Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1521336
June 2024 23 K-Tech ORVS System K-Tech ORVS System Fi een minutes later, I was ripping the exact same loop, seemingly floa ng over rocks and trail trash that was causing me grief and wrist pain on the new ride. Happy that it wasn't me having a bad day, I knew it was me to pull the forks and shock and send them out to Drew for a custom spring and valve package. Having been thoroughly pleased on several bike builds with K-Tech's ORVS fork and shock kits along with K-Tech's bladder conversion for the shock, Drew suggested we reach out to Skip Dowling at K-Tech to see what they had to offer for the new 2024 WP XACT Closed Cartridge fork and shock. Of course, heavier springs would be in order, but my main objec ve was to eliminate the harsh- ness transferred to the rider's wrists. Now some might squawk at the cost of upgrades such as this. Furthermore, some might ques on why a new bike would require such an investment. As above all motorcycles are a compromise. If you're serious about the sport of off-road riding, cus- tom-tailored suspension that fits the rider's profile, skill level, and terrain not only makes for a much more enjoyable ride but it's a lot safer too. Let's face it, trips to the hospital are never cheap. Ok, let's get down to the ni y-gri y of this sus- pension upgrade and we'll do our best to explain. The K-Tech Off Road Valve System (ORVS) is a replacement valve system for the WP 48mm closed cartridge XACT fork fi ed to Husqvarna and KTM Enduro models from 2024 onwards. The ORVS four-port piston improves oil flow and compliance on sharp hits. The ORVS replaces the original com- pression and rebound damping assemblies along with precision adjustment needles while improv- ing damping characteris cs along with a greater adjustment range. K-Tech also supplied the heavier fork springs. Manufactured from the highest grade chrome silicone wire, each spring is cold coiled, heat treated, pre-set, and ground to length before being polished for ul mate performance. K-Tech springs also have the spring rate laser engraved on the end.