ALL-NEW CLOSED-CARTRIDGE FORK FOR KTM’S 2024 XC MODELS!

Ever since KTM first fitted WP’s air-sprung fork to their motocross and cross-country models in 2016, the Austrian brand’s MX and XC ranges have both come with this same air fork – now referred to as the “WP XACT fork, with AER technology”. And that has made perfect sense because KTM’s cross-country bikes have always been much more heavily based on their MX-model counterparts (including the MX-spec frames and rising-rate shock linkage) than they have on the PDS-equipped enduro models.

All of which makes it very interesting to see that KTM’s just-unveiled 2024-model XC range will no longer come with this WP XACT air-sprung fork (though that air fork will remain on KTM’s 2024 MXers). Instead, KTM’s 2024 XC and XC-F cross-country models will get an all-new WP XACT Closed-Cartridge fork – which is coil-sprung, not air-sprung! And that is both big and unanticipated news!

At this stage, both KTM and WP (which is owned by KTM) have remained uber tight-lipped about details of this WP XACT Closed-Cartridge fork. And a complete lack of any close-up imagery of this new WP fork hasn’t helped shed any light on the matter, either.

So, is this new Closed-Cartridge fork a production version of the WP XACT Pro 6500 Cartridge Kit fork that was released by WP a couple of years back as a premium but affordable performance upgrade for KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS enduro models? It’s hard to tell. All we can say at this stage is that the WP XACT Closed-Cartridge fork promises a step up in performance compared with the open-cartridge WP XPLOR fork that KTM’s enduro range has run since 2017. That, and the fact this all-new Closed-Cartridge fork clearly spearheads the otherwise minimal upgrades found on KTM’s 2024 XC range of bikes.

Here’s an excerpt from KTM’s PR, detailing the changes to their 2024 XC and XC-F machines, which will be available from KTM dealers in Oz and NZ from June, 2023…

2024 XC MODELS: OVERVIEW

With almost a decade’s worth of back-to-back championships, KTM is no stranger to winning premier cross-country racing titles. For 2024, the KTM XC and XC-F range is set to continue that trend with a line-up of precision machines built to deliver trophies.

At the top of the range, the KTM 450XC-F dominates the four-stroke stable, with the equally impressive KTM 350XC-F and KTM 250XC-F rounding off the line-up. These are flanked by two-stroke models, namely the KTM 250XC and the new open-class contender, the KTM 300XC, while the KTM 125XC will be available for the New Zealand market.

All 2024 XC and XC-F models benefit from Electronic Fuel Injection, along with a map select switch as standard, while the four-stroke XC-F range gets additional Traction Control, Launch Control, and Quickshifter features.

2024 XC MODELS: SUSPENSION

The biggest improvement to the 2024 KTM XC and XC-F range comes by way of the suspension. Up front, an all-new WP XACT Closed-Cartridge fork provides faster and more consistent damping characteristics, thanks to a new mid-valve piston concept that optimises the oil flow within the cartridge. This set-up avoids unwanted foaming of oil, which can lead to an unwanted change of damping characteristics and less consistent damping behaviour.

This is further improved with a new hydro-stop in the last 68mm of the stroke, which aids in maintaining maximum reserves in extreme riding situations. Revised fork protection rings also provide increased protection against dirt intrusion for improved reliability. The new WP XACT Closed-Cartridge fork retains its 48mm diameter, while the total length is now 940mm, and the total stroke now has 300mm travel.

On the rear, the WP XACT rear shock provides advanced damping characteristics for unsurpassed traction and energy absorption. It also features less overall length and less weight compared to the previous generation while keeping the suspension travel unchanged with 300mm.

From an adjustability standpoint, both ends feature easy-to-use hand clickers that allow riders to change settings on the fly without needing any special tools.

The 2024 KTM cross-country range of motorcycles is a confidence-inspiring line-up catering to riders at any level. With dramatically improved handling characteristics, easy suspension adjustment, and the very latest in dirt bike technology, the 2024 KTM XC and XC-F range sets the standard when it comes to competitive cross-country racing.

The all-new 2024 KTM XC and XC-F range will be available at authorised KTM dealers in Australia and New Zealand from June, 2023. Prices are yet to be confirmed.