Hey all.
Been trying to research the comparison of wp A kit versus kyb A kit. Doesn’t seem like there is too much out there besides comparing to drop ins and all that. Watched a YouTube vid of Luc santos talking about kyb A kit on an Austrian bike. He talks about how good it is but doesn’t go into detail of how it performs compared to the WP A kit.
From the research I've done, sounds like kyb a kit is similar to their stock counterparts except using tighter tolerances and fancy coatings. I’ve heard it’s more “reactive” when compared to WP which is more of a “dead” feeling.
This is the best article I’ve found that goes over everything.
https://www.dirtrider.com/breaking-down-kit-suspension-from-kyb-showa-a…
Just wondering how they compare to one another on the track. Also wondering why some opt in for the kyb a kit option over the cone valves/track shock.
Thanks!
I agree the cone valve has a bit of a dead feel that reminds me of the TAC on my 450.
I don't think it's on the same level as A-kit. None of them come close to the Ohlins.
I’ve got WP A-Kit stuff on my KTM 2 stroke and it does have a bit of a dead feeling for sure. Makes it feel predictable but certainly not plush. The faster I go the better it works. Bottoming resistance is just OK but I am pretty conservative with the clickers and don’t get too far off my baseline settings if I can help it
Can you go into detail of why it doesn’t come close to ohlins?
The Ohlins was better in every way possible. Felt like riding on a cloud. It did have a noticeable about of movement. but no negative effect that I could tell.
The only other fork that came close was a set of works Suzuki conventional but they where not even close to the Ohlins on the big stuff.
The Shop
Free shipping: VITALMX
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
I really like the WP A kit stuff, very predicable and the upper to mid part of the travel is where I really notice the difference. Its been several years since I've ridden the KYB A kit, but I do remember liking it. I had looked up this exact thing when I was looking which route I wanted to go.
Something I'll add, and I'm sure it can mostly go unsaid around here, but theres a huge difference in Cone Valves being setup for you versus someone else/stock. I've seen someone at the track recently complaining how he didnt like them, but they bought them used and setup for someone that weighed fifty pounds more and a different skill level. As we all know this goes for all suspension.
Finding the right suspension is about knowing what you like. Everytime I’ve ridden kyb it felt like it moved to much/not enough dampening control (this was a 2022 yz450 set up by Enzo). I prefer more dead feeling suspension.
There are plenty of people that like the kyb feel and plenty that prefer Showa or WP feel. If you can determine which guy you are you’ll be well on your way to picking the right set.
In every one of these cases…KYB, WP, Showa, Ohlins…it all comes down to how well set-up it is for the rider in question.
Over the years, I’ve had amazing suspension set-up by virtually all the known suspension co’s. From Jake Thompson back in the day to Showa’s set-up by PC more recently. I’ve had AMAZING Air Forks set-up by Enzo, PC and even WP…yes, “Air Forks”… Amazing shock re-valves from just about everyone…JBI, REP & FC come to mind on the most recent motocross shocks I can recall.
Again, from A-Kit to stock components…who set-it-up and how well its dialed for the rider in question has always been the important requirement to me.
Currently, the best example that comes to mind is my Pro-Circuit suspended 2024 CRF450X for racing SCORE that is AWESOME. It was set-up by PC to JCR setting for a rider of my weight and required a few clicks here-n-there to be just right. The JCR base settings by PC are very, very, very well sorted out and that’s the point that I’m making…they provide a really good base.
Not to hijack this thread, but how do you like that Honda 450X. I've been eyeing those bikes. Would be a fun build.
I have a couple of them and tens of thousands of miles on them…Rip to Cabo, SCORE racing, exploring the sierras…etc.
It’s an off-road version that’s identical to the L/RL…so, it is heavier due to all additional hardware and electronics…most of which is removed for racing…
Our race bike is a helluva lot lighter than my trail version. The bike can be anything you want it to be. The 6 speed gear box is amazing in Baja.
I love the chassis lay out/ergos and the long-legs it has with a 3 gal tank (IMS). For Baja and Baja racing it’s an excellent bike. Hell, I’ve even raced a box-stock one on the main track at Pala 🤣
Again, stock they are heavy. Stock they are VERY “epa compliant” …I put a vortex and a pipe on them and that really wakes them up…however, if you leave them stock…? They sure are amazingly quiet!
Post a reply to: KYB A kit vs WP cone valves / Trax shock