[mike walters]

http://www.dirtrider...ideo/index.html

Dirt Rider (Jimmy Lewis) has an excellent video explaining the three different approaches to KTM/HSBRG 2 stroke shock technologies (2012 300XC-W/300XC/TE300).

[JIM AIELLO]

Very nice Mike. If you understand about flex you might understand why a lot of Ktm guys would take the bottom 3rd bolt out of the triple clamps. Forks flex better in rocks especially. On the 1997 Suzuki rm conventional forks I run in rocks, the flex is really noticeable. The extra weight down low keeps the front wheel planted too. The stock valved inverted forks make the front wheel feel light and wants to bounce/deflect off rocks.

I would love to see our bikes come with rubber mounted engines to the frame. A lot of our bikes are predicated around motocross so I doubt there's a need for it when a race is 30 minutes but a 3-6 hour race off road would benefit a rubber mount. I love that Ktm is focused on off road too. My 2012 actually comes with a radiator fan plug.

[mike walters]

Glad you liked it Jim. Sorry to hear about your knee injury, hope its minor.
Regarding the KTM rear ends, am I correct in thinking that the linkage system is no longer a PDS and that the shock internals are significantly different?

This post has been edited by mike walters: 01 October 2011 - 07:07 AM

[Randy Brown]

mike walters, on 01 October 2011 - 07:06 AM, said:

am I correct in thinking that the linkage system is no longer a PDS and that the shock internals are significantly different?

All that redesign makes the suspension magical! Going from 2006 to 2012 is like going from a Model T to a F250. The stock suspension and spring rate was amazingly better, even at my 260+#. The 2012 handles SO much better than the 2006. Just got the boingers back from the tuner last night...gonna try it out today...can't wait!

I'm pretty sure the internals changed - at least with the shim stack. The spring rate is WAY different because of the linkage. The tuner said the forks seem pretty soft initially which he said means plush.

I guess you could check the micro-fische to see whats different.

click for Shock Diagram

Or go to KTMTalk.com and use the shop online button at the top to drill down to the micro-fische.

[mike walters]

If anyone is interested, the full technical article detailing the three different approaches KTM/Husaberg uses to rear suspension (linkage, PDS with shock tower, PDS without shock tower) is in the January issue of Dirt Rider. (You'll need to filter through all the Ricky Johnson cheer leading).
With my 2011, I am now convinced what others have told me: it is critical to start with the correct spring rates. After that, I went to Drew for a re-valve and I'm VERY happy with the machine.