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First ride on my 390...Handling/steering question

Joined Feb 2010
21 Posts | 0+
I came off an '07 KTM 400xcw and now have the well reviewed 390. It was a demo, so all the breaking in was done 300 miles ago. My first impression was that the bike seems hyperactive in the steering. I don't know if it's a matter of getting use to it or that I need stiffer springs but I am really sore today, after putting too much effort into keeping it on the trail. I had moments where I felt like I was on a rail and perfectly balanced and then others where I felt like a squid. We were doing some steep, rutted hillclimbs and when standing in the attack position, I would deflect off the sides of the ruts and usually ended up sitting and going slower but hooking up just fine. I've had a couple of Husabergs before and have always loved the handling. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
Have you done the basics like setting the sag, and verifying where all the "clickers" are set? Just take a little time to get a good base then start fine tuning it. It will be a little different, but in a good way! :D Best of luck to you.
 
I set the sag and the clickers. I haven't weighed myself but think I'm around 210-215 and then I wear a vest with water, tools, gps and more. From what I just read in this section, I think I'll need at least .46 springs in the front and whatever matches those in the back.
 
Talk to the guys at Genuine Dirt Racer. They KNOW Berg suspension. They did my FX450 and it is golden. I weigh 235lbs without gear so I needed big boy springs.
 
ERICBERG said:
I set the sag and the clickers. I haven't weighed myself but think I'm around 210-215 and then I wear a vest with water, tools, gps and more. From what I just read in this section, I think I'll need at least .46 springs in the front and whatever matches those in the back.

at that weight you'll need to go to 48s and an 80 rear shock. You are right that at times it feels fine, but when you really need balanced suspension, the bike will feel hinged when not sprung right. Once you make the changes....you will be one happy character :bounce3: :bounce3:
 
Thanks for the advice you guys. Whats the best choice for a rear, straight or progressive? Eric
 
blumpkin said:
Have you done the basics like setting the sag

totally disagree.
if you are too fat for the springs, get the right springs!
shock preload adjustments of only 1-2 mm at a time yield a big difference.
 
tuts said:
blumpkin said:
Have you done the basics like setting the sag

totally disagree.
if you are too fat for the springs, get the right springs!
shock preload adjustments of only 1-2 mm at a time yield a big difference.

:wink: Muscle weighs more than fat! Springs are ordered (48's for the front and 7.6 rear) I hear any stiffer in the rear and a revalve is needed for the rebound to function properly.
 
I'm 172# in my birthday suit...........add 10# for boots, 5# for fanny pack, another 7# for camel back when full, + helmet and riding gear=so right around 195 to 200# ready to ride.

My 09 570 has .46's in the front and a 7.6 to 9.5 progressive in the back, 33mm's of static sag in the back. Get the suspension set up, IE sprung and valved for you and your area. It's the best money you will spend and the difference will be unbelievable!!



How about giving us a little more info on yourself, where you live, where you ride, your ability etc....
 
I got a similar feeling from the front on my 400. I fitted 48 springs and had the forks and shock rebuilt by a pro. Now I love it. I'm 200 -210 lbs. My guess is that your front sag will be too great as you have it and the stiffer springs will help. I think I'm running an 8.0 progressive rear spring and that seems good for my weight and I can get the right sag without too much trouble. I ride tight single track mostly so I go for a fairly plush setup.
 

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