Paladin 300: Cannot adjust rider sag due to manufacturers bad design

[PhantomRider86]

I recently bought a 2024 Paladin 300 from X-Pro. During setting the bike up, specifically the shock, I was in the process of adjusting the rider sag and loosening the preload rings, when I noticed that there isn't enough of clearance between the threads/shock body & the piggyback oil reservoir!!
This is preventing me from accomplishing the proper rider sag.
I had contacted X-Pro and mentioned this (major) issue and from the sound of it they had know idea and said they'd pass the information I gave them to manufacturing and, in possible future iterations, fix this problem.

Has anyone else ran into this major issue?
I assume so considering all the Paladins should have the same components.

Also, is there an after market shock that will fit the Paladin?
Possibly KTM, although I am not sure what year would fit the Paladin.

[Thumper]

Maybe the assumption is that the shock is mounted on an enduro with high sprung preload for a reason. High sprung, stiff suspension... Mumen already mentioned it in his original thread on the Paladin. Yes, he already posted this.

It clearly won't back off past the obstruction. I was amazed with the stiffness of the frame and suspension. Personally, I like it, and I like the seat height as is. But if you want softer suspension, you will need to get a softer spring, or a different shock.

Maybe you like the stiffness, but want to lower it. So drill new lower mounting holes, or find a link.

For replacing the shock, take it off and measure the distance center to center on the mounting bushings, diameter and length of the bushing (probably 10mm bolt). The angle of the ballonet off the shock is also important (to fit in the frame).

No way around this. Welcome to the world of crate bikes. No support, and unheard of prices ;)

[mark hall]

On a KPX250, Redrilling to mount shock lower on lever bracket an inch lower didn't drop the bike that far. I ended up putting it back into the stock holes and extending the length of the "Lever" on inch by cutting and welding in more steel.. that gave a 3+" drop in the back. The lever will bottom out on the frame unless you extend it. The KPX allows a 2" fork drop in the front, and with another 2" from 17" wheels is darn nice. I'll be able to comment on the Palladin arrriving this week.. I believe my 17" hoops/Rims will fit palladin as well. Same 36 hole spoke config.

[mark hall]

Just got mine.. 6 days arrival.. wow. Unpacking. This looks equal at least to the KPX however no locking gas cap ), but with two screws on each front shock to adjust! Dang.. I'll chime in my mods to the going chatter. My Goal is to turn this on Super Moto.. Drop it fairly low.. full 17" 120/160 street tires. I think this might be a KLX killer (Maybe not). Itching to compare the two. How about a 3 way test/comparison? KLX vs Paladin vs KPX250? China mail order vs. the KAW??? Annapolis anyone? Best twisty ridin' around.

[Mumen Rider]

I recently bought a 2024 Paladin 300 from X-Pro. During setting the bike up, specifically the shock, I was in the process of adjusting the rider sag and loosening the preload rings, when I noticed that there isn't enough of clearance between the threads/shock body & the piggyback oil reservoir!!
This is preventing me from accomplishing the proper rider sag.
I had contacted X-Pro and mentioned this (major) issue and from the sound of it they had know idea and said they'd pass the information I gave them to manufacturing and, in possible future iterations, fix this problem.

Has anyone else ran into this major issue?
I assume so considering all the Paladins should have the same components.

Also, is there an after market shock that will fit the Paladin?
Possibly KTM, although I am not sure what year would fit the Paladin.


It's a generic shock body used by KKE which is why it's threaded to the top and interfering with the adjustment.



KTM shocks aren't going to fit, it'll be pretty obvious why when you go to measure the mounts.

[Thumper]

It's a generic shock body used by KKE which is why it's threaded to the top and interfering with the adjustment.

KTM shocks aren't going to fit, it'll be pretty obvious why when you go to measure the mounts.

I've been impressed with the performance of the shock. It works well with the swingarm, which is the best I've experienced on any Chinese made bike. The axle slot has more and more visible marks for adjustment. The suspension is tighter and stiffer, which translates to enhanced feeling of control in the dirt. It is confidence inspiring. I am sure this will feel better on the road, though it has rather unnecessarily excessive travel for riding on the road. This is enduro frame/suspension!

[BigEd]

The standard "sag" on a dirt bike is 100mm, that's the starting point. If you are unfamiliar with what that is: measure from your axle bolt to a fixed location on the seat, bolt for the side pannel, etc. with the bike held straight upright (not on the kickstand or bike stand/lift. Next sit on the bike with your gear on in your normal riding position, measure again (someone will need to do it for you) and there should be 100mm difference. Next you will adjust your rebound and compression settings to dial it in. From there you will have to decide if the "sag" is set too soft or too hard. If the rear is too stiff you can try a "softer" spring and have better adjustability. The problem with a sifter spring is too soft and you will end up compressing he spring too much for the right "sag" and that decreased to amopunt of travel left in that spring. I will be trying a different spring on my CSC RX4 since the rear is pretty harsh and many have stated that it is the same for them. I agree that the design of the shock body is really short-sighted, but with the price of the china bikes it requires some creative "engineering" on our part.

[Mumen Rider]

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807271422419.html

This shock has the correct upper and lower mount spacing, unsure about the bolt diameters at the moment. I should have written them down when I greased everything.

[buzz]

Waiting until next year to buy one,think by then they should have all of the bugs out of this bike.