how do I know if I have '98 or '99 k2 5000

[chainsaw]

just tried to order a new shock at Stratos and the woman said she needs to know if I have a 98 or 99 K2 5000 because they don't offer a Helix Expert for the 98 model. How do I tell what I have. don't have the receipt. the manual doesn't say anything. she says the bushings or the length could be different.

[Hammer]

Hi there..

Thumbing through my K2 catalouges.. (thanks Scott..!)

1998 K2 5000 had a smart shock... 4" of travel. The smart shock was the electronic one with a battery in and stuff....

1999... K2 5000 doesn't exist according to this catalouge... there is a 4000 with Noleen NR2 rear shock and 4.7" of travel, and also a 4000RS with the same rear shock.

Bother years however have the same type of swingarm and frame, so the only difference would be travel and you may have to shave an eighth of an inch off the bushes, or add the same in spacers... I think it was the 1998 bikes that had the wider shock bushings... but it's not a huge issue...!

But according to my papers here.. there is NO 5000 listed for 1999. Having said that I would get a shock for the 1999 frame, and enjoy the extra travel... even if you have to play with bush lengths...

Hope this helps... although it probably doesn't!

Ciao..

Hammer.

[chainsaw]

thanks. that is what I have found out also. by looking at the K2 website.

don't think I would be getting extra travel. she said that for the K2 Proflex, they sell you a 7.5 inch eye to eye and put some kind of a "tail" on the end of it.

just spoke to them again. they do not list a k2 5000 at all, as something that they have a rear spring for.

was the k2 5000 such a limited small production run that they don't bother making  springs for them?

I am very disspointed.

seems like it is the exact same frame and swingarm as a K2 Proflex 4000. Didn't the 4000 just have a different fork and lesser components???

[Matno]

The 4000 and 5000 frames are identical. Don't worry about it. There are tons of 5000s out there with Stratos shocks on them (including mine). The Proflex tail adds exactly 1/2 inch to the shock and makes it fit perfectly. Just tell them you have a 4000 frame. I'm not sure why they've never put the 5000 in their database. I guess cause it's the same frame. You're going to love the Helix. It's an AWESOME shock!!!

[chainsaw]

ok, great. thanks a lot

[IFO]

yeah the 5000 was a "smart shock " on both ends...equipped bike

the 4000 was "samrt X-link" only... rear was a NR4

good luck...get what ever they have, you'll have no issues..

[william munnis]

 [smiley=disbelief.gif] They do make a shock for the 98 I bought one and it added more travel and worked out perfectly. Mine was the 98 with the smartshock. I bought the helix expert.