I have no idea but I'll post up in this thread so I can see what others have to say on the matter!

I have on old 2013 PDS 300 EXC! I would argue that sorting out the forks is worth doing.

 

The linkage bikes are a little more settled and handle repeated bumps a bit better but the PDS is more compliant over smaller chop. But how good you have to be for it to matter is beyond me. Maybe linkage is better on MX tracks but for enduro there's no real world difference I don't think.

I agree that PDS is much much more convenient to work on.

David Knight used to prefer the PDS apparently.

I have a Husky with a linkage because in theory it sits a little lower than the KTM.

 

I've always thought linkage shocks are probably better because my pds suspension has always been a bit pingy lol. Had it rebuilt yesterday with a bladder fitted so I'm keen to see how it handles tomorrow, although I'm only laning. It was hanging out of its arse though, bottomed out on the face of a jump last weekend, that was scary lol.

 

I was think about going out on the lanes on my bike, it will be the first time I've been out in ages. If you are on the lanes around Wokingham I might 'bump' into you! 😀

 

The only drama could be, a linkage can sit proud of the bottom of the bike and catch over a big log or similar? Hence PDS for enduro? Doing this sort of thing would be beyond my level of skill though…

 

I was at a talk with the TRF where a suspension guy (and ex KTM tech) was answering questions.
When asked about PDS his comment was that it suffers because of the need for an additional bushing to help stop the shock from folding due to the increased angles it operates through.

So linkage can be better but has more parts to maintain and means it usually sticks out the bottom a bit so can be more vulnerable.
Therefore linkage is preferred for MX due to better performance but PDS is preferred for enduro due to increased ground clearance.

 

My friend has got a new husky 300. It is the mutts nuts. Not being funny, but its better than a KTM. The linkage is not a problem over obstacles or anything like that and the linkage suspension is better than PDS.

Just put the plastic linkage protector on it. It will be fine. When you ride linkage over PDS its like riding an armchair in comparison.

 

PDS= better turning/agility. Less maintenance. Easy to remove shock. Properly set up absolutely no issues.

Linkage= lazier turning but arguably better on braking bumps if comparing stock shocks. More maintenance. A right ball ache! Linkage doesn’t catch if you keep your weight on the pegs, by pressing the bike down, the linkage goes up into the bike. I never found I needed and linkage protection on my husky or the beta.

I’d take a well set up PDS shock over linkage on an Austrian bike but I wouldn’t want the bike the shocks bolted to. On that basis it means linkage is what I’d choose as that is what beta use and is what I got😂.

 

We use the linkage one. But I do not see any problems running the skid plate one as well. Double protection

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No idea on handling etc, but my trials bike has linkage (gasser, 300 txt).

Like all chassis bits with bearings, even on a new bike, take it apart and grease it up and avoid pressure washing. Spray with GT85 after use/cleaning to see any water away.

More long term maintenance.

 

generally speaking I don't like PDS bikes (and I've had loads of them)
I find they can be nervous and like to headshake much easier in the high speed stuff.
big jump landings they seem more harsh.

as they are sat on their nose more they tend to turn better.

I stuck a ohlins on mine (and a trax on previous PDS bike) was mega. transformed the control, especially at higher speed.

stock vs stock I'd go linkage

 

That nervous non bump accepting things is the shock settings/spring/valving. It can be sorted but at significant cost.

Stock set up and linkage is better.

Watching Manni close up at Valleys Extreme and his PDS set up (totally unobtanium factory kit) was soaking up everything. It was sublime. He had half the square edge hits to deal with than others did. That’s huge. Watch a Jarvis video now he’s not a factory rider. His suspension is good but it doesn’t float over stuff like it did when he was the husky golden child.

The trax hybrid I had on my 200 exc was a British championship winning (not me!) shock. It was tweaked for me but it was amazing.

The bike always turned, never kicked or squirmed and felt like it never spun up the rear tyre no matter where you were. If all PDS were like that, nobody would piss about with linkage. Why would you? More maintenance, more parts, more factors in decent feedback. It’s just a lazier feel, this removes a lot of the issues straight away.

 

That nervous non bump accepting things is the shock settings/spring/valving. It can be sorted but at significant cost.

Stock set up and linkage is better.

Watching Manni close up at Valleys Extreme and his PDS set up (totally unobtanium factory kit) was soaking up everything. It was sublime. He had half the square edge hits to deal with than others did. That’s huge. Watch a Jarvis video now he’s not a factory rider. His suspension is good but it doesn’t float over stuff like it did when he was the husky golden child.

The trax hybrid I had on my 200 exc was a British championship winning (not me!) shock. It was tweaked for me but it was amazing.

The bike always turned, never kicked or squirmed and felt like it never spun up the rear tyre no matter where you were. If all PDS were like that, nobody would piss about with linkage. Why would you? More maintenance, more parts, more factors in decent feedback. It’s just a lazier feel, this removes a lot of the issues straight away.

"Watching Manni close up at Valleys Extreme and his PDS set up (totally unobtanium factory kit) was soaking up everything. It was sublime. He had half the square edge hits to deal with than others did. That’s huge."
Don't agree that is a lot more to do with the rider than anything, combination of throttle, breaking, weight distrbution, body gyro and no doubt a few things us wobblers have not even come across, I bet he could jump on any old wobblers bike and make it look almost as good as his. When he gets old and these skills fade ktm will not want to know him he is just a tool/investment to make there bikes look good.

 

I agree the PDS seems to have more ping when hitting bumps than linkage and does tend to send me places I don't want to go! The linkage seems to soak the bumps a lot better.
That being said a decent shock setup on the PDS will eliminate that, I just wish I had the money for a TRAXX shock.

 

I have to say. I have PDS and closed cartridge forks I believe because my bike is a 16 plate 300.

I can not recommend enough getting your suspension set up properly. I went to Chris (Dr Shox) and my bike now is a totally different bike. Its like riding on air in comparison. It just floats along. Get your suspension set up properly. It is worth every penny. When I spoke to Chris, Chris told me not to bother to invest in upgrade forks or shock and waste my money because after he had finished with them there would not be that much gain for the cost. And he was right. So much better. Mr PDS is really good. I can only imagine what a linkage setup would be like after he has worked his magic on the shock. If my PDS is this good. Linkage definitely responds better.