K-tech single fork conversion

With the spring conversion you will get the same feeling in my opinion. That is the balance you are feeling between hold up and comfort. 

K-Tech makes a great single spring conversion kit, and I'm a big fan of the externally adjustable preload they built into their design. Most competent home mechanics can figure out the install/removal (before selling, eventually), and the spring conversion is superior in 'feel' over anything air can provide. Having said that, as an extremely picky rider who's set in my ways, I'd personally save up for a traditional dual spring setup if time and finances allow. Both the KYB conversion kit and WP 6500 kits have a more 'normal' and consistent front end feel. The problem with the single spring design (SFF for shortness) is that the spring rate is so high (especially at your height/weight) that the balance just isn't quite the same: All spring on one side, damping on the other. You're ballparking around 1.0+ kg/mm spring rate for the SFF K-Tech kit, whereas .50+ setups for dual springs are much more common and a known entity for suspension tuners everywhere. I've ridden good SFF conversion kits, but they often take time/tweaking to get best results; whereas dual spring setups are simply easier to achieve happiness with for most consumers. 

Ideally, if you know you're sticking with the Austrian brands moving forward, I used to recommend going whole hog, biting the bullet, and buying Cone Valve kit forks or building a complete second set of dual spring forks to carry over from bike to bike. Saves time during resale to swap over, gives you a backup set just in case you get leaky seals and still want to ride, while being a better investment long term if you know air just isn't for you. However, with the off-road line going back to dual spring setups and rumors the moto bikes could go back sooner than later (2027/2028?), it's harder for me to fully recommend such an investment...

Good luck with your search and please keep us updated: Posts like this are useful now and as time/technology progresses.

I went K-Tech route on my 19 350.  I had a revalved air setup including midvalve and other stuff.  Worked significantly better than stock.  I converted to K-tech and found it noticeably better than the modified air.  Recently got a local tuner to revalve while servicing the forks.  He said he'd done lots of single spring revalves.  He missed the mark, and I think its slightly worse than before.  Way too soft, compensating with oil and preload now, but need to have this redone.    All this said, what CRC245 says makes sense.    For the money, its probably 75%  of the improvement of dual spring system for 1/2 $.  Just MY opinion.   I'm an old VET and ride two to three times a month, but still race.    Hope this helps.

smart move. I do not know that at your size you are going to find the right spring either. Good move on the 6500's!

Single spring conversion marginally decent, do a 2 spring conversion.

I've been testing stock AER vs. REP AER revalved  vs. Factory Connection KYB conversion vs. Enzo KYB conversion (haven't ridden Enzos yet) on a 2022 KTM 350 SX-F and 450 SX-F.

Current summary: REP AER is my favorite so far, the action is great and the weight savings matters (big time).

FWIW, the best forks I've ever ridden are my Stapes-valved full KYB A-kit spring on the 2020-2022 YZ450F chassis. REP-revalved AER forks give these a run for their money.

More experimentation notes to follow eventually.

Looks like you're already making the right decision.

I wanted to chime in because there wasn't a ton I could find about the K-Tech when I decided to pull the trigger. First on a 19 350SX-F, then I bought a 22 FC350 and carried it over. At the time of the FC change, I also included the K-Tech damper side into the kit. K-Tech bladder in the rear of the bike.

I will say I'm not overwhelmed with the K-Tech's positives. It's an improvement over my revalved AER on the 19, maybe, which was adjusted to the 21 spec and revalved by a large east coast KTM dealer/tuner. 

I'm not an A level guy (barely B class), but I do feel the asymmetrical balance on the track often. Grass is always greener I suppose and I've yet to ride a KYB conversion. For what I spent I probably wouldn't be far off in terms of KYB conversion cost.

For dual spring conversions there is plenty of options - Ohlins, KYB, Showa, MXTech & Lainer all have something to offer.

I have single spring in my 350 and 6500 in my 300 xc.  I race enduros and play on mx.  The single spring works great.  If they are valved the same a normal guy wouldn't know the difference.  Both have adjustable preload.  Just adding it will help with the feel between air and spring but performance wise you'll still need a revalve if your not happy with the forks performance.

After re-reading your post.  It sounds like valving is more your issue than spring/air.  If you go to 170psi to match your weight then that would be the same if you ordered the appropriate spring rate for your weight.  Then you'd still probably have the same rough feeling in whoops your talking about.

I got the Kroozetune setup. Received it quickly and I believe it is $200 cheaper than the Ktech.

Krooztune.com 

Not a bad plan.  Good for you. Enjoy the ride.

I have heard this:

External preload adjustment is PRICELESS. I may very well try the 6500 or Cone Valves for that very reason --- keep that feature in mind if you're the target audience!