EXPLAINED: WP XACT FORK MODS FOR 2026

When information about KTM’s and Husky’s 2026-model enduro bikes was first revealed a year ago, no one was expecting to see much more than some bold new graphics on these machines. After all, the KTM Group was still coming off the back of its high-profile financial turmoil and lengthy restructuring process – which had caused significant disruptions to their production line – and sweeping mods to their 2026 bikes was the last thing anyone expected.

Admittedly, KTM’s PR last year did note that, “The 2026 Enduro range brings significant suspension upgrades with the tried-and-tested 48mm WP XACT Closed-Cartridge fork receiving new damping settings and new, lighter, shorter springs, as well as a reworked pressure reservoir that has been adapted with revised geometry of the spring support.” There was also brief mention of a new one-piece hydro stop and overall weight-saving of 200 grams. But somehow, everyone (us included) seemed to overlook just how significant these mods were. In fact, it was only through our subsequent conversations with Authorised WP Dealers that the penny dropped for us, and back-to-back comparisons between 2025 and 2026-model KTMs confirmed it. The 2026 WP XACT fork – already a damn good thing on the 2024 and 2025 models – has clearly taken a substantial step forward for 2026.

So, to better get our heads around the specifics of these WP XACT fork mods, and how they’re intended to translate into a better suspension package for KTM/Husqvarna’s 2026 (and 2027) models, we swung by KTM Australia’s HQ for a chat with the KTM Group’s technical guru, Rob Twyerould…