Rear shock swap?

Sanroxenator · Feb 17, 2021

I own a KTM Duke 390 2018, full stock. Starting this discussion as I want to know if anybody swapped their duke 390 rear shock with duke 250s?

I weigh 62 kilos and KTM duke 390 is an absolute snack on the track. But as the suspension is non-adjustable(tried preload's last setting also) and I'm not heavy, and as India is a country where you sometimes find good roads between rubble and gutters, I find 390's suspension to be super stiff for the streets! I can feel every pebble under my ass.
I rode my friend's duke 250 and found a lot of difference and found it to be very comfortable for Indian streets. I thought the swap mightwork as I can adjust 250 duke preload and make it stiffer for track days.
THOUGHTS? ADVISE?

Chuasv · Feb 17, 2021

snack on the track...hahah.

have you tried setting the preload on the bike first? the rears can be adjust on a clicking dial, try dialing it down if you find it too stiff.

Sanroxenator · Feb 17, 2021

Yes, as I mentioned, I currently dialled it down to the last level, it only made the seat height higher but no difference in comfort and is still stiff for my weight.

KTMasean · Feb 18, 2021

Not sure if the 250 rear is different from the 390. I recently replaced the rear of my 200 (2012) with my 390 as I put an Öhlins on that 1.
In all honesty, the stiffness feels the same I only think the rebound is better on the (2015) 390 shock.
Can't really imaging the 250 being that much different from the 390. I weigh 74kg.

jsanket9578 · Sep 20, 2023

I own a 2019 Duke 250 and I find my rear shock very very stiff! I am certain that 390 and 250 rear shocks are identical, so it looks like your (and my) shocks need a full service. ASC don't do that and I only know Zedling who can service a monoshock. They claim the shock would be as good as new, assuming no other parts like springs are faulty, which they would check for.

Rear shock swap?

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