Most EXPENSIVE vs STOCK Dirt Bike Forks | WP Cone Valve

Can you tell the difference between forks that cost about $3500 and the stock forks on your KTM? I've wondered this in the past. Today, I'm looking into this question. I'm testing the WP Cone Valve forks agains the stock WP AER XACT forks on my 2022 KTM 250XC.

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[robg]

I also discovered that better suspension is definitely important for rider fatigue. Can make a big difference feeling wiped out versus a good day of riding.

[waylon]

I've had several friends run the cone valves & ditch them for the cheaper dal soggio sphere kit from Stillwell. I went straight to the spheres & they're freaking awesome. Recently went to Colorado & they're unbelievable. To be clear, not knocking the cones, but have confirmed what 6 others have recommended

[Bimmere]

I own a set of cone valves and traxx shock, and the thing about the cone valves, in order for you to get optimal performance it has to be Taylored to you… taking a generic setting or a setting that’s not for you it will feel better, but it won’t be perfect

[ChrisHornerCycling]

Congrats Kyle on your decision to finally upgrade. Often when I see your videos and then head out for a ride on my KTM with custom suspension, I'm thinking, so glad I'm not riding a stock bike like Kyle is right now. But, I will say that the new 23's from KTM have finally got ok suspension.

[jayeye]

The intensity and type of riding is directly related to the noticeable differences. Its been my experience that the stock forks are for massive race worthy hits...like big air and hard landings. The revalved forks that I ride would probably not do so well in motocross situation, but on single track and gnarly technical terrain they're a dream and my wrists and shoulders are grateful.

[carlatamanczyk]

KYB forks with trail valving should be on every dirt bike used on nasty trails. Just my own experience and opinion.

[wesc]

You know Kyle, you made a excellent point at the end of the video. Your not buying them for one bike, but can be used on the next few., ( As long as they don't change much) that got me very interested in up grading too.

[CurtisBrandt]

I appreciate and agree with Kyle’s comments that even small improvements add up over a long ride or race. I had my AER forks revalved by a local shop and the improvement over sharp impacts really helped save energy and let me grip the bars looser. Big difference over a 100 mi race. I’d love to try the cone valves, they sound appreciably better!

[idngeqh]

I had a Traxx rear shock on one of my past bikes, and it really was amazing. And I don't know anything. Now I have Ohlins TTX on my bike, and I have to say - I am a believer in great suspension. It really makes a difference.

[trench]

Kyle thanks for posting this and taking the time to start these discussions! Ive tried pretty much every setup and brand out there: setup (valving/ spring rate) are far more important than any brand of fork. So many videos claiming "cone valves" are this magical unicorn that will forgive all sins is like saying "I'm putting KYB's on my bike and they will transform my riding." The marketing and myth behind "cone valves" rivals Tiffany's diamonds. When people spend 5k on suspension they are much more likely to sing praises rather than acknowledge they aren't perfect - this doesn't help those researching choices. Personally I think the 6500's or KYB's are better than the CV's. Please spend some time with a competent tuner or two and have a detailed conversation on what exactly you want and how skilled you are. You won't do yourself any favors upgrading your skills for the tuner. "I want to roar over rock gardens and land from three story buildings" isn't realistic, suspension is a compromise. One final note: the air pressure specs on the AER's are there for a reason. Dropping air pressure to soften compliance places the fork in a different position and can result in an unbalanced bike and harsher feel (the square edge reference in the video perhaps) once the speeds pick up. It's like changing two or three spring rates on a spring fork. If you get too far out of range with clicker experimentation return to baseline settings and start over changing one variable at a time. I personally like a slower rebound on the AER's but you may or may not. Don't be afraid to experiment with big adjustments until you can feel it. If you like the lower pressure more power to ya but it isn't without consequences. I hope this helps; I borrowed a lot of these points from lots of mistakes and many experienced people who helped me over the years. Happy riding/ racing!

[justinstephens]

My Kreft full kit, front and rear, is amazing. Couldn't be happier.

[polaridoo]

I have found that even a basic fork service with revalve makes a big difference. I now consider a revalve mandatory on any bike I buy regardless of brand.

[SM-yqig]

Suspension is absolutely critical! Number one modification!

But don’t drink the coolaid.. don’t buy a set of CV .. save the money, get a set of WP 6500’s, luckys, or ravens, KYB etc..

What you are feeling and talking about is the difference in a well set up spring fork vs a air fork and not switching the shock will drastically change how the fork works. So still running the super Trax with the aer.

[MichaelAbramo]

I rode a friends cone valves for like 5 minutes in some ultra rocky singletrack. The difference was immediately noticeable - and I ride a YZ with KYBs which are set up just about perfectly for me.

[jesseleblanc]

Please compare the cone valve to a WP fork with springs. We basically need a spring to spring comparison to cover all of the options. The XCWs use springs in the forks.

[tomzr]

It's the valving setup in these particular cone valve forks that makes the difference, not just because they are "cone valve" forks. compared to stock aer xc forks, almost any fork can be made to feel alot better than aer with custom valving. The aer forks can be revalved to feel much better in the rocks, and with just a gold valve kit they feel really good, and add in a spring conversion and they are even better, then they are pretty good and much cheaper than cone valves, for anyone looking for a good cheaper improvement.

[ged]

Great review!
I get it... but.
I'm an old guy (56) that have been riding for a looong time and have been through many good and bad fork setups. Currently have a '20 TX300I with the factory XACT air forks. I hated them at first until I dropped the air pressure down to 120. No more issues...keep in mind I am 56yo and have slowed down some...lol...my 2cents.😁

[mpichon]

2.5 wt oil at 175 ml an added no float midspeed valve and light base valving on the aer and low pressure at 105 to 108 .
#55 drill hole on the rebound side for free bleed.
Way better then cones for no money

[kirkdunn]

I had an ohlins setup on 2 japanese and 1 KTM and they were pretty friggen than a revalve on stock was for MX and GPs

It was about 2k for inserts and shock,

They were pretty amazing piece of suspension

[blacklight]

Lower stiction is what you're paying through the nose for. Translates into better ride and better traction via quicker initial response to bumps and holes.