TE/TC Prospective TE 300 owners - Beware of the 4CS stock suspension hysteria

Before I purchased my 2016 Husky TE300, I read almost every post or review and I became nearly convinced that the suspension (specifically the WP 4CS forks) would need to be sent off to Stillwell or any other suspension specialist willing to take my money. I know what I am about to say will be challenged from those who had their suspension redone. I am sure they are very happy and I am not saying it would not make a difference to some competitive riders. I don't race so I defer to those racers who have to make the mod to be competitive. ***For most of us that are not racing including myself, I can tell you with confidence that the stock suspension is fine.*** Whatever you do, don't make the presumptive decision to add in the cost of a suspension rebuild as you consider the TE300 in your short list of bikes to purchase. I took my bike on the worst whoops I could find, the loose sand sections, the ruts and everything else nasty I could find. In all these conditions the 4CS forks performed well and I never felt like I was out of control at high speeds. I am even too heavy for the stock springs (which I plan to replace based on my 200 lb weight) so theoretically I was deep into the unforgiving range of the stroke. The TE 300 was blast to ride and confirmed I made the right decision not buying the Beta 300. I ran it out of gas on my first day. The linkage makes a huge difference in the whoops sections that wore me out on the XCW (my previous bike). Anyway, I think its important to let people know that whatever the "masses" do with their bikes is their preference but many times is unnecessary based on your riding style.

PS - I LOVE this bike!

people tend to do this and are complete experts having not even rode the bike.... suspension is a wildly specific item.... What is good for one sucks for the next.... glad you like your bike

I had pretty much the same experience with my '15 TE125. I had been reading about the 4CS for 2 years, since they first appeared on KTM Six Days and Husabergs for '13 and none of it was good.

My first ride on the bike was a true test, as we rode in east coast early winter conditions.... thawed mud and everything from rocks, roots, tight technical,, whoops, drop offs, hill climbs with matching downhills to WFO across rutted cornfields. I'm a slow B rider and was riding with AA/A guys and didn't know the trails that well. I had to ride way over my head all day to keep up, as these guys hadn't read the trail riding etiquette guide book.... no waiting for the last guy at every junction! I fully expected to be thrown on the ground hard, but the bike just did everything fine, even with stock springs too light. If I didn't want it lowered, I would have just done springs. My suspension guy did some mods and it's even better. And like you, I prefer the linkage in the whoops, compared to my '12 Husaberg TE250 with PDS.

First ride....

When I bought my 2015 FE350s, I read all the postings about the 4CS forks and I was wondering what I was getting myself into. Well all I did was change the springs to the correct spring rate for my weight, and holy cow what a difference! I have never felt more safe riding a dirt bike at high speed. The suspension just soaks up all the trail trash and keeps the bike way more stable than it was with the stock springs.

I don't race either, and this is the first time I have ever modified the suspension on any bike, so I'm sure I'm missing some nuances that would be very important and obvious to a more skilled and experienced rider. All I can say is - I'm happy!

The 14' was BAAAAD it was scary to ride, had me wanting to sell on the first ride.....

I never did come to terms with PDS... hell we had Bones from Pro Circuit with us out in the Nevada desert with us revalving on the spot and still couldnt get it.... it would either do one thing good and not the other of vice versus..... crazy

Did the '14 have linkage?

'14 Husky had linkage. '14 was also the last year of the Husaberg, with PDS.

Same experience as the OP with my 2016 300. Can't fault the 4cs, despite being 2 springs rates too soft for my weight.
Will be respringing soon, and can't wait to feel the difference!
KTM are out of the correct front springs unil end of March

Would that be the Owyhees?

I completely agree with the OP and the comments on the PDS! I don't race but I ride very technical and high speed trail. Makes me wonder if the three suspension investment I've made on my Berg 570 are the reason I am still not happy with it. Last re-work done by Factory Suspension and it's just not my '15 TE300 or my '16 FE350. I'm in love with the suspension FWIW to a new buyer.

yes I fully deconfigured my 4cs to zipty racing modded, but I have maintained that 90 percent of regular trail and even ammie MX riders will have no issue with the 4cs.
note also as stated many times no top tier pros use 4cs, none of the race teams use 4cs.
I maintain that it is a customer level suspension built for simplicity as well as production cost.

PS my deconfigured forks are due for service I just consulted with RaceTech Mike , and he said they have all new updated settings as well as hardware for my enduro machine, so most likely I will evolve into a race tech guy again.

So what "rider weight" (full gear) is max on stock 2016 te300? Im 175 dry body weight.

http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/te300-suspension.81780/page-3

I'v put 2.5 hrs on new 300 and way better than my 2010 WR 300. Doesn't deflect on roots n rocks anywhere as bad as what I had.
So far I'm very happy with the 4cs but I only tail ride and not race.

Get her the op n you won't have to ride tail anymore!

Glad u enjoying the new bike mate

Bloody prompt thing on iPad... Trail ride shrawry TRAIL
Still chasing tail but.

Haha I'm havin a huge Friday nite drinkin beer n watchin shitty TV. Jus wanted to get in before u edited it!

Yes same here very happy with the stock 2015 TE300 4CS forks. Im 60kg and about 63-65kg in full gear.