Suspension companies

agn5009
Profile picture for user agn5009
Posts
6747
Joined
6/8/2012
Location
State College, PA, USA
agn5009
What do you guys recommend for suspension companies? I've used Race Tech, WER and a local shop in the past. I have a 2017 TE300 with stock suspension. I've heard some great things about Protune and I'm thinking about going with them. Anyone have experience with them? Or any others to recommend?
1
|
PTshox
Profile picture for user PTshox
Posts
1595
Joined
10/1/2011
Location
Highland Village, TX, USA
PTshox 12/9/2019 5:03pm
12/9/2019 5:03pm
What's the bike doing that you don't like? If you're going to be doing major work to that fork I'd suggest lucky inserts... best bang for the buck. If it's just a revalve pick someone local to you that will listen and rework as necessary. Expect to do at least 2 revalves to get it working well... my 2 cents.
1
colintrax
Profile picture for user colintrax
Posts
4695
Joined
8/25/2015
Location
Taylorsville, GA, USA
colintrax 12/9/2019 5:12pm
12/9/2019 5:12pm
KTMWorld
agn5009
Profile picture for user agn5009
Posts
6747
Joined
6/8/2012
Location
State College, PA, USA
agn5009 12/9/2019 5:45pm
12/9/2019 5:45pm
PTshox wrote:
What's the bike doing that you don't like? If you're going to be doing major work to that fork I'd suggest lucky inserts... best bang for...
What's the bike doing that you don't like? If you're going to be doing major work to that fork I'd suggest lucky inserts... best bang for the buck. If it's just a revalve pick someone local to you that will listen and rework as necessary. Expect to do at least 2 revalves to get it working well... my 2 cents.
The bottom easily and the response I get from medium to high speeds on just about anything is horrible. Prior to my husky I had a YZ 250 with KYB forks done by race tech. It was amazing how much smoother I was on that bike. I feel like I'm constantly getting thrown around on this bike. I'm a Vet A rider, been racing for 25+ years and I've never had so many issues with forks until i bought a KTM a few years ago. The 4cs were pure garbage. I sold the bike almost immediately. So now I have the husky and the xplor forks are better, but still not good.
1
Moto520
Profile picture for user Moto520
Posts
3669
Joined
2/4/2013
Location
Schaumburg, IL, USA
Moto520 12/9/2019 5:58pm
12/9/2019 5:58pm
Call Factory connection. Ask them questions. If you like what they say...use them. Quick turnaround, convenient packaging, and good suspension.
1

The Shop

See All »
TeamGreen
Profile picture for user TeamGreen
Posts
37793
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA, USA
TeamGreen 12/9/2019 6:30pm
12/9/2019 6:30pm
PTshox wrote:
What's the bike doing that you don't like? If you're going to be doing major work to that fork I'd suggest lucky inserts... best bang for...
What's the bike doing that you don't like? If you're going to be doing major work to that fork I'd suggest lucky inserts... best bang for the buck. If it's just a revalve pick someone local to you that will listen and rework as necessary. Expect to do at least 2 revalves to get it working well... my 2 cents.
agn5009 wrote:
The bottom easily and the response I get from medium to high speeds on just about anything is horrible. Prior to my husky I had a...
The bottom easily and the response I get from medium to high speeds on just about anything is horrible. Prior to my husky I had a YZ 250 with KYB forks done by race tech. It was amazing how much smoother I was on that bike. I feel like I'm constantly getting thrown around on this bike. I'm a Vet A rider, been racing for 25+ years and I've never had so many issues with forks until i bought a KTM a few years ago. The 4cs were pure garbage. I sold the bike almost immediately. So now I have the husky and the xplor forks are better, but still not good.
It sounds like they're under-sprung.
motomike894
Profile picture for user motomike894
Posts
1577
Joined
9/6/2009
Location
Waterloo, IN, USA
motomike894 12/9/2019 6:56pm
12/9/2019 6:56pm
Tom Zont Racing, sometimes he’s busy and behind but he’s a wizard with suspension, only person that’s made my stuff work decent and hold up to my weight
1
agn5009
Profile picture for user agn5009
Posts
6747
Joined
6/8/2012
Location
State College, PA, USA
agn5009 12/9/2019 7:34pm
12/9/2019 7:34pm
PTshox wrote:
What's the bike doing that you don't like? If you're going to be doing major work to that fork I'd suggest lucky inserts... best bang for...
What's the bike doing that you don't like? If you're going to be doing major work to that fork I'd suggest lucky inserts... best bang for the buck. If it's just a revalve pick someone local to you that will listen and rework as necessary. Expect to do at least 2 revalves to get it working well... my 2 cents.
agn5009 wrote:
The bottom easily and the response I get from medium to high speeds on just about anything is horrible. Prior to my husky I had a...
The bottom easily and the response I get from medium to high speeds on just about anything is horrible. Prior to my husky I had a YZ 250 with KYB forks done by race tech. It was amazing how much smoother I was on that bike. I feel like I'm constantly getting thrown around on this bike. I'm a Vet A rider, been racing for 25+ years and I've never had so many issues with forks until i bought a KTM a few years ago. The 4cs were pure garbage. I sold the bike almost immediately. So now I have the husky and the xplor forks are better, but still not good.
TeamGreen wrote:
It sounds like they're under-sprung.
They are. I'm not sure what weight the stock springs are rated at but I'm about 190 lbs so I'm definitely a little heavy for them. I'm looking to get the appropriate springs, freshened and revalved. I'm just interested in the different companies and what guys like/dislike about them.
Riesenberg448 12/9/2019 9:40pm
12/9/2019 9:40pm
PTshox wrote:
What's the bike doing that you don't like? If you're going to be doing major work to that fork I'd suggest lucky inserts... best bang for...
What's the bike doing that you don't like? If you're going to be doing major work to that fork I'd suggest lucky inserts... best bang for the buck. If it's just a revalve pick someone local to you that will listen and rework as necessary. Expect to do at least 2 revalves to get it working well... my 2 cents.
agn5009 wrote:
The bottom easily and the response I get from medium to high speeds on just about anything is horrible. Prior to my husky I had a...
The bottom easily and the response I get from medium to high speeds on just about anything is horrible. Prior to my husky I had a YZ 250 with KYB forks done by race tech. It was amazing how much smoother I was on that bike. I feel like I'm constantly getting thrown around on this bike. I'm a Vet A rider, been racing for 25+ years and I've never had so many issues with forks until i bought a KTM a few years ago. The 4cs were pure garbage. I sold the bike almost immediately. So now I have the husky and the xplor forks are better, but still not good.
It sounds like your experience with Race Tech was good. I'd love to keep you on board with RT components whether direct through us or through someone locally.

3
Brent_Apodaca 12/10/2019 2:31am
12/10/2019 2:31am
Call around the main brands you already know. If someone gives you a decent conversation and the time of day to listen to you;go with that company. Make sure to get in touch with the guy who is touching your forks.
GIwasB4
Profile picture for user GIwasB4
Posts
2584
Joined
7/24/2008
Location
Beverly Hills, CA, USA
GIwasB4 12/10/2019 3:47am
12/10/2019 3:47am
Stay local "Podium Works" Fombell, PA....Good stuff!
1
sgrimmxdad 12/10/2019 3:55am
12/10/2019 3:55am
If you have dealt with Racetech in the past and like the feel that would be a great bet. We really liked the RaceTech products in our WP products. we are dealers and feel confident recommending the RaceTech's Gold Valves to anyone.

We eventually went with the Dal Saggio Sphere inserts which is an excellent option to keep in mind as well....
rob162
Profile picture for user rob162
Posts
608
Joined
7/8/2015
Location
USA
rob162 12/10/2019 9:25am
12/10/2019 9:25am Edited Date/Time 12/10/2019 9:30am
So there are alot of really good company's out there that do really good work. I've rode alot of bikes with done up suspension by all the big names, not set for me and have been able to ride it like my own bike more often then not.

Locally to you I would say PR2 long standing company that has a proven track record in this sport both with suspensions and engine work.

If your not looking to stay local. On that bike im going to very strongly recommend calling MX-Tech in Illinois. They have got some pretty good setups for those xplr forks and the shock. I will second what the ptshox said best bang for your buck is the lucky kit for those forks. That spring cartridge set up they have feels just like a set of cone valves and lighter then i belive all kit forks. I'm 200 lbs and get around the tracks and trails fairly quickly. I have a set on my 03 kx125 and they are great. The best thing i can say is out of my bikes is they work better than my stock 18 yz250f forks. I have got to ride a set of those back to back with cone valves on a 350 and they felt the same. On anything with wp suspension or air forks these should be on your bike. At the very least you should call them ask for Jeremy and ask about what the kit is, once you see what your getting from them it becomes a easy decision.They are cheaper then kit forks as well by alot.

MX-Tech 815-936-6277
Also they work with tons of local suspension shops they may have a local shop to you where you can get all of their parts set up by them but installed and tuned by your local shop. That way if you want to make changes you can just bring them back to your local shop like race tech does.

1
Hammer 663s
Profile picture for user Hammer 663s
Posts
3115
Joined
6/2/2016
Location
None, AE, USA
Hammer 663s 12/10/2019 11:38am
12/10/2019 11:38am
Check out JBI Rides. He has a number of options for you at varying price points. He's also a fan of the MX Tech stuff, and is testing their 2.0 version of the Lucky System. That's what I'll be putting in my 2018 FC350 in a couple months, along with his Pro Setup shock.

Hammer
1
Johnny Depp
Profile picture for user Johnny Depp
Posts
6433
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX, USA
Johnny Depp 12/10/2019 11:45am
12/10/2019 11:45am
MX Tech
N2 Dirt
EnduroSpec

All good shops offering the Lucky System or revalves.
rob162
Profile picture for user rob162
Posts
608
Joined
7/8/2015
Location
USA
rob162 12/10/2019 12:12pm
12/10/2019 12:12pm
One thing i forgot to mention about the lucky kit is you can swap them between bikes. So there is no lost value in them.
PTshox
Profile picture for user PTshox
Posts
1595
Joined
10/1/2011
Location
Highland Village, TX, USA
PTshox 12/10/2019 1:07pm
12/10/2019 1:07pm
Johnny Depp wrote:
MX Tech
N2 Dirt
EnduroSpec

All good shops offering the Lucky System or revalves.
Good advice in my opinion. A revalve may solve your issue. But if not the lucky system is a good value. I know a guy that had got some cone valves from a factory Husky rider and thought the lucky system was on par. For a LOT less $.
1

Pit Row

See All »
agn5009
Profile picture for user agn5009
Posts
6747
Joined
6/8/2012
Location
State College, PA, USA
agn5009 12/10/2019 2:43pm
12/10/2019 2:43pm
Johnny Depp wrote:
MX Tech
N2 Dirt
EnduroSpec

All good shops offering the Lucky System or revalves.
PTshox wrote:
Good advice in my opinion. A revalve may solve your issue. But if not the lucky system is a good value. I know a guy that...
Good advice in my opinion. A revalve may solve your issue. But if not the lucky system is a good value. I know a guy that had got some cone valves from a factory Husky rider and thought the lucky system was on par. For a LOT less $.
Yeah a lucky kit is more than I want to spend. I think the kit is around $1200. I'm a Vet A rider who rides when weather and time permit. I'm not cheap by any means but I'm also not willing to spend upwards of 2 grand on my suspension. I'd probably just go buy a new Bets with KYB suspension and have something already good Laughing
1
Hammer 663s
Profile picture for user Hammer 663s
Posts
3115
Joined
6/2/2016
Location
None, AE, USA
Hammer 663s 12/10/2019 3:32pm
12/10/2019 3:32pm
agn5009 wrote:
Yeah a lucky kit is more than I want to spend. I think the kit is around $1200. I'm a Vet A rider who rides when...
Yeah a lucky kit is more than I want to spend. I think the kit is around $1200. I'm a Vet A rider who rides when weather and time permit. I'm not cheap by any means but I'm also not willing to spend upwards of 2 grand on my suspension. I'd probably just go buy a new Bets with KYB suspension and have something already good Laughing
I've got quotes from JBI ranging from $680 to $1550 for both ends, depending on the solution/options chosen. That's very reasonable.

Hammer
1
FWYT
Profile picture for user FWYT
Posts
3572
Joined
5/25/2014
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
FWYT 12/10/2019 3:47pm
12/10/2019 3:47pm
agn5009 wrote:
They are. I'm not sure what weight the stock springs are rated at but I'm about 190 lbs so I'm definitely a little heavy for them...
They are. I'm not sure what weight the stock springs are rated at but I'm about 190 lbs so I'm definitely a little heavy for them. I'm looking to get the appropriate springs, freshened and revalved. I'm just interested in the different companies and what guys like/dislike about them.
Well, you didn't ask but the FIRST thing you should do is put in the proper springs for your weight.
Be sure and set sag properly and to torque the fork tube pinch bolts to spec. Then go ride and play with the clickers a bunch. You can do all this yourself and save $$$.

THEN if it still isn't working for you, then maybe send it out. But you'd probably be shocked at how much doing those things can help.
1
motox11
Profile picture for user motox11
Posts
322
Joined
1/22/2014
Location
Bainbridge, NY, USA
motox11 12/10/2019 4:24pm
12/10/2019 4:24pm
X2 for Ride JBI. I've tried many companies and his solutions are the real deal. I'm from NY and he's in Cali so that's saying something.
agn5009
Profile picture for user agn5009
Posts
6747
Joined
6/8/2012
Location
State College, PA, USA
agn5009 12/10/2019 5:26pm
12/10/2019 5:26pm
agn5009 wrote:
Yeah a lucky kit is more than I want to spend. I think the kit is around $1200. I'm a Vet A rider who rides when...
Yeah a lucky kit is more than I want to spend. I think the kit is around $1200. I'm a Vet A rider who rides when weather and time permit. I'm not cheap by any means but I'm also not willing to spend upwards of 2 grand on my suspension. I'd probably just go buy a new Bets with KYB suspension and have something already good Laughing
Hammer 663s wrote:
I've got quotes from JBI ranging from $680 to $1550 for both ends, depending on the solution/options chosen. That's very reasonable.

Hammer
That is very reasonable. I wouldn't mind spending that price range in total. I was just thinking the lucky kit was around $1200 for some reason. And that wasn't including the shock, seals, oil etc. I guess I'll have to call around. My buddy had his done by protune and I was very impressed with it. I know his out the door price was very very reasonable as well
Indy mxer
Profile picture for user Indy mxer
Posts
1893
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
The Villages, FL, USA
Indy mxer 12/10/2019 5:32pm
12/10/2019 5:32pm
Moto520 wrote:
Call Factory connection. Ask them questions. If you like what they say...use them. Quick turnaround, convenient packaging, and good suspension.
This^. I've had great luck with them. Excellent customer service too.
Tokyo_Tiddler
Profile picture for user Tokyo_Tiddler
Posts
2181
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Somewhere in, NJ, USA
Tokyo_Tiddler 12/10/2019 6:25pm
12/10/2019 6:25pm
agn5009 wrote:
What do you guys recommend for suspension companies? I've used Race Tech, WER and a local shop in the past. I have a 2017 TE300 with...
What do you guys recommend for suspension companies? I've used Race Tech, WER and a local shop in the past. I have a 2017 TE300 with stock suspension. I've heard some great things about Protune and I'm thinking about going with them. Anyone have experience with them? Or any others to recommend?
As you are nearby in Pennsylvania, Paul Bruno from New Jersey RG3 is someone I would take a look at. Very meticulous guy and will take good care of you.
1
Markee
Profile picture for user Markee
Posts
3669
Joined
4/15/2013
Location
Suffolk, VA, USA
Markee 12/10/2019 6:37pm
12/10/2019 6:37pm
KREFT
Dave538
Profile picture for user Dave538
Posts
20
Joined
3/10/2019
Location
Clinton, OH, USA
Dave538 12/10/2019 6:41pm
12/10/2019 6:41pm
Call Protune. Nobody will beat his prices and he does amazing work
paddyB745
Profile picture for user paddyB745
Posts
275
Joined
2/9/2011
Location
novato, CA, USA
paddyB745 12/10/2019 6:44pm
12/10/2019 6:44pm Edited Date/Time 12/10/2019 6:44pm
agn5009 wrote:
Yeah a lucky kit is more than I want to spend. I think the kit is around $1200. I'm a Vet A rider who rides when...
Yeah a lucky kit is more than I want to spend. I think the kit is around $1200. I'm a Vet A rider who rides when weather and time permit. I'm not cheap by any means but I'm also not willing to spend upwards of 2 grand on my suspension. I'd probably just go buy a new Bets with KYB suspension and have something already good Laughing
Hammer 663s wrote:
I've got quotes from JBI ranging from $680 to $1550 for both ends, depending on the solution/options chosen. That's very reasonable.

Hammer
agn5009 wrote:
That is very reasonable. I wouldn't mind spending that price range in total. I was just thinking the lucky kit was around $1200 for some reason...
That is very reasonable. I wouldn't mind spending that price range in total. I was just thinking the lucky kit was around $1200 for some reason. And that wasn't including the shock, seals, oil etc. I guess I'll have to call around. My buddy had his done by protune and I was very impressed with it. I know his out the door price was very very reasonable as well
I’ve had JB do 3 different sets of suspension for me ( ‘16 Kawi 450, ‘17 TC250 tried his AER pro fork set up which is awesome and a also had him set up a pair of WP CC forks as well) and it’s awesome every time. Hands down the easiest suspension guy to talk to when trying to decide on what different options are out there. But you’re in PA so the shipping would suck. Just wanted to give you my 2 cents about him.
MelonFan123
Profile picture for user MelonFan123
Posts
1563
Joined
8/20/2006
Location
Ventura/LA County, CA, USA
MelonFan123 12/11/2019 9:00am
12/11/2019 9:00am
agn5009 wrote:
What do you guys recommend for suspension companies? I've used Race Tech, WER and a local shop in the past. I have a 2017 TE300 with...
What do you guys recommend for suspension companies? I've used Race Tech, WER and a local shop in the past. I have a 2017 TE300 with stock suspension. I've heard some great things about Protune and I'm thinking about going with them. Anyone have experience with them? Or any others to recommend?
I literally JUST went through this process. I also have the WP XPLOR on my 18 KTM 500 EXC. Forks work good for fun trail cruises and everyday off-road. But when you start pushing the pace it shows its limits quickly. I ended up racing my bike more than I thought this year and that also highlighted the WP limitations -FYI I’m Vet B/A off-road, 6’3” 200 lbs with gear on.

I went with Kreft for their Revalve Control system because I like the adjustability. I use my bike for all types of riding so being able to adjust the valving externally for a single track trail ride through the rocks one weekend then a desert race the next weekend was a selling point for me.

The XPLOR suspension is very basic (especially the forks). There is no mid valve just compression on one leg and rebound in the other. A simple Revalve will be better but IMO if you’re A Class speed off-road it’s probably just putting a bandaid on the problem. If the budget allows, finding a drop-in system or something else that changes the internals for what you need is the best way to go IMO. MX-Tech XPLR System (not Lucky, that was their 4CS system), the Dal Soggio inserts and Precision Concepts are all services that I looked at.

The Kreft front and rear set me back $1600 total which included an upgrade to the X-Trig billet rear sag coil adjuster ($190). All systems I looked at were close in price between $1200-1600 for front/rear.

I got my suspension the day befor I left for Day in the Dirt GP on Thanksgiving. Bolted it on and didn’t touch a thing! Worked great on a rough, choppy course. Only bottomed the forks once in 3 races where I would have been doing it constantly on the stock stuff. If I had time to adjust clickers I’m sure it would have been perfect.

Hope this info helps! There were a few threads recently that touched on Kreft so if you search those you can find out more.
WDSRCR
Profile picture for user WDSRCR
Posts
349
Joined
7/10/2017
Location
USA
WDSRCR 12/11/2019 9:18am
12/11/2019 9:18am
agn5009 wrote:
What do you guys recommend for suspension companies? I've used Race Tech, WER and a local shop in the past. I have a 2017 TE300 with...
What do you guys recommend for suspension companies? I've used Race Tech, WER and a local shop in the past. I have a 2017 TE300 with stock suspension. I've heard some great things about Protune and I'm thinking about going with them. Anyone have experience with them? Or any others to recommend?
Definitely give Corey at ProTune a call. You being in PA, he is relatively close to you and knows the terrain you are riding well. He has a TON of options for you and your TE. I am certain you won't be disappointed.

Those of you harping on KYB. I had a set of KYBs built for my KTM and preferred the revalved WP AER over them. I still ended up on Cone Valves but only because of the deal I got.

Post a reply to: Suspension companies