Öhlins has become the first company to offer an upgraded electronic suspension system, replacing the electronically adjustable suspension on the BMW R1200GS and interacting directly with the bike’s ECU and existing user interface. The Öhlins system also has a semi-active function, automatically adjusting the bike’s damping in relation to its speed.
Öhlins has been at the forefront of development of electronically adjustable suspension and has a whole department dedicated to this rapidly advancing technology. Labelled under the heading ‘Mechatronic’, which is an amalgamation of the words mechanical and electronic, this department helped create one of the World’s first production electronic suspension systems, found on the Ducati Multistrada. Now Öhlins is offering BMW R1200GS riders with ESA the chance to upgrade their suspension without sacrificing its electronic adjustability.
Developed using Öhlins’ unrivalled experience in damping gained through considerable MotoGP, World Superbike and multi-discipline Off-Road Racing successes, the R1200GS ESA replacement package consists of Öhlins EC front and rear shocks as well as an ECU that allows the entire system to plug directly into the BMW’s own user-interface. The Öhlins system allows the rider to choose between BMW’s multiple driving modes and damping levels, along with various spring pre-load settings on the rear shock. That’s not all, the Öhlins system adds a level of intelligence to the BMW’s suspension.
In Comfort mode, the Öhlins ECU monitors the bike’s speed and when it exceeds 80kph automatically alters the suspension’s damping to a firmer ‘Normal’ setting. When the speed exceeds 120kph the damping is further increased to ‘Sport’ mode, creating a more accurate ride. When the speeds decrease, the damping reverts back to its original settings through the intermediate ‘Normal’ mode. This feature makes Öhlins’ ESA replacement system the World’s first intelligent aftermarket suspension system.
As well as the extra ride quality offered by Öhlins suspension, the system also allows riders to customise the spring rate on their bike through fitment of new springs as well as have their shocks fully serviced and maintained by one of the many specialist Öhlins Centres.
The TTX39 rear shock absorber with the pre-load adjuster
The Öhlins BMW R1200GS ESA replacement system will be available in November 2011 with a price indication around 2 900 EUR. Contact your local Öhlins distributor for more details.
