MXA TEAM TESTED: REP SUSPENSION-TUNED WP STEERING DAMPER KIT

WHAT IS IT? WP recently introduced a new steering damper that bolts onto your 2022-1/2+ KTM or Husky frame and 2023-1/2+ GasGas frame to increase stability on the front end. The WP damper looks like a copy of the Honda HPSD steering stabilizer that came stock on Hondas and is now sold as an aftermarket upgrade. Mark Johnson at REP Suspension is a former Red Bull KTM suspension technician, and now, in partnership with AEO Powersports, Mark offers his suspension services and products to the world. 

WHAT’S IT COST? $399.99 (WP stabilizer), $100.00 (REP re-valve).

CONTACT? www.repsuspension.com  or (951) 600-2000.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the REP Suspension-tuned WP steering damper kit.

(1) Design. Steering dampers are designed to help rid your motorcycle of unwanted or uncontrolled movement of the front end. The latest steering damper is WP’s sleek and simple design that can be paired with REP Suspension’s valving to get 30 clicks of adjustment.

(2) Installation. Mounting this damper kit is a breeze. First, remove the front number plate. The WP damper has a clamp with a hinge that runs through the hole in the top tube of your bike’s frame and is secured by an 8mm bolt. As for the bottom mounting point, remove the top two bolts on your front fender and install the wishbone-shaped bracket with the supplied longer 8mm bolts. For the final step, bolt up the damper with the two 40mm Torx bolts and you’re ready to ride. 

(3) Stock vs. REP. The stock WP damper wasn’t very good. It didn’t seem to damp the front end at all. We were still getting unwanted head-shake at high speeds and occasional knifing in the middle of corners. Comparatively, with REP’s re-valved damper there was a significant improvement over the stock WP damper. It dramatically reduced head-shake at high speed without hurting the bike’s ability to carve through corners. The REP-tuned damper was the closest we’ve gotten to the feel of a traditional steering stabilizer.

   (4) Performance. At first, our test riders weren’t sold that such a small bolt-on part would do much, but on the track, it made a difference. Test riders felt that they could come into corners faster because of how well the front end stayed straight and planted on the ground. Even though the damper kept the front end stable and straight at high speeds, it was still compliant enough to easily tip into corners. Depending on the speed of your local track, we recommend running four to seven clicks out. For a high-speed-style track like Glen Helen’s National track, we ran four clicks out. For a slower but more technical track like Glen Helen’s Arroyo track, we went seven clicks out.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? The WP damper will not solve all your bike’s handling problems. You still need to set your race sag, adjust your fork’s air pressure, and dial in the compression and rebound clicker settings. 

MXA RATING: We give the REP steering damper two thumbs up. At $500, it is an expensive upgrade, but at least you’ll be able to transfer it to your next KTM, Husqvarna or GasGas.