WP launches its own braking system

WP, known for its suspension solutions for brands such as KTM, has now unveiled an all-new braking system. The move marks a new step for the company, with the aim of offering brakes that perform just as well in everyday riding as they do during more spirited use.

WP is well known for its suspension products and has for many years supplied OEM components to KTM and other motorcycle manufacturers, across road, off-road and racing segments. Now, WP takes the next step by launching WP Braking Systems, a dedicated braking programme developed to meet manufacturers’ requirements for original equipment in terms of function, quality and integration.

19 new braking components

The new initiative includes a total of 19 all-new braking components. The goal is to develop a braking system tailored to OEM requirements, with a focus on function, control and reliability. According to WP, the brakes are designed to work equally well on the road and on the track, using technical solutions inspired by racing.

In-house development and full control

Behind the new braking systems is a team of eleven specialists, each with more than 20 years of experience in brake development. All work is carried out at WP’s 6,000-square-metre facility, where everything from design and testing to manufacturing and final assembly takes place under one roof.

WP has chosen full vertical integration, meaning the company handles everything from hose braiding and machining to assembly and surface treatment in-house. The facility also features a dedicated 100-metre anodising line for durable and high-quality surface finishes. Annual production capacity is stated to be up to 300,000 brake systems and 1.5 million brake hoses.

Focus on weight, heat and performance

A key part of the development process has been reducing weight and improving cooling. The result is brake components designed to withstand high loads without loss of performance, while also reducing wear.

The intention is also to give smaller motorcycles access to braking performance normally associated with larger and more powerful machines.

Among the new components are a radial master cylinder as well as front and rear calipers with improved cooling and service-friendly design. A new four-piston radial front caliper weighs just 740 grams, making it one of the lightest on the market.

The brake hoses are of PTFE type (a heat-resistant material that provides a firmer brake feel and improved control), feature steel reinforcement and are rated to withstand pressures of up to 40 bar. This results in better brake feel, quicker response and consistent performance even under hard riding.

A new chapter for WP

With WP Braking Systems, the company signals its ambition to become a more complete supplier of motorcycle components. According to WP, the combination of low weight, efficient cooling and high reliability is intended to set a new benchmark for future braking systems, whether on the racetrack or in everyday road riding.

Fact box: WP – from Dutch suspension to the KTM Group

WP was founded in the 1970s in the Netherlands under the name White Power Suspension and quickly became well known within motocross and enduro. During the 1990s, the company became increasingly closely associated with KTM and eventually became an integral part of the KTM Group.

Since then, WP has supplied original equipment suspension to a wide range of motorcycles from KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS, for road, off-road and competition use.

Today, WP is expanding its portfolio by also developing braking systems under the name WP Braking Systems, marking a new chapter in the company’s development.