Posts
41
Joined
2/6/2016
Location
Easthampton, MA
US
gwilson
2/8/2016 8:55am
2/8/2016 8:55am
Edited Date/Time
2/9/2016 3:02pm
I have a 16 KTM 350 SXF, and may drop some $ on Ohlins or WP A kit, still waffling on what I want to do and how much cash to spend.
Question, can anyone tell me the ins and outs on what years/models are interchangeable? I read a bunch of threads on guys buying and selling aftermarket forks and shocks (while searching KTM Ohlins, etc). I am just clueless on which years and models are drop in with each other. I saw comments about axle diameter and tube diameter
The reason i ask is i may get a used 250SX, and would like to know if the front and rear susp can be swapped.
Speaking of which, when i was at the KTM ride day last summer, I was surprised at how plush the suspension was; like "this stuff is awesome". I bought the new 350 a few months later. My new 350, although I have not ridden that same track, did not seem the same. Am I dreaming? Or was the "ride day" bikes set up with extra love and care?
I'm a 49 year old B vet if that helps, 160-165 pounds or so. I finally am at a point in life where I can afford some cool stuff and am happy to pay for a sweet pillow top experience.
Thanks for your comments
Gary
Question, can anyone tell me the ins and outs on what years/models are interchangeable? I read a bunch of threads on guys buying and selling aftermarket forks and shocks (while searching KTM Ohlins, etc). I am just clueless on which years and models are drop in with each other. I saw comments about axle diameter and tube diameter
The reason i ask is i may get a used 250SX, and would like to know if the front and rear susp can be swapped.
Speaking of which, when i was at the KTM ride day last summer, I was surprised at how plush the suspension was; like "this stuff is awesome". I bought the new 350 a few months later. My new 350, although I have not ridden that same track, did not seem the same. Am I dreaming? Or was the "ride day" bikes set up with extra love and care?
I'm a 49 year old B vet if that helps, 160-165 pounds or so. I finally am at a point in life where I can afford some cool stuff and am happy to pay for a sweet pillow top experience.
Thanks for your comments
Gary
As far as shocks, only 2016 WP shock and 2016(black) WP Traxx shock will work. I'm sure the same goes for Ohlins.
How do you like the Cone Valve, that is WP right? I have only dealt with FC re valves in the past. I'm a newb in the aftermarket suspension area as well.
Thanks, Gary
The Shop
what you need is kyb forks crf forks. or yzf and kxf can work.
1 crf front wheel bolt
1 pair 380 2001 front wheel spacer, grind small lip flat.
1 pair 250 sx 2011 front wheel spacer, right side shortened.
0.4mm lower clamp spacer or xtrig KYB bore clamps
spacer on break caliper gap and drill and thread upper mount. or break matching forks
Shane I saw your name on the posts i was reading, what are you riding for suspension? What class do you ride?
Thanks, Gary
Another option is sending them to WP thru your dealer.
I've made the case before that kit suspension is a better value than revalves due to the residual value and the fact you can take it from bike to bike. Or once you're done with it, you sell it and recover a significant portion of your investment. The downside is that you need to layout the cash up front, which is something not everyone is able to or willing to do.
So if i pop for new Ohlins fore and aft I am looking at $5500 ish? That seems to be the numbers that are showing up here.
Thanks, Gary
I didn't pay anywhere close to that much for my Ohlins when I got it. As I recall, I was under $4,000 for both ends. I do know prices have gone up in the last couple of years though. I'd be surprised if they jumped that much. Call Dean Burke at Burke Motorsports for your Ohlins needs. Good guy and great prices. If you miss him, leave a message. He will call back. This is a side business to his actual career, which lets him not worry quite so much about maximum profit margin. Give him a chance.
Perhaps someone with a lot more knowledge could point us all in the right direction.
More involved detail of geometry
Simple Yamaha explaination
http://bikearama.com/theory/motorcycle-rake-trail-explained/
Shane where did you get the graphics on the 250, that is very nice. I need to get my 350 jazzed up some.
Seems like you poured some cash into that ride, wheels too? Very nice
JIZZFEST!
Pit Row
Since you never said you had to keep the KTM
I wish I had more of a chance to ride my cone valves before I got hurt. I can tell you that Digger and I have very similar preferences and he put time on his cone valves and feels it's a better fork. I can also freely admit that Digger is a solid test rider who knows how a bike should feel and his setups are usually on point. I'd put value in his opinion, for what that's worth.
So if I go with new RFX, I am getting the cone valves, yes??
You may have been typing too fast, can't quite understand your comments.
Thanks for the help, I can't wait to rip things up when i get new legs on my bike.
The cone valve utilizes a different mid valve that works differently. A common mod is to change the cone valve out for a different style mid valve. You retain the rest of the value of the cone valves and they work better. There are people who can explain the mod far better than I can. People will argue that you're getting a cone valve and then making it a non cone valve fork. But there are other benefits in the construction of the fork.
So to summarize, the RFX fork is Ohlins and the Cone Valve is WP. Different concepts internally. Both great forks.
If I go cone valve, am I getting new forks, or am i sending my forks to someone and having the cone valves installed?
Post a reply to: KTM newb, advice on swapping suspension