MXA TEAM TESTED: LUXON MX GEN2 SPLIT TRIPLE CLAMPS

WHAT IS IT? The Luxon MX Gen2 triple clamps for KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas are lighter and stronger than the stock triple clamps. The Luxon MX clamps come with the stock 22mm offset and the ability to use the stock bar mounts; however, we used the Luxon MX anti-twist bar mounts for this test.  

WHAT’S IT COST? $799.95 (triple clamps), $989.95 (with Luxon bar mounts).

CONTACT? www.luxonmx.com or (858) 586-1100.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Luxon MX Gen2 split triple clamps.

(1) Back story.  Luxon MX is a small branch of a larger manufacturing company that is unrelated to the motorcycle industry. Operating alongside a larger general engineering company, Luxon is able to use high-end technology that is unaffordable to small shops. Luxon borrows topology optimization software from its parent company to determine where to eliminate material to make the clamps lighter and where to add material to make the clamps stronger. The software and computer budget is over $50,000 and it’s the same software used by NASA, Formula One teams and aerospace manufacturers.  

(2) Concept. After conducting tests in its lab, Luxon MX claims that the stock KTM/Husky clamps are soft and flexible, leaving room for improvement. Luxon’s clamps are stiffer in torsion for precise steering, stiffer vertically to maintain fork alignment and more flexible longitudinally. They are close to stock in lateral flex to maintain comfort over bumps. In total, they are 18 grams (a 1/2 ounce) lighter than the stock clamps. 

(3) Flex. Surprisingly, fork flex can be a positive or negative trait. If a bottom triple clamp is too stiff, it won’t flex enough and will create a pivot point where the forks will flex. This hinders the internal suspension pieces from working naturally and creates a harsh feel at the front end. The split triple clamp design on the bottom clamp (along with lighter torque specs) helps the clamp to move with the fork legs easier to ensure proper response. 

(4) Stock performance. KTM and Husky use the same CNC-machined clamps, while GasGas uses forged aluminum triple clamps. On the track, the CNC-machined clamps feel precise and predictable, and test riders didn’t feel like they were harsh at any point, until we rode with them back to back with the GasGas clamps, which are more flexible. The GasGas clamps actually felt more comfortable over the bumps but vague in corners. That vague feeling comes from the clamps flexing too much torsionally, allowing the front end to understeer at turn-in. 

(5) Luxon performance. The MXA test riders felt that the Luxon MX clamps improved comfort when hitting braking bumps (similar to the GasGas clamps) yet didn’t sacrifice precision in corners (like the KTM clamps). Our testers thought the front end felt better with the Luxon split clamps. It was the best of both worlds.

(6) Torque specs. Luxon MX uses grade-5 titanium bolts, and these require anti-seize to reduce galling. With the reduced friction, the torque spec no longer matches the torque specs of a bolt going into an aluminum thread without anti-seize. Therefore, Luxon’s torque specs are lower than stock, requiring 12 N/mm on the top triple clamp and 8 N/mm on the bottom. KTM’s stock spec is 20 N/mm top and 15 N/mm bottom.

 

(7) Extra parts. The stock KTM bar mounts twist far too easily in a tip-over. The Luxon MX bar mounts are much stronger. They cost $189.95 and come with the stock rubber KTM cones. Additionally, you can purchase 4mm bar mount risers ($24.95) or 10mm risers ($69.95). 

(8) Options. Luxon offers black, orange, blue, red or silver anodizing. 

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? The Luxon MX KTM clamps come with a Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) mount machined in. To use the clamp without the HDSD damper, we had to Dremel a small piece of plastic out of the front fender. It’s a nuisance for anyone who doesn’t use a Honda steering damper.  

MXA RATING: The Luxon MX clamps lived up to their claims. They increased strength and comfort while maintaining the same weight as stock. Best of all, for a GasGas racer, they improve corner accuracy at turn-in while still offering a plush ride.