[Matthew Walaszek]

i ride a ktm 200xc 2008, been racing for years now and for the life of me i cant get my suspension anywhere near semi comfortable. Im 20 and in pretty good shape but after about 2 laps my arms are so dead from the braking bumps i cant even move them anymore (not to mention the arm pump). I usually ride for about 6 hours a week or as much as i can and i understand im not in perfect race shape but i just keep thinking im missing something, can it really be that bad? For the record im about 5'8" and 160 lbs. Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially any tips for upcoming ormand farms (i know the braking bumps get rough on that track).

[Bobby Kitchen]

Matthew Walaszek, on 20 September 2011 - 11:47 PM, said:

i ride a ktm 200xc 2008, been racing for years now and for the life of me i cant get my suspension anywhere near semi comfortable. Im 20 and in pretty good shape but after about 2 laps my arms are so dead from the braking bumps i cant even move them anymore (not to mention the arm pump). I usually ride for about 6 hours a week or as much as i can and i understand im not in perfect race shape but i just keep thinking im missing something, can it really be that bad? For the record im about 5'8" and 160 lbs. Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially any tips for upcoming ormand farms (i know the braking bumps get rough on that track).

You can twist the throttle a little harder or you can call any one of the 3 gents below:

• Drew Smith (WER) at (908) 637-6385
• Bud Matto (Matto Cycle) (570) 429-0678
• Even Yarnall (Solid Performance) (484) 593-0095

All 3 are outstanding and can certainly help you with bike setup.

[Dan Schenkein]

You can try working the clickers, but the 2008 XC was first version of the WP CC forks for an off road model (SXs used them in 2007). They were notoriously harsh and usually need more than a simple revalve to really make them work. Fork tube polishing helps quite a bit on those and look into the latest fork bushings and seals from the 2012 KTM and 2011+ husaberg forks. All of the names Bobby mentioned can make the forks work better, just make sure that they are doing more than altering the shim stack.

[LOU GREEN]

Check out Factory Connection, my sons 200XC (2006 model) works well with FC, he's the same age as you and has no complaints. If you want to try it yourself, try swapping springs as it's cheaper and sometimes you can dial it in yourself. Also sometimes stiffer works better even when you think you should be going softer.

[Zack Huberty]

I used to race the Hare Scramble series a lot which included tracks like Ormond Farms, and at the time, I also used Factory Conection suspension on my 2008 200 XC. However, I was never fully pleased with the suspension. It just never seemed to work like I wanted it to, especially in the rocks. This year, I switched and went with WER Suspension which is run by Drew Smith. See his phone number in the posts above. WER Suspension has made a huge difference for me in the rocks as well as the sand. I would definitely recommend talking to him as he is familiar with all the of ECEA race tracks as he rides them himself. I would also say that it won't cost nearly as much as Factory Connection and other big brands out there. He is very knowledgeable and helpful when needing assistance to set up your suspension. Give him a shot.
Zack

[norm harris jr]

+1 on Drew
He did my 2008 xc 200 and with a few clicks its good everywhere!

[Frank Weaver]

+1 (+2) on Drew Smith. I can ride my '08 250 XC-F in rocks now with confidence.

[Matthew Walaszek]

wow thanks for the replies guys, ill definitely have to give drew a call

[JIM AIELLO]

When in doubt...leave it to the professionals. The pros that know our series are Factory Connection (which I use), WER Drew Smith (which I had good results in the past), and your local shop such as Town & Country (also good results) in NJ or Matto in PA. If you are on the taco bell budget price these guys out first.

I find suspension work is like ordering a pizza. Whose do you like? Well you have to try them. They all have different appeals until you aquire a taste for one. If you start saying I want it thin, well done, and extra cheese it might not be good. So I find the best way is to go with their special and let the suspension pros know your racing series, weight, and ability is then they work their magic. What you get back might not always be to your liking but give it a few rides before you send it back for a tweek. I would try a buddies bike with a revalve you are thinking of getting also.

I loved my 08 xc250 forks after FC vavled them for rocks.

[Matthew Walaszek]

yeah, i go from stiff as hell on the bumps to continuously bottoming them out on jumps, and this is on the same setting, i dont get it

[Zack Huberty]

If we are ever at the same hare scramble, you are welcome to try my bike with the WER suspension. Additionally, it is hard to get a good combination with settings for jumps and bumps. If you want your suspension right, set it up for the tracks you race, not the moto track. But you should be able to change clicker settings (making it stiffer) to ride some Moto if you like and then change it back to a set-up for hare scramble, enduros,etc.

[Joe Funaro]

It is also worth noting that sometimes (and this is particularly true with the KTM) chasing the setting on the fork is pointless until you get the right shock spring and sag height on the shock. I've used matto, factory connection and both were a huge improvement over stock. The closed chamber fork on the 08 xc is harsh, but with the right set up it should be very good for you ... I learned from working with FC that shock pre-load and shock settings actually contribute more than you think to what you're feeling through the bars.

You may also have a maintenance issue (worn bushings, etc) making the fork feel even worse...

Even after a re-valve (no matter who does it), you will still have to experiment with settings and communicate with whoever it is that did the work to get the most out of the suspension. KTM supsension is NOT set it and forget it...at least from my experience.

You can also go to KTMTALK.COM suspension forum for advice on spring rates, clicker settings etc.

[Matthew Walaszek]

yeah i know the jumps and bumps thing its just weird that ill set it really stiff and still bottom out, as soon as funds allow im definitely going to look into getting some suspension work done. It stinks to get ready for a race, feel great ride great for 2 laps and then blow it. Ive played with the clickers and pre load relentlessly and i am now stumped lol time for a professional. By the way i do appreciate everyone help

[Mike Soudas]

KTM suspension or any suspension is as mentioned just like Pizza.. I like that...

anyway.

#1 get proper springs and set sag properly.
#2 on KTM CC forks they are normally delivered with too much oil in the outer chaamer, drain them and add 320cc of 2.5wt oil to each. That is a good starting point.
#3 once the above is spot on then go and ride a trouble section a few times, then reset clickers in each direction and in a few combinations, noting on paper what happens and what is good and bad.
# 4 now you can call a tuner and give him great info to help you dial it in with ease..

Lastly if it is an 2008, When was the oil changed.. Forks should be done atleast once a season and the shock looses rebound after 16-20 race hours.. the KTM shock works hard..

Goodluck