Öhlins Mechatronic Shock

ÖHLINS MECHATRONIC SHOCK

Semi-active suspension hits the aftermarket

WITH ELECTRONIC RIDER AIDS SUCH AS traction control, ABS and selectable power delivery quickly becoming standard on modern sportbikes, the next step in the digital revolution appears to be smart suspension systems. Imagine ECU-controlled suspension that makes damping adjustments on the fly to cope with changes in road surface conditions.

BMW's new HP4 S1000RR ("Raising the BaRR," December, 2012) already has it. In fact, the HP4 is the first produc tion bike to be equipped with what fully active suspension, Dynamic Damping Control. The Ducati Multistrada's new Sachs Skyhook system functions in much the same way as BMW's DDC, al though the Italian company refers to it as semi-active. For contrast, BMW's ESA II simply allows the rider to select settings electronically, but it isn't reactive.

Swedish suspension manufac turer Ohlins is bringing semi active suspension to the aftermarket with its new hypersport Mechatronic shock. The first application is ex clusive to the 2011-

13 Kawasakj ZX1 OR, with fitments for ad ditional models

to come. Unlike BMW's DDC, which senses suspension motion, among other factors, the Mechatronic shock is semiactive in that it continuously changes damping settings dependent upon the aggressiveness of riding. Preload is still adjusted manually.

Hardware is straightforward, utilizing Ohlins EC actuators (stepper-motor driven needle valves) that retrofit to a standard TTX36 MkTT shock, but the real magic is in an Ohlins ECU with propri etary programming. It analyzes signals provided by the ZX-1OR's ECU, such as throttle position, rpm and wheel speed, then automatically selects Comfortor Sport-focused damping. Within either mode, changes to com pression and rebound damp ing can continuously vary to an equivalent of about plus! minus six clicks.

Giving the Mechatronic's added flexibility, the ZX 1OR's trio of rider selectable power modes (Full, Normal

and Low) changes the threshold at which Mechatronic transi tions from Comfort to Sport. In Full mode, it takes nota bly less-aggressive behavior before damp ing firms up, and the shock then remains in Sport mode for a longer period even after the rider returns to a more relaxed pace. Similarly, select ing the Kawasaki's Low mode tells the shock to favor Comfort damping, although if you wick it up, the system will transition to Sport to main tain a safe degree of chassis stability.

I was invited to ride a Mechatronic equipped 2012 ZX-1OR out to the Streets

of Willow Springs race circuit where I put the shock and Dunlop D21 1 GP-A race radials to task. My first impression: The transition from Comfort to Sport proved seam less to the point that it's difficult to detect. You know it's working, however, if you bounce on the seat when turn ing on the bike's ignition. At power-up, the shock quickly runs through a calibration routine and goes from a springy, undamped action to near lockup before sealing into its baseline setting. Ultimately, I just concentrated on the ride, knowing that the shock was always working within an adjustment range suited to any pace.

I can attest to the sure-footed sta bility and grip I experienced when lapping the extremely bumpy Streets course. Perhaps of equal importance for the street/trackday rider, the $1625 Mechatronic TTX shock (only $200 more than a standard TTX) is equally at home on backroads and freeways. That made my ride home simply electric.

Don Canet