Stink bug killer for PDS

[Kangaroo_Smasher]

Is there ANYONE out there on this forum who can give a good honest and experienced review of how well the Slavens Stink Bug Killer works on XC-W models?

Stink Bug Killer: Slavens Racing

I'm 6'2" 190lbs geared up and have no need for a lower seat height, however it's advertised to make the bike much more stable at speeds.  Sounds pretty general...  Will a stock bike with SBK handle whoops?  I'd rather spend $40 than $900 getting suspension reworked (probably still will).  I wanna know how much different the bike handles with a SBK installed.

Thanks, all 

[billtro11]

never seen this before but suspension geometry is important.  

If you go spend $900 with someone I would expect them to change the sag a bit to get rid of the "stink bug stance"

 

to each their own.

 

[HughMungus]

This is going to be my next purchase for my 2017 300 xc-w

[Kangaroo_Smasher]

I really want to know how well this mod makes the bike handle.  I need my xcw to handle tight single track AND high speed whoops.  I know that the forks are not ideal for whoops but will altering the PDS in this way make up for the less than ideal fork?  I figured I might give it a shot before I go out spending big $ on suspension work.

How important is it to reset the piston in the reservoir? 

I believe this product is only offered for '17+ models by the way. 

[BushPig]

Does it act up in that terrain?

[Kangaroo_Smasher]

1 hour ago, BushPig said:

Does it act up in that terrain?

I haven't taken delivery of the bike yet as I'm working away from home for the next month, but I'm just trying to make a game plan for when I get the bike.  I have yet to ride a new '17.  My only experience with PDS is an older 125sx and 250exc.  Both felt okay in my usual terrain.

[pat22043]

Watch Slaven's install video. 99% of owners don't have the tools to install it. It is a simple machined spacer that goes inside the shock, reducing travel. This has been how KTMs have been lowered in the rear for ages. In theory, you could do all the mechanical stuff, and then pay your local shock specialist to recharge the nitrogen, but its not a $40 solution to any real or imagined problem.

Lowering the rear and not the front will change the steering angle and trail. This can have a big impact on handling and stability. But whether you want that change depends on how you ride, how your bike is setup, the trail conditions, etc.

I'm only 6-2 and am old, I have trouble throwing my leg over my 17 300XCW. But I have not been tempted to lower it, either rear only or both front and rear, as I like how it steers. YMMV
 

[Southernend]

I was thinking about this until I read all that's involved and messing with the nitrogen. I go down some pretty steep shit and never noticed my ass end lifting up. Best thing that helped was getting the right fork springs for my weight. Now that I said this I'll probably endo on my next big downhill. 

[Kangaroo_Smasher]

Theres nothing complex in the install.  You simply bleed out the N charge and install the spacer and bring it to a suspension shop or dealer and they will recharge it for you, for a small fee I'm sure.     Anyone had luck using the adjustable preload caps on the xplor forks??

[Southernend]

Everybody says how high these bikes are but I think my 08 xc set just as high or higher and I'm only 5' 10". With my riding boots on I can almost flat foot but I got long legs. 

[motonack]

I love all these threads that pop up about alleged "problems". Suspension... rekluse's... lectron's... you name it, and it turns out they haven't even ridden the damn bike yet. Come back when you have 15 hours on the bike. Getting the sag right will remedy any fundamental handling issues for 90% of riders as long as you have correct springs for your weight installed. 

[Southernend]

I got 20 hrs on mine can I bitch now? Lol. Honestly I think the suspension on my xcw is awesome with the stiffer springs added and my sag set right. 

[Kangaroo_Smasher]

56 minutes ago, motonack said:

I love all these threads that pop up about alleged "problems". Suspension... rekluse 's... lectron's... you name it, and it turns out they haven't even ridden the damn bike yet. Come back when you have 15 hours on the bike. Getting the sag right will remedy any fundamental handling issues for 90% of riders as long as you have correct springs for your weight installed. 

I understand what you mean motonack but I am simply doing my research!  I haven't seen or read ANY real world information about the product so I figured I would reach out to the community for input / help any others who may have similar questions.  I''m taking delivery of an xcw in July and I'm giddy with excitement already

[pat22043]

On 5/16/2017 at 9:37 PM, Kangaroo_Smasher said:

I''m taking delivery of an xcw in July and I'm giddy with excitement already

as well you should. Unless you have been riding an XCW for a while now, you will need to ride it and gets used to what it does for you on the trails you ride. What works for Slavens on the wide open trails out west are not likely to be the hot setup here in the East. Put 10 to 20 hours on it, and then you will know what you want and need. Then adjust to suit.

I love my 300XCW. I have taken it out for 2+ hour rides three days out of the past four days.

I have had the proper springs installed for my weight, I'm big at 260+, and they raised the seat height, but it works great with the right springs and sag.