You say you have a BMW 1200 GS ESA and you’re thinking about upgrading the electronic suspension? Call Öhlins Racing AB, they have what you need with the first aftermarket electronic suspension system.
The mechatronic system from Öhlins interacts directly with the R 1200 GS ESA’s primary ECU, plugging directly into the existing user interface. The kit includes front and rear TTX shocks, a wiring harness, and a dedicated ESA ECU, utilizing the OEM display and rider controls for adjustment.
You can use the BMW controls on the handlebars to choose between BMW’s multiple driving modes and damping levels and spring pre-load settings on the rear shock, but it’s also speed sensitive and if set to Comfort mode it automatically adjusts from Comfort to Normal to Sport mode as speed increases.
As you might expect, it’s not cheap, $3,279.00, but if you need the absolute last word in cutting edge suspension, here it is.
Öhlins press release follows:
Hendersonville, North Carolina: Öhlins Racing AB has the world’s first aftermarket electronic suspension system (ESA), designed to replace the electronically adjustable suspension on the BMW R 1200 GS ESA. With its Öhlins TTX shocks and Öhlins ESA ECU, it’s the most advanced mechatronic suspension system available, from its dynamic mechanics to its autonomic electronics.
Öhlins’ mechatronic suspension system will be revealed to the USA market at the Long Beach, California IMS show this weekend, December 9-11. It will be on display at the Öhlins USA booth, number 1560, mounted and functioning on a 2011 BMW R 1200 GS ESA. Also on display will be new product for sportbikes, MX bikes, and American V-Twins from Milwaukee.
At the forefront in the development of electronically adjustable suspension, this latest mechatronic suspension system was developed out of Öhlins extensive experience with creating one of the World’s first production electronic suspension systems, found on the Ducati Multistrada. Equally, it evolved from Öhlins’ historic win in World Superbike with a Yamaha YZF-R1 fitted with electronic suspension in 2007, piloted by Noriyuki Haga. Öhlins’ performance reputation complements BMW’s heritage of quality, giving riders an appropriate upgrade for their touring needs.
The mechatronic system from Öhlins interacts directly with the R 1200 GS ESA’s primary ECU, plugging directly into the existing user interface. The kit includes front and rear TTX shocks, a wiring harness, and a dedicated ESA ECU, utilizing the OEM display and rider controls for adjustment. As evidence of its smart-as-heck intelligence, the Öhlins mechatronic system features a semi-active function, automatically adjusting the suspension damping in relationship to the motorcycle’s speed. With the latest technology of twin-tube TTX shocks mated to a brilliant ECU, the mechatronic system from Öhlins provides a double upgrade: an athlete-grade suspension mated to head-of-the-class electronics.
Using the BMW controls on the handlebars, 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. But that’s not all. In ‘Comfort’ mode, the Öhlins ECU monitors the bike’s speed, and when it exceeds 80kph (49mph) the suspension’s damping is automatically altered to the firmer ‘Normal’ setting. When the speed exceeds 120kph (74mph), the damping is further increased to ‘Sport’ mode, for a more sporting controllability. 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 autonomic aftermarket suspension system.
The Öhlins mechatronic suspension system also allows riders to customize the spring rate on their R 1200 GS ESA through fitment of new springs as well as have their shocks fully serviced and maintained by one of the many specialist Öhlins Centers across the USA. The Öhlins BMW R1200GS ESA replacement system is now available, at the incredibly low MSRP of $3,279.00.
Rich says
This is rather amazing. Personally, I think this is a great price considering the sophistication and quality you know you’re gonna’ get. Thanks for letting us know…
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
When I think of the advances in suspension over the years and to see us at a point where this is even available on a motorcycle, multiple adjustments from the handlebars plus speed sensitive auto adjustment on the fly, … the mind boggles. And yes, the price, for this technology, is very reasonable.
todd says
I just bought a whole BMW for almost that much.
-todd
JasonB says
Point taken, Todd. If you bought a brand new GS with a few options, and then upgraded to this suspension- wouldn’t you be at around $26,000? Doesn’t seem like good value for money, no matter how rich you are…
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
JasonB and todd, check around and see how many aftermarket mechatronic systems are available and you’ll find, including this one, it’s one.
It’s obvious you’re not the target market for it, but think about what this is and consider that it’s even available at all. There are only a couple of bikes from the manufacturers themselves that have electronic suspension like this, BMW, Ducati and who else?
The technical advance alone in an aftermarket system is amazing and after they build this one, you know they’ll build for other models and in higher numbers and the price will come down and everyone will benefit. The first will always be more than later versions, so no matter what the price, to critique this based on price is to miss the whole point
mxs says
Yes it is amazing, but how many people really need one? There’s many amazing things, but how many of them are really useful in anyone’s life? Everybody has an opinion on that and as such it should stay, so I would not be surprised if people, incl. myself, to say that it is not a reasonable price. In my view it is not, because I’d never buy it, but I agree that it is a nice piece of engineering. No doubt about that.
Thoughtless says
It’s economy of scale. Take for example, the cost of a production milling machine to produce cylinder heads. No one could reasonably assume that the machinery to produce the tolerances and configurations of a modern V6 auto engine could be less than for a twin or multi motorcycle engine. Or that there is a substantially greater amount of technology or materials in a BMW/Farley/Jonda/Zawasaki/Huzuki.
It boils down to how many units will be sold to recoup the costs of production. If you’re selling a couple million units of one model versus only a few thousand for the entire product line, the cost and profit margins are substantially different.
Given the choice of spending $20K on a new two wheeler or the same moola for a two year old 6 passenger whatever with A/c, and wipers, most reasonably intelligent people will choose the latter. As bike enthusiasts of any ilk, we pay the price for our folly.
GuitarSlinger says
@ Thoughtless
My definition of ‘ Real’ is something I don’t need twenty techs with graduate degrees , a 10,000 page manual and $50K’s worth of diagnostic computers just to change the oil and plugs on , never mind do an on the road repair ( which on an older GS a roll of duct tape , some bailing wire , tool kit and a bit of skill can accomplish nine times out of ten )
😉
rohorn says
Like totally, dude. I mean, you know, like shouldn’t this suspension at least come with a disclaimer like “Not suitable for dumb people”?
Rubber fork gators are the only real suspension upgrade for sure, you know? Those rock at keeping it real.
GuitarSlinger says
#1 Its brilliant
#2 Its appropriately pricey ( all that tech does not come cheap )
But … #3 I’ll stick with the simplicity and durability of a good old fashioned GS100 thank you
I ‘ get ‘ the idea and desire behind all these high tech goodies , but in all honesty I’ve got enough on my car , computer , bloody smart phone , TV/DVR/Cable/LandLine Phone so don’t want them on my M/C , bicycles or my guitars . Gotta keep something ‘ Real ‘ in life you know
😉
Thoughtless says
Yeah, I love the old Schwinn rusting out in my backyard, too! And a few times every year I batter the hell out of my right leg kicking over a 12:1 CR 1968 XLCH and remember very quickly how “real” it is to hit the starter button on the VMax and get a high dose of “real” power.
Honestly, I get your point, but often as not “real” is just another word for nostalgia. I get that a lot when I look at the fem sitting across from me and remembering senior prom!
sk.ii.er says
guitarslinger, i hear ya. BMW has gone beyond reliability well into overly difficult. I have a 1996 1100GS and i wish it was one model earlier. Old stuff is cool and often a headache for sure but the newest and most complicated is just as bad and more expensive. I like reliability and for me that is as close to simplicity as is reasonable. Who the heck is going to off road $26,000 anyway. Paul, it is impressive and as always you do hit the nail on the head.
B50 Jim says
That’s a whole lot of suspension for the money, and if ti makes an already good bike better, why not? Riders who can afford a GS can pop for the suspension, plus the labor to install it. Whether they have the skill and talent to use it is a different kettle of fish, but it’s sure some nifty technology. I suspect those detractors who say good ol’ springs and shocks are good enough for them never rode a bike equipped with truly modern suspension. I sure haven’t, but I suspect the Ohlins setup compared to springs and shocks is like spring and shocks compared to a hardtail and worn-out girder forks.
Ian says
Am I the only person who can’t see the value of the “magic” auto-switching?
I’ve a GSA and pressing the button on the bar to mode-switch is quite acceptable, especially given that the comfort/normal/sport changeover is as much a mental one as it is suspension-related…
It is a -lot- of money, though I’d personally feel that any appeal is more for the Ohlins guts rather than the electrickery added.
Fretka says
An interesting angle to this “active” suspension is “When does a well researched technology become tangible hardware”? Or rather what conditions need to be present before a manufacturer will take the gamble and invest in production?
Fully active suspension was built and utilized by Sir Colin Chapman/Lotus GP many decades ago. (I believe it appeared on the T-78). It was effective and successful then, but F1 rules killed it in it’s infancy. This version we see here is somewhat rudimentary as it uses electronics as an add-on to common hardware whereas Lotus did away with springs entirely and all functions were performed using electro-hydraulics (Moog valves) enabling any desired suspension curves, even falling rate curves!
I’m waiting for “The Full Monty” which should be soon. “bout time”.
GenWaylaid says
Fretka,
Bose has been promoting an all-electric active suspension for a few years now. As far as I know, no OEMs have taken them up on it.
http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/automotive/bose_suspension/index.jsp
Nicolas says
today it’s available for the BMW flagship, but soon it may be available for ANY bike as an aftermarket modlule, same way as you can buy a power commander to tune your EFI … good news for all of us that like to improve/mess with/build your own bike.
Dano says
As Paul said, this is the first and only ‘aftermarket’ system of its type. It is also well documented that this isn’t new technology, Cadillac has had it in production for 15+ years.
My guess is that there was a price paid for the ability to directy interface w/ the BMW logic. There is also the low volume consideration but I doubt that they plan full amortization on this one application. There will be more to come and if the price doesn’t scare those that can appreciate it and can fully utilize it. After this application you can bet there will be more to come.
If the sales are lower than they forecasted a few things may happen, eliminate the product, bring the price down or develop a system for a larger market, like the touring one. I would love to have it on my next FLHTC or Victory bagger.
hoyt says
I agree. There are plenty of bmw riders that have this model and will make use of this technology. They have the money, the desire to tinker with new gear, and the riding skills to make use of it
hoyt says
That was supposed to be in response to paul’s last comment above. It seems if you get the captcha incorrect on a phone, the second attempt does not remember to put the reply in the right position
mxs says
Or rather not having the skill to use a conventional suspension which came with the bike they have bought. I would even argue that half of them have no clue compression, damping, preload … whatever as long as there’s a button.
Gary says
I test rode a Multistrada and was very impressed with it. This is only going to make the BMW better.