more conventional remote reservoir. I found a video online showing a nitron being assembled. Seems to be a de carbon piston style with the chamber pressurised to around 250-300psi. So care should be taken!

[piotrek]

Some info for Canadian Nitron suspension owners. It seems that we finally have an authorized service centre within our borders. Suspension Werks out of Vancouver is listed on the Fast Bike Industries website (here) as a qualified shop. I haven't dealt with them yet, but here is their reply to my email re: NTR-R1 shock. Shipping cost noted on there is to GTA Ontario.

"We do offer service on these shocks, pricing is about $235 +tax and shipping would likely be around $30 depending on your full address."

Edited October 31, 2021 by piotrek

[piotrek]

I had my NTR-R1 shock serviced in February, and the tech suggested that I up-size the spring a bit to ease up on preload. Nitron spring was stupid money. Race Tech was a bit less expensive... then I remembered Eibach. Sure enough... I found the right size at an auto performance retailer at about half the price of a Race Tech branded spring.

Worth checking here if you need a spring for your shock... https://eibach.com/category/race

[motopete]

Piotrek how do you like the new rear coil spring?

Iwas thinking of doing the same 700 lb/in.

Do you ride 2up often, is it enough?

 

 

[piotrek]

On 7/23/2024 at 7:03 PM, motopete said:

Piotrek how do you like the new rear coil spring?

700lb-in was good, but preload was still more than I wanted, so swapped it out for a 750lb-in, and it's now perfect. Very little preload needed, and my damping adjustment lands right in the middle of the range. I don't ride with pillion anymore, but run loaded for touring. I had the shock re-valved... so YMMV.

It's a CAD $100 spring, and very easily replaced... 🙂

[motopete]

With the 750lb can you still achieve decent sag numbers?

[piotrek]

Yes, not bad... I believe I landed on 8mm / 38mm... but I can confirm. I am ~220lbs with gear on.

[motopete]

Thanks, your experiences have been a huge help to me.

I'm about 250 geared up, so to know that 750lb/in isn't total overkill for solo riding is great to know, and that still leaves some room for a passenger.