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Previous AERs were turds but they have gotten to a really strong starting point and are only going to improve from here on out.
There is zero world where new model AERs properly tuned are holding back a C rider. They don’t even use the forks full range of motion consistently enough to matter.
Forks felt hard initially and couldn't get them to bottom (I ring was 1-2” up)
Now running 4.5nm with 350ml oil which feels much plusher but some times a little soft on big bumps or hard landing.. thinking of trying 4.6nm
Have another set revalved by a tuner also running 4.5nm but not as good as the set valved by TT. much harsher on any size bumps but still bottoms consistently.
The sole reason I asked about the A kit is because the bike is a current factory bike that was raced at Loretta's by a factory supported rider. The bike is pretty trick and I was supposed to be getting the bike as it was. When it went back to the factory for a full rebuild, they removed the A kit suspension off of it. Given what the bike is, I really wanted to keep it original and leave A kit suspension on it. I could, but I really can't justify the money. However, I still want to put some trick suspension on it and I really want to convert the forks to spring.
My kid will also be riding the bike to start transitioning him off of the 85. I'll give him about a year to play around on this and probably buy him a new 125 next year and set it up for him.
I'm really leaning towards the MX Tech Lucky and coating the forks. I like what I'm reading about that setup. I won't get the bike until after Pala, so I have some time to figure it out.
The Gen 2 (Lucky Carbon), however, is absolutely incredible. Front end traction like you wouldn’t believe. Completely progressive through the stroke at varying speeds. This is the first fork I’ve had where I can say with full confidence it’s better than the SSS on my Yamaha.
All these notes are valving dependent of course. Everyone has their own preference and the Luckys can be tuned any which way.
Also: I’m not fast. But I’m absolutely faster on Lucky Carbons than AER. Increased confidence in your equipment allows you to pick up speed regardless of skill level.
So I pretty much tested them all - I prefer the KYB conversion. Except from the XPLOR forks, all the others were quite good with different ups and downs. But the KYB is plush, doesn´t bottom out, is relatively cheap and can be re-converted. I´d go that route again in a heartbeat.
Pit Row
Enzo uses a traditional midvalve and shim stack. For me, this setup is better for probably 90% of the time I'm on the track. The only place it isn't quite as good is really hard hits (i.e. slap down landings, under/over jump, etc.). And then it's still fine. Front end feel is great, damping is controlled and plush, bottoming is better than AER/CC/etc.
All that to say, the WP CV are great forks if they're valved anywhere in the ballpark of your weight/skill. I think many tuners have a good experience base with the KYB kit and can get closer to what most like more quickly. It might also be that riders are more accustomed to the feel of a twin chamber fork with a conventional midvalve/shim stack. Pretty sure I fit into that category.
I think a KYB conversion along with a revalved stock shock (maybe with bladder kit) would be hard to beat performance-wise. Then can also be serviced by basically anyone as well.
The local race tech dealer wanted me to do their sff spring conversion sea with gold valves and bladders for the rear and basically everything they have. Doesn’t sound great to me.
The thing I was missing though was front end feel. I always felt the initial compliance was missing.
So, I went with the KYB Factory Kit and could not be any happier. Bonus points for setting and forgetting.
Worth every penny.
Its not most bikes with spring forks don't come with plenty of complaints from reviews for bad damping or spring rate.
As for they don't feel planted, maybe strap 2lbs of lead to each outer tube and see how that feels? Maybe the different feeling is from 3 to 4 lbs less weight in the front end vs different spring?
I gave air forks a try and got them really good, but when I jump on a bike with spring forks it feels better to me. Most likely because I have exponentially more time on spring than I do air. At 40+ years old, nothing is going to make up for that.
Post a reply to: WP A kit vs KYB spring conversion for AER?