KTM Australia press release:

The latest in WP Suspension technology has proven a winning package in the 2018 New Zealand Motocross Championship, with Kirk Gibbs and Hamish Harwood capturing the MX1 and MX2 titles respectively.

Both equipped with the newly-introduced WP 48mm Cone Valve fork and Trax Link shock absorber, CML KTM Racing duo Gibbs (KTM 450 SX-F) and Harwood (KTM 250 SX) were crowned following four intensive rounds of fast-paced competition.

WP Suspension-supported race teams have transitioned to the Cone Valve and Trax systems for the 2018 season, with both Gibbs – who leads KTM Motocross Racing Team’s MX Nationals effort in Australia – and Kiwi talent Harwood swiftly adapting to the winning combination.

The WP 48mm Cone Valve fork features a unique valving system that permits almost limitless damping performance, providing a significant balance between sufficient comfort and bottoming resistance. It is lightweight in construction with a high-quality coating, offering increased comfort in a competition environment.

All adjustments are made externally, while a reduced sealing surface results in a minimised drop in pressure after the valve opens.

In addition, the WP Trax Link shock absorber is the most innovative system on the market. Extremely compact and successfully implemented by KTM Factory Racing internationally with multiple world championships, it has been developed to reduce time from between bumps and when riders can accelerate.

The bike rides higher in the stroke, effectively minimising the suspension ‘packing down’ and increasing rear wheel traction.

WP Suspension products are now distributed locally by KTM Group Australia, with Authorised Centres currently being established to sell and service both WP OEM equipment and Pro Components parts throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Further details on the products can be sourced via: http://www.wp-group.com/

KIRK GIBBS
“It’s been a smooth transition to the new WP 48mm Cone Valve fork and we had a pretty short turnaround with it before racing in New Zealand. We did a setting and were reasonably happy straight away, fine-tuned them from there within a day, so to achieve that and feel so comfortable right away was really positive. I definitely had no complaints, especially in NZ where the tracks get super-rough. Paired with the Trax shock, it’s a great combination and, again, it was pretty easy for me as a rider. The base setting was good and we went from there, so I feel right at home with the package we’re using. I’m looking forward to kicking the season off at home now, because we’ve definitely headed in the right direction.”

HAMISH HARWOOD
“The WP 48mm Cone Valve fork combined with the Trax shock is by far the best suspension I’ve ever had. I really like how you can get them to feel plush on small bumps, but they also still hold up on the big hits, so it’s a good feeling. They were relatively easy to set up for me, it didn’t take too long and we made the changes to dial it in specifically for my riding. It is a good feeling to win the MX2 championship again, I’m feeling
really good on the bike and am enjoying it, so now I’m looking forward to Australia again this year.”

Further Details on www.wp-group.com