New WP XACT Pro 6500 Cartridges

Brent
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11/12/2022 2:44pm
Who setup your cone valves?
Mark Johnson
REP
erik_94COBRA
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11/12/2022 7:21pm
Who setup your cone valves?
Brent wrote:
Mark Johnson
REP
Interesting. And the inserts are more comfortable than the CV? Any area in particular they are better?

I have an older set of WP CC forks that are great. The same tuner with the CV and they aren’t as good. The WPCC internally are similar to the new inserts.
chump6784
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11/12/2022 8:46pm
The guy who does my suspension is selling a tonne of these and reckons they are worth every cent, he has nearly gotten to the point where he won't revalve a standard air fork and just recommends these inserts straight up
2
Spooner
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11/13/2022 6:58am
What is the going rate for these installed?

The Shop

swordfish
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11/13/2022 8:48am
Spooner wrote:
What is the going rate for these installed?
MSRP is $1299. Install is a breeze. Many guys will revalve as part of the sale. They do not come with springs.
1
soggy
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11/13/2022 12:16pm
Spooner wrote:
What is the going rate for these installed?
swordfish wrote:
MSRP is $1299. Install is a breeze. Many guys will revalve as part of the sale. They do not come with springs.
Add a couple hundred more if you have a 2020 or older for new lugs I believe
1
11/14/2022 4:20pm
What spring rates would you recommend for the XACT 6500 cartrodges and stock shock for 69kg rider (without gear)?
Brent
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11/14/2022 9:08pm
Interesting. And the inserts are more comfortable than the CV? Any area in particular they are better? I have an older set of WP CC forks...
Interesting. And the inserts are more comfortable than the CV? Any area in particular they are better?

I have an older set of WP CC forks that are great. The same tuner with the CV and they aren’t as good. The WPCC internally are similar to the new inserts.
For me, the inserts give me more comfort than my WP XACT PRO 7548 in the initial stroke and I can run a lower oil height and heavier spring to lessen the mid-stroke harshness I tend to get with the Cone valve fork on choppy tracks like Glen Helen.

I took the insert fork with me to NL this past summer to ride with - some of the faster EMX guys that tried it said they liked the insert fork better than their KYB setup from Technical Touch.





4
Ob917
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11/15/2022 7:31pm
My CVs are incredible, my buddies suck balls big time. You can’t compare an insert against a full on A kit fork. But you sure can fuck up the settings on either. And I also expect you can get a good or great setting on these inserts.
1
11/15/2022 7:54pm
Ob917 wrote:
My CVs are incredible, my buddies suck balls big time. You can’t compare an insert against a full on A kit fork. But you sure can...
My CVs are incredible, my buddies suck balls big time. You can’t compare an insert against a full on A kit fork. But you sure can fuck up the settings on either. And I also expect you can get a good or great setting on these inserts.
#FACTS
4
11/16/2022 6:59am Edited Date/Time 11/16/2022 7:01am
These are great. They are essentially the same cartridge as a Pro Component Cone Valve with a mid valve piston and shim setup instead of the aluminum cones. In my opinion the biggest difference in comfort is the fact you are still using a stock AER/Xact outer tube and fork lugs. The billet lugs and substantial upper tubes on the Cone Valve kit forks are quite stiff in comparison. Your are essentially getting the performance and consistency of the twin chamber cartridges in the more comfortable outer tube and lug combination. I have built quite a few sets of both and all the feedback has been positive on the 6500 kit vs the conevalve. For some fun I even did a mid valve conversion on a Cone Valve fork and ran the exact same valving/springs in a 6500 and Pro Component fork. It was a very noticeable difference in small bump/square edge comfort using the stock tubes and the 6500s. This is the best combination for the everyday rider and even on outdoors I would argue it is better for the fast pros. I always get a kick out of older slow vet riders with the Cone Valves. SX/AX at a pro level the Pro Component tubes are great when the riders can push the flex to a point where some additional stiffness is a benefit.
7
Ob917
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11/16/2022 7:57am
I’ve also heard from team people the newest CV tubes are overly stiff
wrc777
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Fantasy
11/16/2022 8:03am
Ob917 wrote:
I’ve also heard from team people the newest CV tubes are overly stiff
Musquin and Plessinger used the stock forks outdoors on the new frame. Makes sense stiffer frame can use softer forks.
1
erik_94COBRA
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11/16/2022 10:31am
These are great. They are essentially the same cartridge as a Pro Component Cone Valve with a mid valve piston and shim setup instead of the...
These are great. They are essentially the same cartridge as a Pro Component Cone Valve with a mid valve piston and shim setup instead of the aluminum cones. In my opinion the biggest difference in comfort is the fact you are still using a stock AER/Xact outer tube and fork lugs. The billet lugs and substantial upper tubes on the Cone Valve kit forks are quite stiff in comparison. Your are essentially getting the performance and consistency of the twin chamber cartridges in the more comfortable outer tube and lug combination. I have built quite a few sets of both and all the feedback has been positive on the 6500 kit vs the conevalve. For some fun I even did a mid valve conversion on a Cone Valve fork and ran the exact same valving/springs in a 6500 and Pro Component fork. It was a very noticeable difference in small bump/square edge comfort using the stock tubes and the 6500s. This is the best combination for the everyday rider and even on outdoors I would argue it is better for the fast pros. I always get a kick out of older slow vet riders with the Cone Valves. SX/AX at a pro level the Pro Component tubes are great when the riders can push the flex to a point where some additional stiffness is a benefit.
Very interesting post. This matches my experience almost exactly.

Do you know the wall thickness difference of the CV outer tubes vs. other WP forks?
TDags
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11/16/2022 11:10am Edited Date/Time 11/16/2022 1:47pm
I’ve ran the KYB inserts for the last 2 years and was convinced they couldn’t be beat, even against kit forks and cone valves. I recently went back to back with 6500s dialled in and they were just as good with a slight traction advantage over the KYB. MX and off-road. Well worth it IMO.
7
12/3/2022 2:48pm

Im torn between the kyb and 6500. Obviously the kyb is a few hundred dollars more, but is it worth it? Ive been a yamaha guy for the past year and a half, so thats what sways me to the kyb inserts. I still have my 21 yz450 to go with my 22 350sxf. 

You can order the 6500 kit from a tuner with springs and a revalve for under $2000 depending on shipping cost. Then if your capable enough you can do the install yourself. The KYB route is a little more complicated as most tuners ive talked to want to do the install themselves and wont sell it as a DIY kit, for quality reasons which I understand 100%. 

JBI suspension has me really thinking about these 6500's. Then I talk to a few suspension guys near me who sell both and they recommend the kyb which sways me back to kyb.

 

Broseph
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12/3/2022 3:07pm
Im torn between the kyb and 6500. Obviously the kyb is a few hundred dollars more, but is it worth it? Ive been a yamaha guy...

Im torn between the kyb and 6500. Obviously the kyb is a few hundred dollars more, but is it worth it? Ive been a yamaha guy for the past year and a half, so thats what sways me to the kyb inserts. I still have my 21 yz450 to go with my 22 350sxf. 

You can order the 6500 kit from a tuner with springs and a revalve for under $2000 depending on shipping cost. Then if your capable enough you can do the install yourself. The KYB route is a little more complicated as most tuners ive talked to want to do the install themselves and wont sell it as a DIY kit, for quality reasons which I understand 100%. 

JBI suspension has me really thinking about these 6500's. Then I talk to a few suspension guys near me who sell both and they recommend the kyb which sways me back to kyb.

 

The 6500s go for $1200-$1300 or so. Not sure why you’d pay to revalve them right away. They’re really good as-is and a steal compared to every other closed cartridge system on the market. 

1
NeedMoto
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Penn Valley, CA US
12/3/2022 3:39pm
Im torn between the kyb and 6500. Obviously the kyb is a few hundred dollars more, but is it worth it? Ive been a yamaha guy...

Im torn between the kyb and 6500. Obviously the kyb is a few hundred dollars more, but is it worth it? Ive been a yamaha guy for the past year and a half, so thats what sways me to the kyb inserts. I still have my 21 yz450 to go with my 22 350sxf. 

You can order the 6500 kit from a tuner with springs and a revalve for under $2000 depending on shipping cost. Then if your capable enough you can do the install yourself. The KYB route is a little more complicated as most tuners ive talked to want to do the install themselves and wont sell it as a DIY kit, for quality reasons which I understand 100%. 

JBI suspension has me really thinking about these 6500's. Then I talk to a few suspension guys near me who sell both and they recommend the kyb which sways me back to kyb.

 

I had JBI install my KYB inserts a few weeks ago, including changing my lugs on my 23 KTM 350 SX. They work excellent!

I needed springs. He had a set that was pulled out of another KYB fork, zero hours they were new. He only charged me $60.00

He also re-valved my rear shock.

With all the above said work, great quality and superb customer service, total price including shipping was just a tick over $600.00

That said... he's been doing alot of testing with the WP 6500 cartridges, I'm certain those would be excellent as well.

 

1
12/3/2022 4:50pm
Im torn between the kyb and 6500. Obviously the kyb is a few hundred dollars more, but is it worth it? Ive been a yamaha guy...

Im torn between the kyb and 6500. Obviously the kyb is a few hundred dollars more, but is it worth it? Ive been a yamaha guy for the past year and a half, so thats what sways me to the kyb inserts. I still have my 21 yz450 to go with my 22 350sxf. 

You can order the 6500 kit from a tuner with springs and a revalve for under $2000 depending on shipping cost. Then if your capable enough you can do the install yourself. The KYB route is a little more complicated as most tuners ive talked to want to do the install themselves and wont sell it as a DIY kit, for quality reasons which I understand 100%. 

JBI suspension has me really thinking about these 6500's. Then I talk to a few suspension guys near me who sell both and they recommend the kyb which sways me back to kyb.

 

Broseph wrote:
The 6500s go for $1200-$1300 or so. Not sure why you’d pay to revalve them right away. They’re really good as-is and a steal compared to...

The 6500s go for $1200-$1300 or so. Not sure why you’d pay to revalve them right away. They’re really good as-is and a steal compared to every other closed cartridge system on the market. 

Im a little heavier than your average rider lol. Im 6'-1 and 285lb. I highly doubt im in range for what those forks are setup for hence the reason I need a revalve no matter which option I go with.

Hammer 663s
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12/3/2022 5:08pm
NeedMoto wrote:
I had JBI install my KYB inserts a few weeks ago, including changing my lugs on my 23 KTM 350 SX. They work excellent! I needed...

I had JBI install my KYB inserts a few weeks ago, including changing my lugs on my 23 KTM 350 SX. They work excellent!

I needed springs. He had a set that was pulled out of another KYB fork, zero hours they were new. He only charged me $60.00

He also re-valved my rear shock.

With all the above said work, great quality and superb customer service, total price including shipping was just a tick over $600.00

That said... he's been doing alot of testing with the WP 6500 cartridges, I'm certain those would be excellent as well.

 

JB Covington at JBI is excellent. We are on our 3rd set of stuff from him. Excellent communication and quality service. I'd love to try the 6500s but I like the Lucky setup. JB said he just got a new guy on staff, full time, that spent years at Pro Circuit, and he's really happy with the quality they are producing since. We had PC stuff on our Supermini and it was game changing for my son. JBI has been just as good on our Austrian bikes. One AER, on Lucky conversion. Both were spot on as delivered. 

1
swordfish
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12/4/2022 3:57am
Im torn between the kyb and 6500. Obviously the kyb is a few hundred dollars more, but is it worth it? Ive been a yamaha guy...

Im torn between the kyb and 6500. Obviously the kyb is a few hundred dollars more, but is it worth it? Ive been a yamaha guy for the past year and a half, so thats what sways me to the kyb inserts. I still have my 21 yz450 to go with my 22 350sxf. 

You can order the 6500 kit from a tuner with springs and a revalve for under $2000 depending on shipping cost. Then if your capable enough you can do the install yourself. The KYB route is a little more complicated as most tuners ive talked to want to do the install themselves and wont sell it as a DIY kit, for quality reasons which I understand 100%. 

JBI suspension has me really thinking about these 6500's. Then I talk to a few suspension guys near me who sell both and they recommend the kyb which sways me back to kyb.

 

Broseph wrote:
The 6500s go for $1200-$1300 or so. Not sure why you’d pay to revalve them right away. They’re really good as-is and a steal compared to...

The 6500s go for $1200-$1300 or so. Not sure why you’d pay to revalve them right away. They’re really good as-is and a steal compared to every other closed cartridge system on the market. 

Just helped my buddy install a set. 
it was a joke how easy it went. Once the forks were off it took about 15 min per side. In hindsight I would have spent the extra $300 US for the 6500’s over my Luckies. 
The $6500’s are easily the best deal out there. 

1
Broseph
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Stevenson, WA US
12/4/2022 7:19am
Im torn between the kyb and 6500. Obviously the kyb is a few hundred dollars more, but is it worth it? Ive been a yamaha guy...

Im torn between the kyb and 6500. Obviously the kyb is a few hundred dollars more, but is it worth it? Ive been a yamaha guy for the past year and a half, so thats what sways me to the kyb inserts. I still have my 21 yz450 to go with my 22 350sxf. 

You can order the 6500 kit from a tuner with springs and a revalve for under $2000 depending on shipping cost. Then if your capable enough you can do the install yourself. The KYB route is a little more complicated as most tuners ive talked to want to do the install themselves and wont sell it as a DIY kit, for quality reasons which I understand 100%. 

JBI suspension has me really thinking about these 6500's. Then I talk to a few suspension guys near me who sell both and they recommend the kyb which sways me back to kyb.

 

Broseph wrote:
The 6500s go for $1200-$1300 or so. Not sure why you’d pay to revalve them right away. They’re really good as-is and a steal compared to...

The 6500s go for $1200-$1300 or so. Not sure why you’d pay to revalve them right away. They’re really good as-is and a steal compared to every other closed cartridge system on the market. 

swordfish wrote:
Just helped my buddy install a set.  it was a joke how easy it went. Once the forks were off it took about 15 min per...

Just helped my buddy install a set. 
it was a joke how easy it went. Once the forks were off it took about 15 min per side. In hindsight I would have spent the extra $300 US for the 6500’s over my Luckies. 
The $6500’s are easily the best deal out there. 

Same here. Could have saved myself some cash and a bunch of hours tinkering with valving if I just went 6500s to begin with. 

1
12/4/2022 8:42am

My original plan was to get the kyb and try to adjust the valving myself. Ive never messed with shims before and watched a few videos on it. I just dont know if there is a chart or something to use as a starting point. 

Broseph
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12/4/2022 8:49am
My original plan was to get the kyb and try to adjust the valving myself. Ive never messed with shims before and watched a few videos...

My original plan was to get the kyb and try to adjust the valving myself. Ive never messed with shims before and watched a few videos on it. I just dont know if there is a chart or something to use as a starting point. 

In my limited experience, you spring for weight and valve for riding type/ability. I bet you could get the 6500s working great with springs and oil. 

1
wrc777
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Fantasy
12/4/2022 8:53am
My original plan was to get the kyb and try to adjust the valving myself. Ive never messed with shims before and watched a few videos...

My original plan was to get the kyb and try to adjust the valving myself. Ive never messed with shims before and watched a few videos on it. I just dont know if there is a chart or something to use as a starting point. 

Racetech has info for their gold valves. If your plan is just to mess with shims with no experience the 6500 is probably a better choice. Showa and kyb require you grind the peening off the nut to get the shin stack off too. Wp usually has threadlock. 

12/4/2022 2:26pm
My original plan was to get the kyb and try to adjust the valving myself. Ive never messed with shims before and watched a few videos...

My original plan was to get the kyb and try to adjust the valving myself. Ive never messed with shims before and watched a few videos on it. I just dont know if there is a chart or something to use as a starting point. 

wrc777 wrote:
Racetech has info for their gold valves. If your plan is just to mess with shims with no experience the 6500 is probably a better choice...

Racetech has info for their gold valves. If your plan is just to mess with shims with no experience the 6500 is probably a better choice. Showa and kyb require you grind the peening off the nut to get the shin stack off too. Wp usually has threadlock. 

Good info. Thank you. I did watch a video of the process to grind down the peen and it doesnt seem too bad as long as you go slow and are carefull.

soggy
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12/4/2022 5:25pm
My original plan was to get the kyb and try to adjust the valving myself. Ive never messed with shims before and watched a few videos...

My original plan was to get the kyb and try to adjust the valving myself. Ive never messed with shims before and watched a few videos on it. I just dont know if there is a chart or something to use as a starting point. 

wrc777 wrote:
Racetech has info for their gold valves. If your plan is just to mess with shims with no experience the 6500 is probably a better choice...

Racetech has info for their gold valves. If your plan is just to mess with shims with no experience the 6500 is probably a better choice. Showa and kyb require you grind the peening off the nut to get the shin stack off too. Wp usually has threadlock. 

Good info. Thank you. I did watch a video of the process to grind down the peen and it doesnt seem too bad as long as...

Good info. Thank you. I did watch a video of the process to grind down the peen and it doesnt seem too bad as long as you go slow and are carefull.

If you can’t get the peen ground off you purposely shouldn’t be valving either way. I wouldn’t let that be the determining factor. That said if I was in the market I’d get the 6500’s for the cost saving and wp engineered them for the wp fork. 

240NEKDUD
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Glover, VT US
12/4/2022 6:11pm

New to KTM and the air forks. At the price point for the 6500 cartridges.. it’s hard not to give them a try. Any suggestions on where to pick some up?

Magic Man
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12/4/2022 8:40pm
240NEKDUD wrote:
New to KTM and the air forks. At the price point for the 6500 cartridges.. it’s hard not to give them a try. Any suggestions on...

New to KTM and the air forks. At the price point for the 6500 cartridges.. it’s hard not to give them a try. Any suggestions on where to pick some up?

Try JBI or Solid Performance depending on where you're at in the country.
WDSRCR
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12/5/2022 8:59am
240NEKDUD wrote:
New to KTM and the air forks. At the price point for the 6500 cartridges.. it’s hard not to give them a try. Any suggestions on...

New to KTM and the air forks. At the price point for the 6500 cartridges.. it’s hard not to give them a try. Any suggestions on where to pick some up?

You can also try ProTune in Ohio. He sells the 6500's as well.

 

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