Posts
804
Joined
8/21/2016
Location
Spring, TX, USA
Edited Date/Time
10/30/2020 5:59pm
I've got a bike coming that I'll be posting a build thread on later, but the bike is going to be a fun one. I'll save the details for later.
Initially it was supposed to come with A kit suspension on it but that deal fell through and stock suspension has been put back on the bike. Now I'm looking into the KYB conversion and that's about $2k and nice used cone valve forks aren't much more at all.
I haven't ridden either, so I don't know the difference. I do own a set of very well setup AER and they are pretty good, but I think I'd still refer a spring fork.
So for those in the know, is it worth it to spend the extra money on the A kit setup or is the KYB conversion going to work as well for me?
Keep in mind, I'm a Vet C rider and don't really race anymore. My kid will also be riding the bike here and there as he transitions off of 85s. I honestly don't need A kit suspension, but this bike is definitely worthy of having them.
Initially it was supposed to come with A kit suspension on it but that deal fell through and stock suspension has been put back on the bike. Now I'm looking into the KYB conversion and that's about $2k and nice used cone valve forks aren't much more at all.
I haven't ridden either, so I don't know the difference. I do own a set of very well setup AER and they are pretty good, but I think I'd still refer a spring fork.
So for those in the know, is it worth it to spend the extra money on the A kit setup or is the KYB conversion going to work as well for me?
Keep in mind, I'm a Vet C rider and don't really race anymore. My kid will also be riding the bike here and there as he transitions off of 85s. I honestly don't need A kit suspension, but this bike is definitely worthy of having them.
I was initially going to go this route with springs, but ended up going with a set of the black AER cone valves for the price. I was a bit hesitant, because I didn’t really like the initial “dead” feeling at the top of the stroke with the stock forks. The air version of the cone valve fork has two air chambers-the one at the top of the left fork, and then a negative chamber at the bottom that helps out quite a bit with feel. These also have the weight advantage. However, with the springs, you obviously just have to bleed instead of checking/setting pressure every ride.
I would give him a call/talk to the tuner of your choice, weigh your options, and go from there.
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
The positive with buy cone valves is that you can take them off the bike and sell them later. I’ve bought multiple sets of use cone valves and almost always get my money back. If you convert AER, then need to go with the bike when sold.
Comes with their black axle lugs, still possible to switch back to AER internals & lugs.
In addition to that, I know there are people putting in cone valve conversions for the mid valve. My understanding is the cone valve is progressive and doesn't use shims. Anyone have any feedback on this setup as well?
I like what I'm reading about the MX Tech setup and will do more research on it. It seems like a viable option at this point.
I have a set of CVs setup by Enzo (originally done by Powerband). They are great. Also have some WP CC setup by Enzo and they are very good.
Craig at Enzo said told me that the KYB kit was better than the CV. Haven’t had a bad setup from him in 6 bikes. My next pricey set of suspension will be the KYB conversion.
If not KYB, then I’d seriously consider the Lucky kit or the Dal Saggio (very similar to the WP CC).
I think pro tune does a kyb conversion but I think it sounds like they use used donor parts from sss forks? Anyone have any experience with them?
This was the day before the lockdown, all tracks got closed and could not ride the following months.
I had them setup the forks for husqvarna tc250 2018, riding mostly heavy sand tracks. For 32 year old 80kg rider, intermediate skill level riding for fun. Fitness is good, been able to do 25 to 30 minute moto´s lately.
They put their valving, 4.6 springs and 360ml of oil into it.
It felt hard @ first, it was also needed to stiffen up my shock so this was also modified by other tuner to work with the forks.
Since then i only adjusted some clickers but i need to raise the oil in the forks because of (close to) bottoming. The beauty is it doesn´t feel like bottoming with them...
Added 4 clicks compression and now o -ring comes within 5mm of lug.
Rear tyre hits the fender every time out (44 spring).
Now fork got more plush since having some run time and the setup gives me confidence in the rough stuff.
I do case or overjump frequently or hit the jump without the landing and it just works very well.
Just bought fc350 2020, not yet picked up but thought of getting the KYB kit for this one also in the future.
First will see how this AER feels/works.
The MX TECH Lucky set up can easily be returned to stock. There is no permanent changes in the fork that can't be changed back to stock. The only part of this that may scare someone is taking off the stock lugs so you can install the MX Tech adaptor. It was pretty easy to do to if you have above average mechanical skills. But if you are going to do it, make sure you buy the lower fork leg holder from MX Tech! It is critical to making the job easy and not fucing up your lower tube!
Pit Row
Also not mentioned, there are 2 types of MXT Lucky's. The original is super well respected for smooth feel and progressive never bottoming resistance, but they are technically open cartridge. The new Lucky Carbons are $200 more and recommended for pure MX not so much crossover offroad and they are true closed cartridge with enhanced components throughout and larger bottoming cone (Huck). There are still few reviews on them but they have all been good (except Ping on the $36k Husky thought they needed revalving). The prices are quite fair although springs may be extra.
You are not looking to replace, but rumor is MXT is developing their own Z-Kit fork, there have been a few teasers that most haven't picked up on. Looks like Kashima and DLC with Lucky's. I've got my eye on those.
I just want good suspension for a bit of everything and I really don’t even need it but thought I’d maybe spoil myself and get some good kit and get rid of the air since moto is my thing. and everyone should experience the good stuff At least once right? I couldn’t get ahold of pro tune but hopefully I can get someone on the phone tomorrow or later this week and see what they say.
You won’t be able to make the A kit come close to performing. That’s just a fact and throwing away money. Don’t do it.
I recently went from a 2016 fc450 with spring conversions to a new model 450. I changed the shock spring and fine tuned the forks and have found to enjoy the customization opportunities that the AER affords for different tracks and throughout the day as the conditions change besides just your clickers
That being said if you want to go with springs, just get a good set of Lucky or Ohlins inserts and spend way less.
I think I saw the pricing is like half the cost or something. Ask the dealer and I’m sure they can point you in the right direction.
That’s why I said in my first reply “sorry to be the downer” but someone has to let people know they don’t have to bleed their wallet to be competitive at the beginner and novice level at their local racetracks or else the tracks will die. Think of it as the devil to everyone else telling a novice rider how awesome come valves are in every thread.
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