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"How was it? In a nutshell, it was the best KTM suspension we
have ever tried." |
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"WHAT IS IT? A creative suspension setup for no-link
suspension systems (read KTM)" |
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WHAT IS IT? A creative suspension setup for
no-link suspension systems (read KTM) |
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WHAT'S IT COST? USD 2,639.99 |
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WHAT'S IT DO? Since the moment KTM
introduced its no-link suspension system, the MXA wrecking
crew has been pointing out its flaws. The forks are harsh, and the
rear shock blows through its stroke on G-outs. With each passing
year KTM has improved their Dutch-built suspension, making the
problems less grievous, but not eliminating them. It is easy to
blame the lack of linkage for KTM's shock problems, but that is
shortsighted (and technically wrong). Poor shock placement, bad
valving and a reliance on shock technology over proper rising rate
geometry have been the weak links. The fork's woes are much simpler
to diagnose. KTM's WP forks are old school when compared to Kayaba
and Showa cartridge forks.
Fortunately, there are solutions for harried KTM
owners. One of the best sources is MX-Tech. How was it? In a
nutshell, it was the best KTM suspension we have ever tried. We
softened up their base setting to get a more fluid flow, fiddled
with race sag, and enjoyed the ride. In places where the stock WP
stuff is either too harsh over little bumps or too soft over big
jumps, the MX-Tech setup bridged the gaps. Finally, we didn't have
to choose a compromise setting that would only work well at one end
of the bell-shaped curve. The low-speed/high-load G-out dilemma was
greatly reduced. |
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WHAT STANDS OUT? Here's a list of things
that stand out with MX-Tech's KTM fork and shock mods. KTM has a cartridge fork - it just
doesn't come on the 2006 and earlier KTM's. The Showa-clone
WP 48mm SXS cartridge fork is offered as an accessory. MX-Tech
not only believes in the cartridge based SXS fork, but they
have designed their own piston and solid clamp midvalve
design to complement it.
(2) Shock. MX-Tech
basically starts from scratch with the stock WP shock. Using
an engineering approach MX-Tech came up with their own
piston, shock shaft and metering needle. As with all shock
internals there are a lot of hydrodynamics involved, but
what mattered most to the MXA
test riders was how MX-Tech's creative solutions worked.
(3) Performance. MXA spend a couple of days with the
MX-Tech suspension guys. We even took them to a race at Glen
Helen. We made a lot of adjustments and had three different
test riders race the bike.
(4) Place of manufacture.
The WP SXS shock is manufactured in Holland, while all of MX-Tech's
parts are made in the good ol' U.S. of A. |
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WHAT'S THE SQUAWK? This is not a cheap suspension
mod. It requires USD 1,999.99 SXS forks (plus valving) and a total
shock rebuild. The whole thing will set you back USD 2,639.99. |
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