Thoughts on CC forks in 2011 FE Bergs??

jkl said:

My 2010 with OC forks is not bad in the slow technical riding on the west coast, but if I take a trip to Baja this winter I may not be too happy in the whoops with the OC forks.
Now that the 2011s are out with the CC forks - has anyone compared them to the OC forks?
What exactly is different in part #s between the CC and OC forks? Do I have to buy the whole fork or can I just buy parts to make the switch from OC to CC?

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One thing to bear in mind is the 2011's frame has been stiffened up near the headstock - supposedly to complement the CC forks. Plus, the shock was reworked as well.

No opinion here - just more food for thought. E-Ticket

I'm looking at getting a 2010 or 2011 FE390 and can't decide which one to go for due to not knowing whether CC or OC forks will suit the sort of riding I do.
Which would be more suitable for the average trail rider in rocky terrain ? :?:
Are these WP CC forks able to be serviced by someone like myself who is familiar with KTM WP OC forks, without having to buy expensive special tools ?

Wiggy said:

I'm looking at getting a 2010 or 2011 FE390 and can't decide which one to go for due to not knowing whether CC or OC forks will suit the sort of riding I do.
Which would be more suitable for the average trail rider in rocky terrain ? :?:
Are these WP CC forks able to be serviced by someone like myself who is familiar with KTM WP OC forks, without having to buy expensive special tools ?

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On my 2011 model FE450 the CC forks are brilliant. No problems at all over rocky ground. It just floats. It also takes up the harder hits well without diving through the stroke.. It's so good in my opinion I have no need to touch the springs/valving or even the clickers !!

JRDoz said:

Wiggy said:

I'm looking at getting a 2010 or 2011 FE390 and can't decide which one to go for due to not knowing whether CC or OC forks will suit the sort of riding I do.
Which would be more suitable for the average trail rider in rocky terrain ? :?:
Are these WP CC forks able to be serviced by someone like myself who is familiar with KTM WP OC forks, without having to buy expensive special tools ?

Click to expand...

On my 2011 model FE450 the CC forks are brilliant. No problems at all over rocky ground. It just floats. It also takes up the harder hits well without diving through the stroke.. It's so good in my opinion I have no need to touch the springs/valving or even the clickers !!

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Question JR: What year/bike did you come from? OC or CC forks? Thanks! - ET

I came from a GasGas FSR450 2007 model with Open chamber 45mm Marzoochi forks that had a load of money spent on them. I rode the newer Gassers and didn't like them.
I tested the new Husqvarna Kayaba forks and also modded open chamber WP forks from a KTM 200EXC 2009 model..

JRDoz said:

I came from a GasGas FSR450 2007 model with Open chamber 45mm Marzoochi forks that had a load of money spent on them. I rode the newer Gassers and didn't like them.
I tested the new Husqvarna Kayaba forks and also modded open chamber WP forks from a KTM 200EXC 2009 model..

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Interesting ....!

And what was your opinon on the modded open chamber WP forks from the KTM 200EXC 2009 model?

I ask because I am riding a 2010 FE 390 with OC forks (stiffer springs for my weight) and like them a lot (over my '08 KTM 450 EXC-R OC forks). But am still curious about the performance change ... and suitability ... versus the new CC forks. As I typically ride slower, *very* technical trails, I'm wondering if the OC forks might still be the best for me.

Thanks for the feedback, sir! E-TIcket

The opinion I got from my dealer was that the CC forks perform better at speed over rough terrain. I don't know if that means they give up anything at slow speed, I assume not. But for my skill level I doubt the CC forks would give me any advantage at the speeds I ride at, unless I was zipping along and encountered something I didn't expect. Either fork would have to be re-sprung for me as I am way over the target weight range of the stock springs.

He also said that since Husaberg wanted to be *the* premium bike they went with CC forks on all models this year.

The advice you've received is correct. The CC forks are better over rough terrain at high speeds but are somewhat harsh (or very harsh) at slow speeds over big rocks, roots, etc. For tight technical riding the OC forks are better -- plusher and more compliant by nature and it is hard if not impossible to revalve the CC forks to get the same level of performance. But, the CC forks can work really well in technical terrain with the right valving and are WAY better by nature at high speed. The best example (happened to me) is a high speed connecting road between technical sections where you don't see a BIG water bar or other break in the terrain (think coming up short and hitting the face of a supercross jump). The CC forks are able to handle tremendous impact without blowing through the stroke or collapsing and sending you over the bars. It is a really tough tradeoff. This opinion is based off my experiences being very happy with revalved OC forks (Moto Pro) and then switching to another bike late model KTM with CC forks (also revalved by Moto Pro). The latest generation CC forks may be a better compromise and as the CC forks become more common I am sure the suspension guys out there are getting better at tuning them to perfection.

"...For tight technical riding the OC forks are better -- plusher and more compliant by nature and it is hard if not impossible to revalve the CC forks to get the same level of performance...."

I bought the 2010 FE390 and didn't wait for the 2011 CC forks as my riding is in this area of slow and tight. I always wonderred if I made the right choice - thanks for the confirmation.

Fizz

fizz said:

"...For tight technical riding the OC forks are better -- plusher and more compliant by nature and it is hard if not impossible to revalve the CC forks to get the same level of performance...."

I bought the 2010 FE390 and didn't wait for the 2011 CC forks as my riding is in this area of slow and tight. I always wonderred if I made the right choice - thanks for the confirmation.

Fizz

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Yah, major thanks for the feedback and comparison. And I, as well, am very happy with my 2010 FE 390.

Cheers! E-Ticket

The OC forks I rode from the 200EXC were really quite good.. Although they dived a little through the midstoke more than I would like. The OC forks hold up well but not as good as the CC forks on the new 2011 Bergs.

Yes, Javier at Trail Tricks did his high end mods and revalving on both ends. The forks are really plush, but I still prefer the overall action of the CC forks. I'm still playing with the overall set up of the bike too. I was riding a 2008 300xc and a 505xc with Trail Tricks suspension before. I guess I got used to the CC forks on those two bikes and don't want to go back. It was easier to move from one KTM to the next because my suspension settings didn't change that much, but moving to the Berg has required a lot more suspension testing and might very well require a change to my riding style.

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Hi Serpexc,

Did you get the "magic carpet ride" (stage III) or the stage II at Trail Tricks. I was planning on the stage 1 for trail riding and I didn't even ask about the level III. When I saw it's name I was much more interested.

Cheers,

Jeff

I too went with some sage advice from a great guy (Billy Burns) who races for Husaberg and just had an awesome finish in Mexico's Six Days. I got a 2010 FE 450 because I ride very technical New England terrain and the OC forks are reputed to be much more forgiving in the slower speed gnar. If I weigh around 175 lbs (no gear) I should assume the stock spring rates are ok for me? I haven't had time to really ride the bike yet, but my dealer and I did check the sag (without gear) and it was perfect with 'berg's factory preload setting.
Any advice also on clicker settings?
Thanks