TECH INSIGHT: WP’S ALL-NEW PRELOAD ADJUSTER SET

When we recently back-to-backed two Husky FE350s – one in standard trim and one fitted with the latest fork and shock upgrade kits from WP Pro Components – it really reinforced just how much better WP’s new closed-cartridge XACT CC fork behaves compared with its open-cartridge predecessor (WP’s XPLOR fork). Sure, fitting WP’s 7500 Cartridge upgrade kit makes this new CC fork even more impressive for faster riders, but WP’s standard XACT CC fork (the first closed-cartridge fork to ever be fitted to a Husky or KTM enduro model) wasn’t far behind it. In fact, since the XACT CC fork’s first appearance on the 2024 enduro range from Husky and Kato, the thing has proven to be very capable across a wide operating window; delivering a surefooted, predictable and well-balanced ride.

Interestingly, the XACT CC fork can now be fitted with WP’s all-new Preload Adjuster Set – a WP Pro Component upgrade that, for 500-odd bucks, gives this fork a whole new level of tuneability. How so? And what is this component exactly? Well, it does more than just add or subtract preload. The tool-free external adjuster allows you to alter the preload on the base valve’s pressure spring (which sits on top of the base valve inside the cartridge) rather than the main fork springs themselves. And the benefit of this is that you can now adjust the front-to-rear balance of the chassis without affecting the plushness of the fork’s ride over small bumps. In other words, WP’s Preload Adjuster Set opens up trackside adjustment options for riders, and a whole new level of adjustability for suspension tuners (remember that this pressure spring preload adjustment isn’t available on any other WP off-road fork, including the top-of-the-line $5000 WP Cone Valve fork!).

We’ve just fitted a WP Preload Adjuster Set to our KTM 500EXC-F long-term project bike and look forward to bringing you some feedback about our experience with it in the coming months. Meantime, tune in to Authorised WP dealer, On Point Suspension’s Stel Liakopoulos, as he explains how this new Preload Adjuster Set promises to unleash a new level of tuneability for WP’s XACT CC fork – tuneability for both riders and suspension tuners!...