08 SDR suspension tuning.

I have a SDR and the stock valving is is too harsh for my liking. And was wondering if anyone knows of someone in the states that is good with the WP parts?

OK, sorry ... you can call KTM (Both in CA and OH), and every well-reputed suspension guy around - most won't touch it. I've had exchange with WP in Austria (in German), also with no success. Shops that claim to be able to deal with WP, haven't ever done an SD/SDR. You don't know how many times I've heard "... not touching it - because we can't get parts ..." or "... yeah, we do WP, Superduke huh, that's a super-motard - right?" (Wrong). I hope these remarks save you the same PITA exercise.

And don't be fooled - as there's a TON of ready and able WP experts who do dirt setups ... not the same deal.

Then there's RaceTech, who've probably done maybe one SD - and claim that they can do anything, but I don't trust them (they do soooooooo many bikes - and if you're not "somebody" ... can be a hit or miss ...) + they are going to all but insist on your buying their "gold valves", which add to the cost appreciably.

If you search the site (what is it with newbs to any given moto site - its like every last one has never used a forum before ...). there's an ex-RaceTech guy in Murrieta (yes, that also happens to be one of KTM's 2 main US locations). He does setup - but I don't know of anyone who has gotten re-valving from the guy. He's a nice guy, but hard to pin down due to his varied commitments. His background is mostly dirt - but he does road stuff too. He'll also expect you to source springs etc. if you need them.

Here's what I am doing: I am currently working with Lindemann Engineering

Why go to them? Jim Lindemann (an engineer) and Ed Sorbo (now owner, and long time racer) not only have a long and excellent reputation as suspension tuners (especially for road/road-racing), but also have capability, attention to detail, and willingness to take on "challenges". They have no problem dealing with WP, and I offered to help them source any parts they might need. They claim to have no problem getting shims, etc.

I also happen to have an extra shock and forks to enable them not only the opportunity to "experiment" with, but to take the time needed to figure things out. They, unlike just about everyone else, also have the ability to obtain custom-wound front springs, which for the SD/SDR may be needed (they are not a common or readily available size). I think Racetech's solution involves some machining to fit one of their standard-sized springs ... pass.

Can you wait a few weeks, until I have some feedback to share on this process and outcome? I was waiting to get this sorted, before posting. I did discuss with Ed that if this works as well as I anticipate, that there will likely be additional interest.

I'm holding off on the racetech stuff as well. they have parts (gold values) for a standard SD but don't know about SDR. sdr have longer stroke shock. not sure about forks.

I'm using 2.5wt fork oil and lighter springs (frt andrear) and had dave moss set my sag/comp/reb. that seems to make it handle/ride much better. but yes it can be harsh on rough pavment especially some so cal freeways but I'll endure those to get to the mountains.

http://www.ftrsuspension.co.uk/
These guys have loads of experience with Superdukes, drop Will an email. He might be able to give you an idea where to start with upgrading your suspension.

Richard at Maxton builds his own shocks but has never done a Superduke but really knows his stuff.He and his company are hugely respected.
http://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/
Worth talking to but he may well need a bike to experiment on, poss someone in the UK close could help out?

I believe he wants to know suspension turners in the USA that know what they are doing in regards to WP suspension components.

Just out of interest, what do you weigh and what makes you think its the valving thats harsh and not spring weight?[/quote]
To be honest Stew, mine is still pretty harsh, thats with softer springs and sags set bang on and a fettle 3 times at Crashfest 2 weeeks ago by Colin of 100% Suspension [/quote]

Colin always sets em up hard though to be honest, knock 5 clicks off the front and rear compressions for road use/wet trackday and it will soften things off [/quote]


Cheers, I'll give that a go. It was great on track but took it out yesterday and longed for some smooth track surface again. Looks like you might be on for the 8th at Donington if Pete can't make it.

So I spoke with Toby at FTR this morning. He said that Kevin is "da man" - but is in Spain at the moment on holiday. In my conversation with Toby, I explained our dearth of insight on this side of the pond, and that I'm working with a tuner, blah, blah, blah. I also offered to pay for Kevin's time to share his setup insights with Ed (Lindemann Engineering) and me.

As Kevin is supposed to be back next week, I will ring him then.

Until then, stay tuned.