I sent my forks and shock to jeremy (mx-tech). They've been revalved and resprung (oem spring on the shock).
When I got them back, I wasn't terribly impressed. Began wondering why I'd spent so much money. Then I rode an unmodified kdx 200 on a section of trail back-to-back with the modified kdx. The oem suspension about scairt me to death!
The direct comparison allowed me to appreciate what I had!
I've since made some modifications to the valving (stack configuration) front and rear with mixed results. I'm still dinking with it.
I don't know why the brakes would need improvement. Mine have always been fine. After about 5 or so sets of pads on the rear I ended up replacing the disc. It's drilled, not slotted. I've read satisfied reports on solid rotors. I've used them before on other bikes and hated 'em! I have nothing positive to say about solid rotored brakes. I ended up drilling them myself!
Now THAT took a bit or two..........
Covered in another thread...but a btw on the reeds.
I realize that MT says the reeds will wear more on 'low'. I understand why this is so. I haven't run these on low for a long time, so can't say what that timeframe is.
I CAN say I've compared reeds between the radvalve and the MT (on hi) on two 200 kdxs that were ridden the same miles, the same 'style'. The MT reeds were perfect! The boyesen reeds were split, cracked, chipped, frayed and sprung. I've still got them sitting on the bench for a reminder. I couldn't believe how bad they were...how excellent the MT reeds were.
The rubber tips and the recessed fit of the petal on the MT product indeed makes a difference!
Respringing the front is a must! You'll appreciate a revalve, too.
As a race official once commented when I gave him a lift, 'Nice suspension.'
'Yes. It is,' I replied.
And so it is.
re: what to expect
The DFII had a much smoother, stronger, tractable, tactile pull on the bottom than the radvalve did. ...and that was with the reeds set to hi! Setting them to lo exacerbated the situation.
...and that's a good thing!