WP Cone Valve 52mm vs 48mm

Justin345
Profile picture for user Justin345
Posts
644
Joined
6/26/2014
Location
Southern MD, MD US
Justin345
Edited Date/Time 5/20/2017 6:36am
With all of the recent hype around the new KTM's and a lot of chatter about the CV being amazing, it seems most people on this board that have CV's have chosen to buy the 48mm version vice the 52mm. Is there a reason (i.e. cost, 52mm being too stiff, 52mm aren't available to the public, etc)? Anyone know the pros/cons/differences between each version? It seems the 52mm have a different coating on the lower legs (not DLC) but I've never read what coating they use (ti nitrate?).

I don't have a KTM so I'm really just curious about it. I'm currently running a spring Showa A kit on my '15 KX450F but when I upgrade to the '16 KX next year, I'd be open to the idea of slapping a cone valve/trax set up on it. Anyone have any ride comparisons from Showa A kit to WP Cone valve?
|
TeamGreen
Profile picture for user TeamGreen
Posts
29097
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA US
TeamGreen 8/13/2015 9:39am
8/13/2015 9:39am
I've been told by EVERYONE that the 48s offer more "feel"...
tek14
Profile picture for user tek14
Posts
4592
Joined
1/26/2014
Location
Vantaa FI
tek14 8/13/2015 9:58am
8/13/2015 9:58am
I would say 48mm is all you need. 52mm have alum legs so that could be reason for different coating. Couple guys are running 52mm here but havent really asked if they feel them different. They need to be service more often, harder to get parts and more expensive. Been running KYB kit, Öhlins kit/full forks and WP cv 48mm. Running Öhlins you dont even notice small bums but WP cv you have great front end feeling and awesome bottoming resistance.
KTMShane699
Profile picture for user KTMShane699
Posts
1307
Joined
12/6/2013
Location
Colchester, CT US
KTMShane699 8/13/2015 10:27am
8/13/2015 10:27am
I went with 48mm CV forks over the 52's since the CV fork alone is stiffer than stock. The tubes don't have the taper that the OEM tubes do so that will make them more rigid. A 52 would be even more so. I don't want jackhammers for forks, I want comfortable forks. Couple that with the fact that 52's cost more and parts are less common and it becomes a no brainer of a decision.

Shane
CarlinoJoeVideo
Profile picture for user CarlinoJoeVideo
Posts
7358
Joined
11/30/2013
Location
Portland/Los Angeles, CA US
Fantasy
2361st
CarlinoJoeVideo 8/13/2015 10:38am
8/13/2015 10:38am
I've heard that unless you are riding supercross or outdoors 30 +2, the average person does not need the 52mm. Like Shane said, add on the parts and mantaince cost, it's unrealistic for the average consumer.

A positive about the 52's, I would think that the larger diameter will allow you to use more oil so during long motos it wouldn't break down as fast and stay more constant.

The Shop

See All »
KTMShane699
Profile picture for user KTMShane699
Posts
1307
Joined
12/6/2013
Location
Colchester, CT US
KTMShane699 8/13/2015 10:48am
8/13/2015 10:48am
Another point to consider if thinking about 52mm forks is you'll need different triple clamps as they don't fit stock dimensions.

Shane
.kyle
Profile picture for user .kyle
Posts
469
Joined
6/5/2011
Location
GB
.kyle 8/13/2015 10:51am
8/13/2015 10:51am
Aren't the 52mm forks only available to factory teams?
KTMShane699
Profile picture for user KTMShane699
Posts
1307
Joined
12/6/2013
Location
Colchester, CT US
KTMShane699 8/13/2015 10:55am
8/13/2015 10:55am
.kyle wrote:
Aren't the 52mm forks only available to factory teams?
You can get them. Commonly sold in 48's, but 52's can be purchased.

Shane
.kyle
Profile picture for user .kyle
Posts
469
Joined
6/5/2011
Location
GB
.kyle 8/13/2015 11:50am
8/13/2015 11:50am
.kyle wrote:
Aren't the 52mm forks only available to factory teams?
KTMShane699 wrote:
You can get them. Commonly sold in 48's, but 52's can be purchased.

Shane
Ah, ok, thanks. I've only ever seen the 48's listed for sale.

Does anybody happen to know how much those 52's weigh? Just found someones comment from advrider.com saying; "52 forks about $2000 -$4000 second hand but there service intervals are measured in hours like 10 -15 hours with carbon rods Ti and trickery
Extreamly stiff as flex but at only 4kg frickin light stock WP's are 8kgs"


I struggle to believe they will be THAT lightweight.
tek14
Profile picture for user tek14
Posts
4592
Joined
1/26/2014
Location
Vantaa FI
tek14 8/13/2015 12:28pm
8/13/2015 12:28pm
Our magazine listed WP52 around 6000 euros and 900 euros for triple clamps. Real price little
less i would think... anyway its twice as much when you get WP48 2800 euros.
Showa A-kit forks 7000 euros at same shop.
poulinaa
Profile picture for user poulinaa
Posts
129
Joined
7/19/2015
Location
Palo Alto, CA US
poulinaa 8/13/2015 1:04pm
8/13/2015 1:04pm Edited Date/Time 8/13/2015 1:04pm
moto hoes only know bigger is better...52's for the win in the van.
mxracer515
Profile picture for user mxracer515
Posts
76
Joined
8/13/2015
Location
Drexel, MO US
mxracer515 8/13/2015 2:26pm
8/13/2015 2:26pm
Hello, I joined vital just to post in this thread.

Here are some last gen 52mm cv forks i used to have on my 350. They are right at 3# lighter then the 48mm.

They hold apx the same amount of oil as the 48's . The lower al tubes are much thicker & use the same spring as the 48 .

I had no service interval issues.I cant say they were too stiff as in flex ,but will say it gave a new level of accuracy
to the chassis.

I ended up removing the cone , ran a std mid that I could get parts for & set then up plush /firm. the forks had a 75mm btm cone & I do not recall ever getting that dreaded clank.

Yes they require a larger set of clamps. The seals were a bit more money but no too bad.

what I miss most is the weight off the front of the bike& the bottoming resistance'


Ok now I will stfu












mxracer515
Profile picture for user mxracer515
Posts
76
Joined
8/13/2015
Location
Drexel, MO US
mxracer515 8/13/2015 2:54pm
8/13/2015 2:54pm
Yes I sold them..now you would ask, if they are so good why?

In 2013 first practice session out in the morning , still wet no one was jumping a double ,triple section with a tight corner right after the landing & a 6' high bowl turn. So I hit it ,could not get stopped or turned, flew off back of the berm towards a fence/post.
I jumped off the bike it blew the fence post & wire down broke my leg ,better that being impaled .. took a year off.

I have ridden the 48 cv's on a 15 350..however they were sprung too soft for me . They are a very good option as you can sell them, move bike to bike & not be a total loss like a revalve at resale.
slipdog
Profile picture for user slipdog
Posts
10044
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
slipdog 8/13/2015 3:01pm
8/13/2015 3:01pm
mxracer515 wrote:
Yes I sold them..now you would ask, if they are so good why? In 2013 first practice session out in the morning , still wet no...
Yes I sold them..now you would ask, if they are so good why?

In 2013 first practice session out in the morning , still wet no one was jumping a double ,triple section with a tight corner right after the landing & a 6' high bowl turn. So I hit it ,could not get stopped or turned, flew off back of the berm towards a fence/post.
I jumped off the bike it blew the fence post & wire down broke my leg ,better that being impaled .. took a year off.

I have ridden the 48 cv's on a 15 350..however they were sprung too soft for me . They are a very good option as you can sell them, move bike to bike & not be a total loss like a revalve at resale.
What kind of tool did you use to remove the black collar that houses the seal and bushing to the outer tube?
mxracer515
Profile picture for user mxracer515
Posts
76
Joined
8/13/2015
Location
Drexel, MO US
mxracer515 8/13/2015 3:17pm
8/13/2015 3:17pm
A plumbers strap wrench .I suppose a small oil filter wrench would do the job also.. The seal is retained like normal..O- rings seal the inside of the seal case to the outer tube.

I was actually surprised that they were not very tight ..
h&m_cycle
Profile picture for user h&m_cycle
Posts
4412
Joined
2/23/2014
Location
Steubenville, OH US
h&m_cycle 8/13/2015 3:29pm
8/13/2015 3:29pm
People are paying that kind of money to race for trophies? I'm out of touch...







yzrider53
Profile picture for user yzrider53
Posts
159
Joined
5/30/2012
Location
Walnut Creek, CA US
yzrider53 8/13/2015 3:32pm
8/13/2015 3:32pm
mxracer515 wrote:
Yes I sold them..now you would ask, if they are so good why? In 2013 first practice session out in the morning , still wet no...
Yes I sold them..now you would ask, if they are so good why?

In 2013 first practice session out in the morning , still wet no one was jumping a double ,triple section with a tight corner right after the landing & a 6' high bowl turn. So I hit it ,could not get stopped or turned, flew off back of the berm towards a fence/post.
I jumped off the bike it blew the fence post & wire down broke my leg ,better that being impaled .. took a year off.

I have ridden the 48 cv's on a 15 350..however they were sprung too soft for me . They are a very good option as you can sell them, move bike to bike & not be a total loss like a revalve at resale.
slipdog wrote:
What kind of tool did you use to remove the black collar that houses the seal and bushing to the outer tube?
A rubber strap wrench works perfectly. I break them loose while still on the bike and cinch them the same way, it's only about 10lbs of torque. Getting the seal out requires a little finesse though. Totally sweet design, no slide hammering and ruining the bushing, just to change the seal.
yzrider53
Profile picture for user yzrider53
Posts
159
Joined
5/30/2012
Location
Walnut Creek, CA US
yzrider53 8/13/2015 3:38pm
8/13/2015 3:38pm
h&m_cycle wrote:
People are paying that kind of money to race for trophies? I'm out of touch... [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/08/13/101312/s1200_Capture.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/08/13/101313/s1200_Capture.jpg[/img]
People are paying that kind of money to race for trophies? I'm out of touch...







It's not about the trophies, it's all about being able to use your arms and hands the next day or even the next week. It's a ktm thing, not everyone can appreciate that.Haha.

Pit Row

See All »
langhammx
Profile picture for user langhammx
Posts
8945
Joined
5/5/2011
Location
Santa Clarita, CA US
Fantasy
581st
langhammx 8/13/2015 5:48pm
8/13/2015 5:48pm Edited Date/Time 8/13/2015 5:50pm
h&m_cycle wrote:
People are paying that kind of money to race for trophies? I'm out of touch... [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/08/13/101312/s1200_Capture.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/08/13/101313/s1200_Capture.jpg[/img]
People are paying that kind of money to race for trophies? I'm out of touch...







I don't know ANYONE who has paid that much....

You can get them for almost half that price. Not sure why some of the WP dealers list the, for WAY OVER RETAIL pricing. Call Billy @ PowerBand Racing.

As far as 48 vs. 52mm, unless you are racing SX, the 52mm forks will be too stiff, compared to the 48mm, IMHO
h&m_cycle
Profile picture for user h&m_cycle
Posts
4412
Joined
2/23/2014
Location
Steubenville, OH US
h&m_cycle 8/13/2015 6:25pm
8/13/2015 6:25pm
I kid, I realize you guys can put the stock back on the bike to sell when you're ready to buy a new bike...
slipdog
Profile picture for user slipdog
Posts
10044
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
slipdog 8/13/2015 6:43pm
8/13/2015 6:43pm
yzrider53 wrote:
A rubber strap wrench works perfectly. I break them loose while still on the bike and cinch them the same way, it's only about 10lbs of...
A rubber strap wrench works perfectly. I break them loose while still on the bike and cinch them the same way, it's only about 10lbs of torque. Getting the seal out requires a little finesse though. Totally sweet design, no slide hammering and ruining the bushing, just to change the seal.
Thanks, that's pretty much what I figured.
.kyle
Profile picture for user .kyle
Posts
469
Joined
6/5/2011
Location
GB
.kyle 8/14/2015 4:33am
8/14/2015 4:33am
mxracer515 wrote:
Hello, I joined vital just to post in this thread. Here are some last gen 52mm cv forks i used to have on my 350. They...
Hello, I joined vital just to post in this thread.

Here are some last gen 52mm cv forks i used to have on my 350. They are right at 3# lighter then the 48mm.

They hold apx the same amount of oil as the 48's . The lower al tubes are much thicker & use the same spring as the 48 .

I had no service interval issues.I cant say they were too stiff as in flex ,but will say it gave a new level of accuracy
to the chassis.

I ended up removing the cone , ran a std mid that I could get parts for & set then up plush /firm. the forks had a 75mm btm cone & I do not recall ever getting that dreaded clank.

Yes they require a larger set of clamps. The seals were a bit more money but no too bad.

what I miss most is the weight off the front of the bike& the bottoming resistance'


Ok now I will stfu












3lbs lighter? That's a fair amount!! Knowing they are 3lbs lighter, it would be interesting to know how much the 48's weigh (compared to the 2015 crf250 showa sff tac forks which are 7.415kg according to Nino's cr125 afs thread).
MXD
Profile picture for user MXD
Posts
2650
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
MA US
MXD 8/14/2015 4:43am
8/14/2015 4:43am
I asked Billy at Powerband if there was a weight difference between the 4CS and the 48 cone valve forks. His answer was "Pretty much damn near the same weight".
mmcmx
Profile picture for user mmcmx
Posts
2282
Joined
8/31/2008
Location
Perafita, Catalunya PE
mmcmx 8/14/2015 4:46am
8/14/2015 4:46am
52mm are to rigid for anyone without top 10 speed in the nationals or the GP's.
Motoman35
Profile picture for user Motoman35
Posts
457
Joined
1/10/2014
Location
Phoenix, AZ US
Motoman35 8/14/2015 7:38am
8/14/2015 7:38am
h&m_cycle wrote:
People are paying that kind of money to race for trophies? I'm out of touch... [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/08/13/101312/s1200_Capture.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/08/13/101313/s1200_Capture.jpg[/img]
People are paying that kind of money to race for trophies? I'm out of touch...







if PG's customer service for suspension is anything like their customer service they have for their graphics be careful.
Junebug833
Profile picture for user Junebug833
Posts
274
Joined
1/18/2014
Location
Canton, OH US
Junebug833 8/14/2015 6:25pm
8/14/2015 6:25pm
h&m_cycle wrote:
People are paying that kind of money to race for trophies? I'm out of touch... [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/08/13/101312/s1200_Capture.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/08/13/101313/s1200_Capture.jpg[/img]
People are paying that kind of money to race for trophies? I'm out of touch...







langhammx wrote:
I don't know ANYONE who has paid that much.... You can get them for almost half that price. Not sure why some of the WP dealers...
I don't know ANYONE who has paid that much....

You can get them for almost half that price. Not sure why some of the WP dealers list the, for WAY OVER RETAIL pricing. Call Billy @ PowerBand Racing.

As far as 48 vs. 52mm, unless you are racing SX, the 52mm forks will be too stiff, compared to the 48mm, IMHO
Do you mind me asking how much you paid for your setup?
KTMShane699
Profile picture for user KTMShane699
Posts
1307
Joined
12/6/2013
Location
Colchester, CT US
KTMShane699 8/14/2015 6:28pm
8/14/2015 6:28pm Edited Date/Time 8/14/2015 6:29pm
Junebug833 wrote:
Do you mind me asking how much you paid for your setup?
The best answer is...call Billy at Powerband Racing. He will take care of you. Tell him Shane, Digger or Shaun sent you that way.

That way you get current pricing. I know prices have increased since we all bought ours. Not Billy's fault but WP increased costs.

I will say it was under $3,000.

Shane
dcg141
Profile picture for user dcg141
Posts
2177
Joined
11/30/2009
Location
MS US
dcg141 8/14/2015 7:58pm
8/14/2015 7:58pm
There are Cone Valve kits and complete forks. Just make sure you compare apples with apples.
rocketsocks26 8/14/2015 8:34pm
8/14/2015 8:34pm
Junebug833 wrote:
Do you mind me asking how much you paid for your setup?
KTMShane699 wrote:
The best answer is...call Billy at Powerband Racing. He will take care of you. Tell him Shane, Digger or Shaun sent you that way. That way...
The best answer is...call Billy at Powerband Racing. He will take care of you. Tell him Shane, Digger or Shaun sent you that way.

That way you get current pricing. I know prices have increased since we all bought ours. Not Billy's fault but WP increased costs.

I will say it was under $3,000.

Shane
Hey im the one who introduced sean to billy lol, no love for me lol
Moto3731
Profile picture for user Moto3731
Posts
256
Joined
3/13/2015
Location
MA US
Moto3731 8/15/2015 5:27pm
8/15/2015 5:27pm
I got mine from billy set up with springs and shipped to my door for 2800 flat. That was like the last set before the price increase and when I bought mine the price already went up a little. Still cheaper that anyone else.

Post a reply to: WP Cone Valve 52mm vs 48mm