Öhlins' Mechatronic semi-active...
Öhlins' Mechatronic semi-active suspension can change damping automatically according to the motorcycle's speed.
Öhlins aftermarket “Mechatronic” semi-active suspension that
we reported on earlier this year will soon be available in the U.S., with the Swedish manufacturer’s American subsidiary set to debut the system at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show this weekend.
Although only available for the BMW R 1200 GS adventure-tourer initially, it’s only a matter of time before the suspension kit becomes available for sportbikes, judging by the electronically adjustable Öhlins components that come standard on the S and Tricolore versions of the new Ducati 1199 Panigale.
The Mechatronic suspension...
The Mechatronic suspension system will initially only be available for BMW's R1200GS adventure-tourer, but more applications will surely follow.
The Öhlins Mechatronic system is much more than just electronically adjustable, however. The suspension system comes with its own ECU that plugs into the host bike’s CAN bus line and monitors the same sensor readings as the stock ECU—specifically the speed sensors. Because it knows what speed the bike is traveling at, the Mechatronic system can actually adjust the damping settings according to the bike’s speed, making it a true “intelligent” semi-active suspension. On the BMW setup, the Mechatronic suspension is controlled through the stock ESA II system, which has three riding modes (comfort, normal, and sport). When the Öhlins ECU senses that the bike has exceeded 80 kph (50 mph), the Mechatronic system automatically switches the suspension damping to the firmer Normal setting. Once the bike exceeds 120 kph (75 mph), the Öhlins ECU changes the damping settings to the even firmer Sport mode. As the speeds decrease, the Mechatronic system reverts back to the softer settings.
Of course, this level of advanced suspension sophistication doesn’t come cheap. The Öhlins/BMW R1200GS Mechatronic system will have an MSRP of $3279, and that price is possible because the BMW’s Telelever front suspension uses a shock absorber instead of a telescopic fork. For most other front suspension applications, the price will surely be significantly higher, as the materials and manufacturing of the electronically adjustable conventional fork legs will add to the cost.
The reservoir for the rear...
The reservoir for the rear shock is for a hydraulic spring preload adjuster, which opens up the possibility for electronic preload adjustment as well.
Öhlins reportedly has been spotted testing its own standalone ECU/dashboard setup on a CBR1000RR, showing that the company is already looking at other applications for Mechatronic suspension. With the Ducati 1199S/Tricolore leading the way, Öhlins is preparing usher in a new era of aftermarket sportbike suspension. With the proliferation of traction control systems (and their attendant wheel speed sensors) and CAN bus wiring looms to cut complexity and weight on an increasing number of production sportbikes, this makes it easier for the Mechatronic system to be integrated into the motorcycle’s electronics (provided, of course, that the OEM is willing to allow Öhlins access to the original ECU’s source code). The days of instant suspension adjustment at your fingertips—and later, intelligent active suspension that adjusts to riding and road conditions—will soon be upon us.