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with KYB-SSS suspension? I owned a ‘13 250 SX-F with the older forks and in stock form, it wasn’t very good at all. I also owned a ‘16 YZ 250F and the suspension was excellent. Every time I read a shootout, there are statements made such as, the KTM/Husky forks are the best air forks we’ve tried. Reading between the lines to me, this seems to mean that as good as they are, they still aren’t as good as the better spring forks. Would they have to completely rebalance the bike in order to use heavier forks? It seems these two companies have done everything possible to make their bikes the best in the world. I’d think they’d want the suspension to match that goal. I keep reading that air suspension is the future, but it seems it still has a ways to go. They already have the lightest bikes. They would still be the lightest, although by a little less.
The Shop
Way better than AERs IMO, and easier to set up. Every possible tuner should be able to set up the KYBs perfectly how you want them, not so with AERs.
My .02 on KTM suspension in general (and I suppose WP's achilles' heal) is that you're always stuck between either plush w/no bottoming resistance (scary at speed, and downright dangerous in a lot of racing situations) and harsh with lots of bottoming resistance (beats you to death in the chop and accel/decal bumps, but takes the big hits).
The KYB SSS forks are the best of both...super plush, but I can hit anything and not bottom violently. And I never have to check the air pressure...
Pit Row
I realize they've come along way with the AER forks, but it seems that in most shootouts, they still don't quite match up to some of the other forks. All other manufacturers have accepted the weight penalty and returned to spring forks, another indicator in my mind that air forks still have a ways to go. I'm in no way saying the WP forks aren't good, I only wanted to hear others experience. I'm actually considering purchasing a KTM or Husqvarna in the future. I believe they're exceptional brands and have caused the other brands to get better.
One of the largest problems the AER forks suffer is stiction due to its design. Companies like SKF offer a great kit that virtually eliminates stiction and makes the forks extremely progressive through the whole stroke.
I personally like my forks to ride higher in the stroke which is what the AER forks do really well so in flat corners they stick better then spring forks. The also seem to handle the bigger hits with less compromise then the SSS stuff. Now being a offroad guy, big hits are g-outs on fast fire roads, larger logs/rocks/tires (anything EX related), and even extended whoop sections (one race in Washington was literally 11 miles of whoops for 3hrs). The 3lb weight savings does offer an advantage in direction change, especially in an offroad environment where its constant weight transfer.
But like I said, magic unicorn SSS suspension will always be regarded as better regardless of what I, or anyone says.
I dont buy into the SSS have something magical, it's just shims on pistons going through an oil cartridge like every other modern fork.
It's a weird deal, because so much of it comes down to feel, riding style, body type, terrain. I've actually got Showa on my RM250 that is pretty sweet (and from what I understand pretty similar to the KYB stuff), but haven't had the best experience with WP over the years. They've gotten better for sure, but for me it really comes down to that window of adjustment, or how hard it is to get to the sweet spot. KYB SSS stuff has always seemed much easier for me to get to a place where I'm comfortable, whereas with WP I end up chasing my tail a lot.
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