kyb factory kit

Seems like it all depends on who sets it up really.

A good tuner who nails it for you it won’t matter what fork it started as, and the same goes for the other way. A good fork with the wrong setting and you’ll hate it.

Up front:
I only have ridden Yamaha's KYB production spring forks, KYB A-kit forks (both spring and air on Yamahas and Hondas), and Honda's Showa production spring forks.

I am always amazed by KYBs ... and the amazement is 2-fold:
(1) They are super plush, yet have great hold-up = awesomely forgiving = mega confidence inspiring (and safer, IMO)
(2) They are incredibly versatile for a wide range of terrain types + rider types

Regarding air versus spring, I am super satisfied with my KYB A-kit air forks (PSF1s) set up by Enzo. They are at the same level as the A-kit spring forks, in my opinion. I also really like the ability to change the fork spring rate with simple air adjustments, so if given the choice, it'd be a toss-up for me --- probably come down to price.

That ^^^ said, the "lightness" of the air forks isn't for everyone. From this perspective, I personally prefer the mass/beefiness of spring forks. There's something to be said for mass in terms of slowed, calmer suspension response. But on the flip side, I will tell you that I can feel the lightweight-ness of the air forks and I really like them on a 250F to add to the overall flickability. On 450Fs, I think I prefer spring forks.

As yz133rider says, it can largely come down to the tuner. After multiple bad revalves from Factory Connection, Precision Concepts, etc., I am now a die-hard Enzo advocate. And they valved my air forks amazingly (I asked for the Vet B/C version of the Star Racing setup).

This is worth a listen for your common situation likely:
RMATVMC Keefer Tested Podcast Show #276: Spring Fork Conversion Showdown
https://www.keeferinctesting.com/rmatvmc-keefer-tested-podcast-show-276…

This is a good read for you, too:
https://www.keeferinctesting.com/2021-2-2-the-making-of-a-great-wp-pro-…

Many people just can't jive with air forks. That's cool, you need what works for you. I wasn't on the stretchy emo jeans bandwagon at first either. But my fat a$$ sure likes them. Maybe you're a stretchy pants guy, too, but just don't know it yet? :-)

Good luck.

P.S. FWIW - I am certain KYB A-kit will not disappoint. Cone Valves are likely a similar story, I just have no personal experience.

Here's a recent, good AER fork read on Vital:
https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Tech-Help-Race-Shop,42/Lost-on-direction…

For Kit suspension for the KTM’s you have…

MXTech Blackjack forks and national shock

Lainer Epica forks (not sure if they do a shock?)

Showa Kit forks and Shock

Ohlins forks and shock

and as you mentioned the KYB kit forks and shock

For dual spring conversions you have…

MXTech lucky’s

Lainer Epica cartridges

KYB cartridges

WP 6500 cartridges

Dal soggio sphericals

Ohlins cartridges

Lainer suspension came out with a shock..
https://www.lainersuspension.com/en/shop/factory-suspension/impact-18-s…

There actually a nice Lainer Ktm shock on eBay right now

I'm on KYB A Kit air forks and a trax shock. I haven't put any time on th forks yet, but if they work half as good as they look I'll be in good shape