OzVMX Forum

Clubroom => Tech Talk => Topic started by: LWC82PE on January 04, 2017, 07:41:41 pm

Title: WP4054 fork availability
Post by: LWC82PE on January 04, 2017, 07:41:41 pm
A few years ago these forks were discussed a lot on here and while it was common knowledge these forks were available factory fitted to some drum brake 1984 KTM's,  i don't think anyone had any 100% printed proof that they could have been bought as an aftermarket fork pre 1985. I thought they probably could have but i had not seen any proof of it myself until today where i found this in the 1984 White Brothers catalogue (who were the WP Suspension importer in USA at this time) where they had application listings for 1984 bikes. I do also have the 83 White Bros catalogue and there is no mention of these forks in there. Anyway i just thought i would scan and share this on here if anyone wants or needs it for proof for eligibility scrutineering thats all.

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h357/30782/wp002_zpsz516fiaf.jpg~original)
Title: Re: WP4054 fork availability
Post by: bigk on January 05, 2017, 07:38:35 am
Had a few sets (from KTM'S), they are a nice fork & the brake isn't too bad either. Very plush if not a tad soft in std configuration. Hard to find.
K
Title: Re: WP4054 fork availability
Post by: Wasp on January 05, 2017, 09:05:07 am
Still have some . $750 per pair .
Title: Re: WP4054 fork availability
Post by: Momus on January 10, 2017, 12:43:05 am
Interesting bit of verification and big claims for the White Power fork. A couple of years earlier Brad Lackey won the 500 title with a set of the comercially available USD forks designed and made by a 20 something American Steve Simons. As well as using'cartridge' valving they were much stiffer with 50.5 diameter stanchions, Glacier bearings and 12" travel.  Modern usd stancions are now approaching the Simons stiffness. Simons registered various patents and designs on his fork and I understand various suspension manufacturers paid him royalties for many years.
Title: Re: WP4054 fork availability
Post by: LWC82PE on January 10, 2017, 08:44:23 am
Dowty had an upside down & air fork in the 1940's, So Simons did not really invent this at all. Most manufacturers hype up their product and claim its the best or better than others though.
Title: Re: WP4054 fork availability
Post by: Momus on January 11, 2017, 02:10:07 pm
Dowty had an upside down & air fork in the 1940's, So Simons did not really invent this at all. Most manufacturers hype up their product and claim its the best or better than others though.
The Simons innovation was the damping: the mechanical detail are obvious. My QA50 had a usd fork.
Title: Re: WP4054 fork availability
Post by: 80-85 husky on January 11, 2017, 06:27:37 pm
My QA50 had a usd fork

how good were they! taught me about dodgy springs, donut wheels and donut wheel sized potholes :o

took weeks for the scabs to heal
Title: Re: WP4054 fork availability
Post by: evo550 on January 11, 2017, 09:36:20 pm
A few years ago these forks were discussed a lot on here and while it was common knowledge these forks were available factory fitted to some drum brake 1984 KTM's,  i don't think anyone had any 100% printed proof that they could have been bought as an aftermarket fork pre 1985. I thought they probably could have but i had not seen any proof of it myself until today where i found this in the 1984 White Brothers catalogue (who where the WP Suspension importer in USA at this time) where they had application listings for 1984 bikes. I do also have the 83 White Bros catalogue and there is no mention of these forks in there. Anyway i just thought i would scan and share this on here if anyone wants or needs it for proof for eligibility scrutineering thats all.

(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h357/30782/wp002_zpsz516fiaf.jpg~original)
Ive got an mag with a '83 product test with a set fitted to a RM 250 D, fairly good evidence they where around in drum brake form in '83.