KTM Freeride E-XC Suspension Upgrade
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- čas přidán 3. 12. 2020
- Explaining my KTM Freeride E-XC Suspension Upgrade. My Freeride E-XC suspension modifications include; dual fork damping and revalve in the forks, and revalve of the shock. I also added stiffer springs to both the fork and the shock.
The stock KTM Freeride E-XC suspension is ok for slow single track or entry level riders, but when you start pushing the pace, it falls very short. These Freeride suspension upgrades offered by EVO Industries suspension can transform your stock Freeride suspension into a very capable motocross setup!
You can contact Dan Moore @ EVO Industries here:
EvoInd.com
I'm sure the other tuners are capable, but I personally use Dan the owner in Washington State.
Springs can be purchased from Slavens Racing, but know what you need before you order.
slavensracing.com/shop/fork-s...
slavensracing.com/shop/shock-...
Note: The shock springs are 215mm, 15mm longer than stock (200mm) but they still fit. A few other places have springs, but Slavens is the least pain in the butt to order from, plus he offers a lot more spring rates than anyone else does, so it makes sense to support him for offering these. The ID of the fork springs are tight so you will have to sand a bit off the nylon spring guide to get them into the fork. All springs ordered from Slavens are hand engraved with the spring rate after testing so you get the actual rate you order. They’re also high quality and made in the USA 🇺🇸 .
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great ideas, I just got my new 2022 Freeride and I'm going to look into this suspension modification
Been a awhile since I checked in on your post, awesome as always !!! Keep it up, your videos are motivating :)
Another one tomorrow morning. Jungle riding. Even broke a rib for you 🤣🤷🏼♂️
Man sorry to hear about rib injury, Hey you need to put a tip feature. Like Eth or Btc tip link ?
@@wholebetter is what it is 🤕 but thank you!
Ok, I'll consider the tip thing. I toyed with the idea of Patreon or something, but didn't because my content is so inconsistent and rushed because of my work schedule. Wasn't confident that I provide enough value yet for something like that.
Aloha my friend 🤙
@John I really enjoy watching your content. I got one a few months back but i was still riding my alta, i finally took mine out the other day and had so much fun with it.. I'm going to follow your steps and get mine setup this way
Appreciate you watching. Being that you have the Alta, what's your primary use for the Freeride? I imagine the Freeride is a lot more fun to handle in tight woods stuff and it's like a badass pitbike in the smaller spaces/backyard stuff.
The cornering is much, much better in the updated suspension. Doesn't dive anymore, and when the Freeride dives with so much weight up high, everything feels exaggerated.
@@JohnHowerton137 It really did feel like a pitbike in the woods. I did not think i would like the rear brake on the bars but in the the tight woods riding it came in use. I still enjoy riding the alta but i feel like i will use that more for mx riding in the future.
@@Marlo.photos yeah, they rock in that tight stuff. I really liked the left hand rear brake. But have several reasons why I needed the pedal. As soon as I have time, I’m going to try and hook it back up as an additional brake. Love slipping it corners. There’s a LHRB for the Alta too if you wanted to convert it. Freeride doesn’t have the top speed for most MX tracks.
Were you able to bolt up a rear brake just buy getting parts or need to weld stuff?? Also im a retired motocross racer b class and I can't use my 250sx in my back yard to much noise would this be a good option for a turn track I made in the back yard??
I got your back 🤙 czcams.com/video/Yqu4BfMLnRc/video.html
Hi John, just a couple of questions.
When you put the lower profile rear tire on did you change your rear sprocket size to make up the difference or do you think that it doesn't matter?
I should be taking delivery on my 2021 in a couple of weeks but I want to do the suspension first before I hit the track. I'm 200 lbs and about your speed, you've seen my track videos (Happy Track), what spring rates would you recommend I get?
No, but I did try a 12T front and that didnt really work that well. I don't feel like it increase the top speed and it didn't pull as hard.
I think I'm going back to a 100/100 or maybe the new 110/100 JX8 from IRC. I like that there is no tire roll, but feel a little more volume in the rear tire works with the shorter travel suspension. Feel like the gummy is a good thing on the ebike too, and being no clutch it's a little easier on tires.
If you use my suspension guy, I've given him a decent amount of feedback on these things. For the valving to be stiff enough for MX, it feels damn stiff just sitting on the bike. I gut tells me you should go 54/70 if you're at least a decent B rider at your weight.
I ride with very little finesse... slam into things... a Barcia type rider. If you're more of a Roczen you may do well with the valving I have right now. I'm going to pop my base valves in the mail soon so he can beef them even more.
I cant imagine the Freeride won't be bitchin on that track! The straight might be just a tad too fast for it, and there is one bigger table the face might be tough to get enough lift, but otherwise just hold it tapped in Mode 3 and it will be perfect! 🤣 The step up on that track is almost identical to the one at Hilo MX. Sit on the seat and hold it ✊ from the corner. You'll feel like a hero 🤣 These things are so fun. There is a little learning curve and they handle different because of the weight distribution, but after about 3 rides you'll adapt to it's personality and totally love it. It's like a full size bike with pitbike fun factor 🥰
Hi John, I have watched all your videos before I have bought my own E-XC. Thanks for convincing me into buying one, it's a great bike. One question though. Have you managed to dial the rear shock compression through the little hole in the plastic subframe? It seems impossible to do through that little hole. My best attempt was to reach the adjuster from the right side of the bike around the mudflap but only for high speed comp nut. Low speed comp screw is too close to the plastic panel to fit a flat screwdriver. Putting a screwdriver through the hole on the left side doesn't allow me to turn the screw as the screwdriver is totally off angle. Any tips for adjusting low speed comp screw?
No. I think you prob have to re-drill it. So far I just pop the subframe to do it. Can't recall at the moment if I tilt it down or tip it up. Prob been 2 years since I make an adjustment... but I do need to stiffen my high-speed. Just keep forgetting.
Glad to hear you're having fun. Mine has brought me a ton of joy.
Hi John, I am thinking serious of buying a Freeride Year 21 to have the model with the better battery and upgraded brakes.
I mainly want to use the bike on dirtbike tracks. I am still hesitating if the bike is suitable without to much changes.
Which upgrades are definitely necessary and what is your opinion? Thanks for your help and Keep on making videos. I love them. 💪🏼👍
18+ have the same battery, but the 21 does have new brakes. I dont have any problem with the pre-21 brakes and literally nobody has complained about them to me in the real world. Even the pre-21 brakes are better than most of the Japanese MX bikes from the 90's.
All I'm saying is... if you find a good deal on a 18 or newer, don't worry about that stuff.
As far as riding MX tracks, they need to be small ones. Freeride is worthless past 40mph. Beyond 35mph the power starts getting flat and builds speed slowly. Only way I can describe it, is like being stuck in 3rd gear.
The suspension in stock trim is flat out not good enough for anyone outside of MX beginner. You'll need to have it redone by a suspension builder. Outside of being way to soft, I didn't mind how it worked when I was riding the tighter XC stuff, but when I got it to the track I thought was going to break in half.
If your local tracks are like arenacross tight, it will be stellar. If they are drawn out and open like outdoor MX, it's not ideal at all.
If your tracks are this slow/small it will work. czcams.com/video/QYfiqDmjsEc/video.html
Nice build. One question. You have now modified the bike to be something that is was not designed to be by KTM. With all the jumps that you do now, will the frame and other components hold up with the abuse? I would be doing regular inspections for cracks.
Originally the bike was designed as a E-SX. By the time it came to production it was a E-XC.
It's a legitimate concern, but with the suspension set up properly to handle the load and really the build spec being as good as the bikes from the 90's, I really don't see it being an issue.
My bikes have better hygiene than most humans, so if that day comes I'll likely find it before it's a problem. The weak link is the upper shock bolt. I've bent 4. I thought about making a stronger one, but thinking along the lines of your concern, I decided to just keep bending the soft stock ones to keep chassis stress on my mind. I'd rather that $20 part eat the stress than the frame.
@@JohnHowerton137 hi john
you scare me, how could it be possible to bend 4 upper shock bolt and not to have damaged the frame ?what is your weight ?
@@jadoune340 150lbs/68kg.
Really not that big of deal. On other bikes I’ve flat spotted wheels, blown tires on landings. The shock bolt is a very weak link on this bike. I have other followers and also my friend who have bent them as well. I’m really not concerned. The wheels would likely crunch long before a frame broke.
I hope you have a extra battery or at least available power for your charger at the Mx track you are riding at. I got a bit disappointed of the battery life the first time I took mine to the track.
Already have a video about that 😋
But yes, any higher speed tracks with sustained throttle you're going to chew through the juice. Arenacross stuff not so much because of the on/off nature of the riding and less heat.
czcams.com/video/wUlGKnIGZK8/video.html
Can you please expand a bit on this statement: "The ID of the fork springs are tight so you will have to sand a bit off the nylon spring guide to get them into the fork." ? Also, if the shock spring is 15mm too long, I'm guessing that impacts sag and therefore how much preload there will be to meet specified sag values. Before committing to a 215 mm spring are there any downsides we need to consider? Thank you!
The coils are a little thicker so the plastic guides on the damping rods need to be sanded just a bit so they don't bind as the fork compresses. I've had to do this on other bikes too, so not a unique thing.
The shock spring length isn't that critical because the shock body has a lot of thread. Aftermarket springs are often not the same length as stock. Doesn't affect the sag.
@@JohnHowerton137 - Thank you! You're an awesome help to all of us Freeride E-XC owners!
If you plan to jump it, get some extra UPPER shock bolts. I bend them all the time and basically replace them anytime I remove the shock. Not a cheap bolt because of how long the shoulder is to pass through the heim joint.
I thought about a stronger or having custom ones made of Ti, but it's probably good to keep it a weak link... easier to see a bent bolt that shock damage.
hello
where did you find your headlight plate
All the front end plastic from the late model 85SX fits. Just pick your color. Fork guards require a tiny trim in the cable clamp to accommodate the Freeride's speedo.
Browse my Freeride playlist. I have all the info and part numbers for the things I change 🤙
@John, you know if there are any full suspension options for MX style use ? Basically I'm ok to replace the stock suspension on my 2015
For the front, yes. You can get stuff that fits the 85. WP A-kit, Ohlins, etc... Main thing is if you can get it stiff enough to accommodate for the 80lbs extra Freeride bike weight and adult size rider.
The rear I’m not exactly sure as I haven’t tried to cross reference it. A good revalve and spring rate should suffice.
The top triple clamp has frustrated me enough that I’ve wanted to see if I could put my 250F front end on it. The reality is I just don’t have time or the place to try stuff like that or I’d have a huge youtube channel 🤣
@@JohnHowerton137 many thanks John! I was able to get the last Xtrig Triple Clamp for mine! See facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4141628422535152&set=p.4141628422535152&type=3
@@JohnHowerton137 I just talked to local shop and they said they can make it a lot stiffer.
@@ninja1970fin that is soooooooooo much better. I need one for sure now 🤣
@@JohnHowerton137 yeah, it makes the front a bit stiffer, too. I hope you can get one, this was the last piece in manufacturer stock in Germany (Xtrig) and I believe they made it only to gen1 (2015-2017). Not sure if there are other options avail.
what sag do you recommend? mostly mx stuff.
Really haven’t gotten to test it in consistent conditions, so no idea what’s best. I set it to whatever the manual says a long time ago, and mostly slide the forks up and down from time to time to make it steer the way I want. Seems like electric bikes need a little more high speed compression. Really don’t get to ride enough to test anything like that. Sucks getting older and having responsibilities 🤣
@@JohnHowerton137 I thought you said somewhere that you were at 90mm. The manual says 115 which is no where correct
I probably did. Was probably trying to get it to steer better. Sorry, it's been too long since I did anything with it, and the app I was storing settings in updated and lost stuff.
Why didn’t you just buy an Alta , trade it in for Stark If you wanna motocross. Or keep riding a 10 inch travel electric bike
I was originally going to buy an Alta, then they went out of business. I had talked my dealer into carrying them.
I live on an island in the middle of nowhere... No tech help, no parts production and limited parts avail, buying used sight unseen and shipping hassles pretty much took the Alta off the plate for me. It would have been a $15-16k gamble at the time.
If I had 100% hindsight, there is a slim chance I'd redo that decision. That said, I have ZERO regrets going with the Freeride. The Freeride still is as good, or better decision based on my riding locations.
Part of the fun factor is another one of my buddies was able to buy one as well. We've had many great Freeride adventures together that would have otherwise not been possible.