Steering Dampers

[Rut Row]

The PB300 has convinced me I should consider a steering damper for the KTM. How hard are they to install? Is this something I can do myself?

[mdubya]

Did you ride the KTM at the PB?

I personally think a properly set up bike doesn't require a damper. I might change my tune if I rode with one.

For example, I never ran a damper on my DRZ, didn't feel the need for one. But my 520 EXC tracks with so much more stability and confidence (no damper on the KTM either) it has made me wonder if the DRZ didn't need the damper after all. It also makes me think the DRZ just needed a better set up; from springs, to damping, to maybe even triple clamp off set.

So, I think a damper is more of a band aid. I would look into a good shop that really knows how to set up a KTM for the type of riding you want to do. I have had great success dealing with Bud Matto @ Matto Cycles in Pottsville, PA. I would suggest contacting him and having a good conversation about what it takes to have your EXC set up properly. He will know. After that, it is just a matter of "how much do you want to spend?" It will be well worth it if my 520 is anything to judge by.

Another suggestion: I don't have a huge amount of experience with different knobby tires, but the new Kenda Millville tires mounted on my 520 are fuggin' awesome. They are like cheating compared to anything else I have run before. I would feel guilty running them on the raod until they get fairly worn down though.

[Rut Row]

Did you ride the KTM at the PB?

Nope but I wish I had. I rode the KLR

I personally think a properly set up bike doesn't require a damper. I might change my tune if I rode with one.

For example, I never ran a damper on my DRZ, didn't feel the need for one. But my 520 EXC tracks with so much more stability and confidence (no damper on the KTM either) it has made me wonder if the DRZ didn't need the damper after all. It also makes me think the DRZ just needed a better set up; from springs, to damping, to maybe even triple clamp off set.

So, I think a damper is more of a band aid. I would look into a good shop that really knows how to set up a KTM for the type of riding you want to do. I have had great success dealing with Bud Matto @ Matto Cycles in Pottsville, PA. I would suggest contacting him and having a good conversation about what it takes to have your EXC set up properly. He will know. After that, it is just a matter of "how much do you want to spend?" It will be well worth it if my 520 is anything to judge by.

Another suggestion: I don't have a huge amount of experience with different knobby tires, but the new Kenda Millville tires mounted on my 520 are fuggin' awesome. They are like cheating compared to anything else I have run before. I would feel guilty running them on the raod until they get fairly worn down though.

Sounds like a visit to Bud Matto is in order - gtop - is this the same guy you rave about?

[mdubya]

Sounds like a visit to Bud Matto is in order

He is definitely worth a call. I have dealt with a lot of different motorcycle people over the years. Most of them didn't know much. The good ones you really remember. Bud knows his stuff.

Another place you might call:

MX Tech
Pennsylvania – East Coast Racing
1791 State Route 551
Enon Valley, PA 16120

Contact: John Curea
Phone: 724-336-3293
john@mx-tech.com <john@mx-tech.com

I have spoken with John Curea, another huy who really knows his stuff. MX Tech has a great rep. too.

I am interested to hear who gtop's guy is. You can never have enough good sources!

[mdubya]

Matto link:

http://www.mattocycle.com/

[Bucho]

Heard during the PB300.

"Well the steering dampers help alot through the deep rutted sand. Do your bikes have dampers?"

Bucho: "I thought I was the steering damper!"

[mdubya]

I consider myself the crash protection for the bike. :mrgreen:

[gtop]

I haven't heard much about Matto except that they give good deals on new bikes. My local guy does suspension work but he's motocross oriented. I've heard great things about his revalves and setups when it comes to motocross. I cant comment on how his setup would work on a woods bikes. He's one hell of a mechanic with a fair labor rate that does high quality work thats done when he says it will be done. For motor work or rejets he's the best.

The WP suspension on KTM's is a completely differnt animal compared to the Japanese bikes. Do yourself a favor, ship them to Trail Tricks. Javier at Trail Tricks sets the benchmark when it comes to a KTM woods setup.

[mdubya]

I haven't heard much about Matto except that they give good deals on new bikes. My local guy does suspension work but he's motocross oriented. I've heard great things about his revalves and setups when it comes to motocross. I cant comment on how his setup would work on a woods bikes. He's one hell of a mechanic with a fair labor rate that does high quality work thats done when he says it will be done. For motor work or rejets he's the best.

The WP suspension on KTM's is a completely differnt animal compared to the Japanese bikes. Do yourself a favor, ship them to Trail Tricks. Javier at Trail Tricks sets the benchmark when it comes to a KTM woods setup.

Greg,

Who is the local guy?

[gtop]

Randy Mann at Fastmann Racing in Mercersburg, Pa.. Mike ( the guy on the WR at Mountain Ridge) turned me on to him.

http://fastmannracing.com/