Been searching posts on suspension...

Gilby122
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347
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WY US
...but just curious what everyone thinks about the revalve or the A kit or simply spending money on your suspension in general?? I like the looks of the FMF systems... I like the hose kits...etc...but I know that's mostly just cosmetic. Is it worth it to spend $$$ on a suspension upgrade? Had a guy tell me once it's the most important thing to do because if the bike isn't set up properly, you won't ever know if you made the mistake or if the bike made the mistake. Made sense to me, but then again I'm kind of a easy sell. Whistling I have a 2016 KTM 350sxf by the way. 6'. 200 lbs. Moderate to $hitty rider.
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c0ncEpT
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Harrison Twp., MI US
11/15/2016 11:06am
Getting your suspension sprung, valve'd and set up to your weight and discipline of riding is single handedly the best money you can spend on your bike.
tylermx967
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Athens, TX US
11/15/2016 11:22am
I DIND EVER GET MY SUSPENSHION DONE DO U GUYS THINK IT MAKE A RM85 HANDEL BETTER IN THE BRAKING BUMPS??? ONE TIME I CRASH IN THEM AT CYCUL RANCH WHEN I GOD TO PULL A TARE OFF
Xeno
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San Clemente, CA US
11/15/2016 11:44am
Even the best A-Kit or factory stuff doesn't help much if it's not set up for you and the terrain you typically ride on.
mxb2
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Bowie, MD US
11/15/2016 1:17pm
Xeno wrote:
Even the best A-Kit or factory stuff doesn't help much if it's not set up for you and the terrain you typically ride on.
X2

The Shop

Forty
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3039
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7/27/2009
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Saint Paul, MN US
11/15/2016 1:20pm
Gilby122 wrote:
...but just curious what everyone thinks about the revalve or the A kit or simply spending money on your suspension in general?? I like the looks...
...but just curious what everyone thinks about the revalve or the A kit or simply spending money on your suspension in general?? I like the looks of the FMF systems... I like the hose kits...etc...but I know that's mostly just cosmetic. Is it worth it to spend $$$ on a suspension upgrade? Had a guy tell me once it's the most important thing to do because if the bike isn't set up properly, you won't ever know if you made the mistake or if the bike made the mistake. Made sense to me, but then again I'm kind of a easy sell. Whistling I have a 2016 KTM 350sxf by the way. 6'. 200 lbs. Moderate to $hitty rider.
You've got a great bike! Get the fork re-valved to match your weight and skill, set the sag, watch the sprocket bolts and ride that thing!
Gilby122
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WY US
11/15/2016 1:28pm
Forty wrote:
You've got a great bike! Get the fork re-valved to match your weight and skill, set the sag, watch the sprocket bolts and ride that thing!
I traded a 15 KX450 for the 350. Best decision I've ever made!! I love the bike. Just curious how much fine tuning is necessary....
Falcon
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Menifee, CA US
11/15/2016 1:35pm
So, here's the thing.

Faster riders will notice revalved suspension much more than slower ones. If you truly are a moderate to $hitty rider, you might be better off spending some time on setup first. (Set your sag, check the free sag after that, play with the clickers for a day at the practice track, etc.) I've been able to make stock suspension work pretty well for me under those conditions.
Riders who are heavier or faster can often use heavier spring rates to their advantages. I'm not sure how the 350SX is sprung, but if it is different than the 450, my guess is that it is lighter-sprung. You might need stiffer springs at 200 lbs.

If you are capable of winning or competing for the win in the Novice or "C" class at a well-attended local race, I'd say that's about where the speed level starts becoming significant. Any less talented than that and you might not notice the difference (or worse, suspension mods might make your bike more difficult to ride).
FWYT
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5/25/2014
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San Diego, CA US
11/15/2016 1:52pm
Don't waste your money on A kit; just get proper spring rates and send it out to get revalved if dialing it in yourself
is out of the question.

Second best thing you can do is have a really good diet and exercise program. (Actually, that's probably
the top of the list but for the sake of this conversation...)
JohnnyD13
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750
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Loganville, GA US
11/15/2016 1:53pm
I have thought about posting something similar. Can I get an openion on race tech, FC, Enzo or JGR? I have a bone stock 2013 crf450 and I would love to hear what you guys think is the best. I am a vet A rider but I've had terrible luck using local suspension guys.
kiwifan
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CA US
11/15/2016 1:57pm
Buy a new 2017 CRF450R, that already comes with A-Kit (except for DLC) forks Smile

Personally I use FC for my suspension, been using them for a while now, never let me down.
Gilby122
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347
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Location
WY US
11/15/2016 2:46pm
FWYT wrote:
Don't waste your money on A kit; just get proper spring rates and send it out to get revalved if dialing it in yourself is out...
Don't waste your money on A kit; just get proper spring rates and send it out to get revalved if dialing it in yourself
is out of the question.

Second best thing you can do is have a really good diet and exercise program. (Actually, that's probably
the top of the list but for the sake of this conversation...)
haha I hear that! I've been into amateur bodybuilding for years. I'm actually trying now to lose some of the muscle and do more functional training for the mx. In shape isn't an issue...other than the arm pump. More just skill on the bike that I'm after at this point.
Gilby122
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WY US
11/15/2016 2:47pm
Falcon wrote:
So, here's the thing. Faster riders will notice revalved suspension much more than slower ones. If you truly are a moderate to $hitty rider, you might...
So, here's the thing.

Faster riders will notice revalved suspension much more than slower ones. If you truly are a moderate to $hitty rider, you might be better off spending some time on setup first. (Set your sag, check the free sag after that, play with the clickers for a day at the practice track, etc.) I've been able to make stock suspension work pretty well for me under those conditions.
Riders who are heavier or faster can often use heavier spring rates to their advantages. I'm not sure how the 350SX is sprung, but if it is different than the 450, my guess is that it is lighter-sprung. You might need stiffer springs at 200 lbs.

If you are capable of winning or competing for the win in the Novice or "C" class at a well-attended local race, I'd say that's about where the speed level starts becoming significant. Any less talented than that and you might not notice the difference (or worse, suspension mods might make your bike more difficult to ride).
I probably won't be on tv any time soon, but at 38 I can get around a track decent. I'm a vet A rider and won multiple C races before marking up to the B class. Mid pack there for half of the summer racing against a bunch of teenagers! I'm getting better... just not fast enough!
Falcon
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Menifee, CA US
11/15/2016 4:11pm
Falcon wrote:
So, here's the thing. Faster riders will notice revalved suspension much more than slower ones. If you truly are a moderate to $hitty rider, you might...
So, here's the thing.

Faster riders will notice revalved suspension much more than slower ones. If you truly are a moderate to $hitty rider, you might be better off spending some time on setup first. (Set your sag, check the free sag after that, play with the clickers for a day at the practice track, etc.) I've been able to make stock suspension work pretty well for me under those conditions.
Riders who are heavier or faster can often use heavier spring rates to their advantages. I'm not sure how the 350SX is sprung, but if it is different than the 450, my guess is that it is lighter-sprung. You might need stiffer springs at 200 lbs.

If you are capable of winning or competing for the win in the Novice or "C" class at a well-attended local race, I'd say that's about where the speed level starts becoming significant. Any less talented than that and you might not notice the difference (or worse, suspension mods might make your bike more difficult to ride).
Gilby122 wrote:
I probably won't be on tv any time soon, but at 38 I can get around a track decent. I'm a vet A rider and won...
I probably won't be on tv any time soon, but at 38 I can get around a track decent. I'm a vet A rider and won multiple C races before marking up to the B class. Mid pack there for half of the summer racing against a bunch of teenagers! I'm getting better... just not fast enough!
OK, so Vet A, competitive with the kids... you'll notice the difference. If you weigh 200 and you are that speed, you likely need stiffer springs (again, I don't know much about KTMs, but almost all MX bikes are a little soft for true racers.) A revalve would also probably do you some good.

Lunch_Box
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6/20/2016
Location
Edmonton, Alberta CA
11/15/2016 5:14pm
If you can afford it why not? I just bought a new KTM and plan on adding Cone Valve forks and a Trax shock. Do I need it? Probably not. Do I feel like spoiling myself? Absolutely.
potatoflake
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473
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9/28/2015
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Kennewick, WA US
11/15/2016 5:31pm
You will notice it like night and day! Espescially if it's sprung too soft right now, at 227lbs suspension is almost always where the first dollars are spent for me when picking up a bike
r.sal923
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573
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CA
11/15/2016 5:56pm
If your a novice rider that needs more power out of a 350-450 your not a novice rider. the first thing I do is suspension work. Fmf pipe makes me 2 seconds a lap quicker. Good suspension set up for me shaves 8 seconds a lap
H Wright
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5
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2/16/2016
Location
New Richland, MN US
11/15/2016 6:12pm
Gilby122 wrote:
...but just curious what everyone thinks about the revalve or the A kit or simply spending money on your suspension in general?? I like the looks...
...but just curious what everyone thinks about the revalve or the A kit or simply spending money on your suspension in general?? I like the looks of the FMF systems... I like the hose kits...etc...but I know that's mostly just cosmetic. Is it worth it to spend $$$ on a suspension upgrade? Had a guy tell me once it's the most important thing to do because if the bike isn't set up properly, you won't ever know if you made the mistake or if the bike made the mistake. Made sense to me, but then again I'm kind of a easy sell. Whistling I have a 2016 KTM 350sxf by the way. 6'. 200 lbs. Moderate to $hitty rider.
If you're a novice or C class rider i wouldnt get A class suspension. All the guys think theyre going to need it, next thing they do is hit a roller and rebound 50 feet into the air cuz they got such stiff springs. What i would suggest is look up what company dose best work for your bike, then send your forks and shock in to get set for your weight, change fork oil, new seals, maybe valves, new springs. Just get em freshened up and most importantly set to your weight. And yes, nearly every pro will tell you the most important thing to do with your bike is set the suspention up to your weight. I did factory connection with my 02 cr125 and they did a great job. But i hear pro action dose well with yamaha, enzo with suzuki, etc. Really theyre all within eachother, but some lean twords certain manufacturers. Like i said, just look up what people went with to your bike, or call around and find out who can do what for what price. Good luck man Smile
11/15/2016 6:15pm
Good suspension is all about not noticing it. And confidence in the bikes handling and reaction to jumps and bumps.
BobPA
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PA US
11/15/2016 6:22pm
r.sal923 wrote:
If your a novice rider that needs more power out of a 350-450 your not a novice rider. the first thing I do is suspension work...
If your a novice rider that needs more power out of a 350-450 your not a novice rider. the first thing I do is suspension work. Fmf pipe makes me 2 seconds a lap quicker. Good suspension set up for me shaves 8 seconds a lap
Those numbers are wildly inflated.
Mx286
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Owensboro, KY US
11/15/2016 7:27pm
r.sal923 wrote:
If your a novice rider that needs more power out of a 350-450 your not a novice rider. the first thing I do is suspension work...
If your a novice rider that needs more power out of a 350-450 your not a novice rider. the first thing I do is suspension work. Fmf pipe makes me 2 seconds a lap quicker. Good suspension set up for me shaves 8 seconds a lap
lol yea and my new graphics added 5hp to my bike..
11/15/2016 8:06pm
"The best you've ridden is the best you know," as Paul Thede says.

In most cases when guys aren't used to touching their suspension I recommend starting with fresh quality fluids and proper spring rates; however, your KTM 350 has WP's 4CS forks on it. In this case, based on the feedback of riders and customers I talk with daily; they are the modern forks that leave the most room for improvement. Considerably more discontent with this stock setup than any air fork even, and there are a lot of riders out there who can't get comfy on air.

It's a unique fork design and fairly new. Many tuners never really have gotten the hang of this fork from my experience, thus you will read many riders saying the only way to fix them is to replace them with Cone Valves. While the Cone Valve forks are an excellent product; for a majority of riders it isn't a requirement to make the bike work. It does however take a good bit of modification to make your 4CS forks work. We've (Race Tech) has been getting very good feedback from modifying the stock forks with our internals and converting to an open chamber fork for quite some time now. You can even find some of that feedback here on Vital.

With all of that said, it does take more than a "standard" fork to make work which increases the cost; however, the end result is guaranteed to exceed your highest expectations. On the shock side, it's pretty standard to get dialed in for an experienced tuner.

If you'd like to talk a bit more about what Race Tech has to offer or get a quote, definitely shoot me over an email and I can get you an in-depth breakdown of what we offer and why. Make sure to mention you're from Vital for our site discount as well. chris@racetech.com. Even if you decide to not move forward, I'm happy to answer any questions and help you make a decision.

Now that I wrote a book...there isn't much more you can do to your bike to improve your riding experience, speed, and comfort versus suspension.
Markee
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Suffolk, VA US
11/16/2016 4:33am
If that was my bike. I would put a set of KYB forks or internals on the front and spring the rear. Stock sprung for your weight KYB forks are impressive (to me). The fork is very easy to work on as well.
mx621
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DE US
11/16/2016 7:30am Edited Date/Time 11/16/2016 7:32am
r.sal923 wrote:
If your a novice rider that needs more power out of a 350-450 your not a novice rider. the first thing I do is suspension work...
If your a novice rider that needs more power out of a 350-450 your not a novice rider. the first thing I do is suspension work. Fmf pipe makes me 2 seconds a lap quicker. Good suspension set up for me shaves 8 seconds a lap
Jrewing
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AU
11/16/2016 4:10pm
tylermx967 wrote:
I DIND EVER GET MY SUSPENSHION DONE DO U GUYS THINK IT MAKE A RM85 HANDEL BETTER IN THE BRAKING BUMPS??? ONE TIME I CRASH IN...
I DIND EVER GET MY SUSPENSHION DONE DO U GUYS THINK IT MAKE A RM85 HANDEL BETTER IN THE BRAKING BUMPS??? ONE TIME I CRASH IN THEM AT CYCUL RANCH WHEN I GOD TO PULL A TARE OFF
I think you are ready for a Rmz250 Tyler. Ask your mum first..
CarlinoJoeVideo
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7518
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11/30/2013
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Portland/Los Angeles, CA US
11/16/2016 5:25pm
Even if you get kit suspension, you need to get it valved for your weight and speed. Once you suspension is set up correct it is one of the best mods you can do to a bike not only to help you ride faster, but safer.
Braap19
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Swansboro, NC US
11/16/2016 9:03pm
I've had A kit suspension setup for me recently. Didn't make that much of a difference in feel, honestly. Looks sick and everyone knows it's big baller stuff. But as far as function, couldn't really tell the difference except minimally. Not worth it IMO
CarlinoJoeVideo
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Portland/Los Angeles, CA US
11/16/2016 9:14pm
Braap19 wrote:
I've had A kit suspension setup for me recently. Didn't make that much of a difference in feel, honestly. Looks sick and everyone knows it's big...
I've had A kit suspension setup for me recently. Didn't make that much of a difference in feel, honestly. Looks sick and everyone knows it's big baller stuff. But as far as function, couldn't really tell the difference except minimally. Not worth it IMO
Either your stock suspension is really good or your kit stuff is really bad. My WP 4cs compared to WP Cone valves are night and day differences.
josh8811
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504
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11/13/2011
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Kaysville, UT US
11/16/2016 11:00pm Edited Date/Time 11/16/2016 11:04pm
Braap19 wrote:
I've had A kit suspension setup for me recently. Didn't make that much of a difference in feel, honestly. Looks sick and everyone knows it's big...
I've had A kit suspension setup for me recently. Didn't make that much of a difference in feel, honestly. Looks sick and everyone knows it's big baller stuff. But as far as function, couldn't really tell the difference except minimally. Not worth it IMO
Either your stock suspension is really good or your kit stuff is really bad. My WP 4cs compared to WP Cone valves are night and day...
Either your stock suspension is really good or your kit stuff is really bad. My WP 4cs compared to WP Cone valves are night and day differences.
Same.. I have cone valves on my 2016 350XC and they are the real deal.. Got a set from powerband racing. Over 30A desert guy here. and IDGAsingleF whether Bob on here thinks I "need them"!!

Correct springs, and sag is very important, like some many have said. I think this is important at almost any skill level. Get the bike balanced and in the correct part of the stroke, while carrying your carcass.
Braap19
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Location
Swansboro, NC US
11/17/2016 4:54am
Either your stock suspension is really good or your kit stuff is really bad. My WP 4cs compared to WP Cone valves are night and day...
Either your stock suspension is really good or your kit stuff is really bad. My WP 4cs compared to WP Cone valves are night and day differences.
I didn't mean coming from stock, sorry, bad information on my part, I went from a suspension that had been valved and sprung for me to A kit. On a 2016 kx450, I couldn't honestly feel the difference being worth the money difference

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