Eventually got to compare my Scalpel, with its upgraded WP Apex Suspension, back to back against the stock version over the weekend. Remarkable improvement overall!
As stated in the past, few bikes have grabbed my attention like my 790 Duke. Although it does have its shortcomings, it would be unfair to expect any bike (or anyone) to be perfect out the box! We all have room for improvement, but development has to stop somewhere before production starts!
Specifically over really bumpy terrain, the stock front end can become unwieldy, especially in high speed corners. Whereas the rear tends to kick over large bumps in the road, suggesting the need for more rebound damping. Through the years I’ve learned to overcome these largely naked bike traits by using less input on the bars, rather leaning the bike with the hips and focusing on being smooth, whilst always anticipating the potential hiside like kick from the rear!
Although not immediately noticeable upon pull away, plushness of the WP upgrade improves (vs harsher stock) as speed increases, WP Apex immediately feels more planted than the stock version. No more bone jarring shocks over sudden dips or bumps, with improved high speed stability, particularly in cornering… as I apply full throttle mid corner watching Ray and his stock suspension disappear in my rear view mirror (which I can still see in), bike planted, soaking up the road surface beneath me.
Admittedly these observations don’t paint the stock bike in a great light, but that could not be further from the truth. The stock bike is just sublime, or it would not justify its “Scalpel” name, it just prefers smooth surfaces. Point is how the WP upgrades take a great bike to the next level. Particularly in commuting conditions (read bad roads), although ironically I purchased the WP Adjustable Suspension for track use! Which brings me to “turn in”, I no longer have commitment issues!!!
By far the most significant improvement from the WP upgrade, I find myself relearning the bike and it’s boundaries, pushing the bars into corners harder and harder regardless of the surface with absolute precision, no kicking, only me screaming with absolute delight!
In my experience, consumers tend to purchase performance exhausts for more power and sound, very few focus on improved handling. The upgrades to my Scalpel have been an interesting learning curve. Although not cheap, the BST Carbon rims have made a remarkable improvement in acceleration, handling and even improved the plushness of the overall ride… thanks to less unsprung mass. Whereas the WP Apex upgrade has massively improved my confidence in the everyday ride ability of the bike. Forced to choose between the two, I’d probably take the WP Upgrade.
