KYB vs Sachs

[Trail Rider]

I currently own a 2018 300rr. looking to purchase a 2024 model. I am unsure whether to go with the standard or racing version. Good comparisons of the sachs vs KYB suspension seem hard to find. I'm 55 and dont race. My typical ride is 35-65 mile days of mountain single track in Washington state. Often rocky or rooty with large climbs and decents. I ride at B+ speed. Although I am right in the center of the spring rate, I would likely revalve either version I get. I'm mostly concerned about the KYBs feeling overly harsh since they are designed for higher speed. But if I revalve, maybe the KYBs would be the superior ride? Hard to know.

[mtdirtbag]

I have a 2014 Beta 300RR with the Sachs, I am not impressed with them even after being revalved with Race Tech valving. To be fair I have not had anything else done and have not went back to the tech who did them, on the other hand I rode YZ 250s for 45 yrs before that with the last couple bikes having the KYB SSS forks. I did race cross country races and had them re-valved with the last one having done my own - I never experienced harshness on either of those like I do with my Beta. Maybe the newer Sachs are better but I've kicked myself for not putting KYB's on it.

[worstell]

I just went through this with the 2023 350. Got the racing edition, but wish I'd gotten regular RR. 53 years old, B rider, Colorado singletrack. KYB feels very harsh at slower trail speeds. For example, one place I ride there are endless braking bumps. If I can hit them at speed, the KYB suspension feels great. But if I have to slow for corner (where the bumps usually are), it is really harsh.

I will say that the 2023 350 RE with KYB has incredible handling, as in it goes where I want it to.

[Hyde]

Not sure what the cost difference is now, but you will spend less money getting the KYB fork and shock dialed in than the the Sachs.

The Sachs shock can be vastly improved, but the KYB shock is vary close to great stock.

The Sachs forks can be improved but will never have the adjustability to cover all terrains as well as KYB, unless you drop in Lucky inserts.

[Trail Rider]

Kinda what I thought might be the case. Thx.

[Trail Rider]

I'm considering purchasing the MXtech lucky inserts & hold off on a new bike for a year or 2. Reason is my 18 beta still runs really nice & I'm comfortable on it. If I had known about the Lucky's, I would have done it before now.

[Hyde]

My 18' 250RR with KYB forks was the best turning Beta I've had out of the pile , Lucky's would have been even better for mid west racing .

[aj_mariner]

You’ve turned the discussion into two questions:
New bike? Yes.
Improve old suspension? Fuck that.

Get the new bike, racing version. KYB is the best. I wish Beta would have Technical Touch do their thing without intervention from their in-house tuners. The Sherco suspension is the best I’ve ever ridden stock. However, Jonny at The Ride Shop is just as good at tuning and has the pedigree to back it up. Ask for the hard enduro setup and let him do what he wants.
The new clutch is phenomenal.
The engine is superior.
The whole bike is way more refined than your current ‘18. Beta has done a great job at making the overall package better. If I’m being honest tho, the Sherco is a big contender. There is a lot of hype for good reason.

[Trail Rider]

I've definitely decided to go the new bike route. Specs just came out on the 24 300 racing. Interesting engine & frame upgrades.