Cogent Dynamics DDC Kit (with Springs) Opinions

2645 Views 8 Replies 3 Participants Last post by OCL, 1 mo ago

OCL

I generally like my '21 XT's ride and handling on pavement, when the pavement is relatively smooth. No wallowing, plush ride, secure feel. But as soon as the surface gets rough, I mean rough pavement, and of course off road, things unravel quickly. The front suspension is my primary pain point. It gets really harsh and bottoms very quickly with big hits. The rear suspension seems to be fine most times though. Go figure.

So, I just ordered the front kit from Cogent. The kit comes complete with 5W oil, DDC, and .80 kg/mm spring for 150 to 270 lbs riders. I was only going to get the DDC, but Cogent recommended the springs to help alleviate my major complaints about the front end. Cogent believes the OEM springs are Progressive Rate so it's compliant at first but quickly gets harsh as it nears the end of its travel.

Rear shock is stock. I'm on a tight budget. Generally happy with the rear shock.

Anyone do this upgrade using stock rear shock? No issues with imbalanced feel?

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TinMan88

· #2 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

This riding area is just minutes away from my home. It is an opinion of new cogent system install from a seemingly happy customer. Popped up on youtube.

edit: I have ridden, raced and actually built some of these trails, dating back to 1975.
The area is called Walker Valley. E.SE from Mt Vernon Wa.

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OCL

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

Thank you. I have no doubt the goodness of the Cogent product. I've never heard of anyone with buyer's remorse, always praise.

My concern is having unbalanced feel since I'm increasing the spring rate of the stock forks but leaving the rear shock alone. I guess it's already unbalanced from the factory.

Stock bike, the front forks always felt more plush than the rear until it hits something big then it feels harsher than the rear. Go figure.

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TinMan88

· #4 · 2 mo ago

OCL said:
Thank you. I have no doubt the goodness of the Cogent product. I've never heard of anyone with buyer's remorse, always praise.

My concern is having unbalanced feel since I'm increasing the spring rate of the stock forks but leaving the rear shock alone. I guess it's already unbalanced from the factory. Stock bike, the front forks always felt more plush than the rear until it hits something big then it feels harsher than the rear. Go figure.

That would be like a hydraulic lock, needs more flow.

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OCL

Discussion Starter · #5 · 2 mo ago

TinMan88 said:
That would be like a hydraulic lock, needs more flow.

Do you mean faster damping?

Cogent stated the bike comes with progressive rate front springs, which is why it feels initially plush, then gets stiffer very quickly due to the limited travel. This results in harshness near the top of its travel, which transmits that towards the rider via the Handlebars. These are exactly what I'm feeling and complaining about its forks. In addition, when hitting smaller bumps, the front feels more compliant than the rear. But the rear feels like it can take bigger hits well because it is able to dampen those big hits. Tough to explain what I'm feeling when I ride the bike.

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TinMan88

· #6 · 2 mo ago

In general terms the compression circuit has to help hold the bike up in the stroke and pass fluid on a sharp hit to retain control. Some manufacturers prefer to set the compression high but with a lighter spring. Terrain also makes a big impact on what it feels like to the rider - and a moving target for the manufacturer. If I have an adjustable suspension to work with I prefer a stiffer spring with as little damping as needed for both comp & rebound allowing the chassis to ride atop the spring rate and provide more overall movement. Suzuki does not grant us this option so more interface with a qualified suspension specialist will get that setting built in to the unit. Dialogue and communication is key here, especially if the shop has limited experience in your terrain and velocity. Example. I sent a set off to Race Tech in california and it worked great - reflecting their testing terrain and speed. say powerline racing. If you watched the video you can see the tighter terrain I rode in. There is waay more development these days, but you will still hear of the result obtained by one builder being different than another.

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OCL

Discussion Starter · #7 · 1 mo ago

Installed the Cogent Dynamics DDC front fork kit on my '21 650 XT. Got to test it out on a very bumpy, twisty, mountain road, as well as a rutty trail that had me crossing over a number of relatively deep ruts.

The stock springs on the bike were Progressive Rates. I really don't like the way they feel. They are initially plush, but quickly get harsh as you use up the travel. That harshness is transmitted directly to the handlebars. With the Cogent Front Fork Kit, wow! Damn! What a difference. It's a bit firmer initially, but that firmness does not transmit any harshness to the handlebars at all. Brake dive is eliminated. Improving aggressive twisty road handling. Off road, the front fork no longer bottoms! Amazing! I'm sure I can get it to bottom but it is so much more resistant to doing it and the feel at the handlebars in rough pavement and off road terrain is amazing. It's not quite plush feeling, but it's approaching that. It makes riding in rough terrain more of a pleasure now, instead of a what feels to me like "walking on eggshells" as I never know when the front end is going to whack something and bottom out.

Unfortunately, I'm still stuck with the rear shock. Which feels ok for the most part. It doesn't feel as harsh as the front forks in stock form.

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YevZak

· #8 · 1 mo ago

On my 2018, the rear shock is so stiff I'd probably do what you're doing too. (just fix the front).
My preload is all the way out on my rear, and it still doesn't sag to spec when I sit on it.

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OCL

Discussion Starter · #9 · 1 mo ago (Edited)

YevZak said:
On my 2018, the rear shock is so stiff I'd probably do what you're doing too. (just fix the front).
My preload is all the way out on my rear, and it still doesn't sag to spec when I sit on it.

I get sag at the rear with my stock shock. But if I add more than one "click" of preload from the factory setting, the shock gets harsh quickly.

DMr Performance and Sasquatch will take your stock rear shock and rebuild/revalve with spring that matches your load. I think F&R set up can be done for $700. Which is a deal! I believe Cogent will do my rear shock ONLY for $500. I'll have to say, one does get spoiled quick with good suspension.

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