KTM Launches WP Braking Systems, Moves Away from Brembo

January 17, 2026 editor 2 min read

KTM has launched WP Braking Systems, opening up another segment for KTM’s long-time WP Suspension subsidiary.

The launch also introduced a new family of 19 brake components designed specifically for high-performance OEM applications.

WP said that the move into brakes was driven by the need for a system engineered specifically around KTM’s requirements, rather than adapting third-party hardware. To do that, it’s assembled an in-house team of 11 brake specialists, each with more than 20 years’ experience, backed up by CAD development, prototyping and validation facilities at a 6,000 square metre production site.

The key phrase here is “full vertical integration”. WP is handling everything internally, from hose braiding and extrusion through to machining, anodising and final assembly. There’s even a dedicated 100-metre anodising line for surface finishes. Production capacity is set at around 300,000 brake systems and 1.5 million brake hoses per year.

The hardware focuses on weight reduction and thermal management to deliver braking performance in large and small-capacity machines. One of the headline components is a new four-piston front radial caliper weighing just 740 grams. The caliper uses a compact, central bridge design to maximise stiffness while keeping the body narrow enough to work with spoked wheels.

Materials and finishes seem on par with the competition, with die-cast aluminium caliper bodies, hard-anodised aluminium pistons, EPDM square and dust seals, and a choice of sintered or organic pads. WP is also introducing a new radial master cylinder aimed at smaller engine classes, bringing race-derived tech to bikes.

You may have remembered Brembo acquiring suspension expert Ohlins, so KTM/WP’s move echoes Brembo’s, albeit the other way around. Doing this allows the manufacturer to set up the suspension and brakes to benefit from each other, rather than adapting to or for third-party hardware.

Also, it means that KTM no longer have to buy parts from others like Brembo (which includes J.Juan and ByBre brands). That way they can keep costs under control, and who knows, they may even sell some to other motorcycle manufacturers.