Touratech R1200 GS suspension by TracTive
Touratech, the German adventure touring specialist
has entered the suspension market with a system for the BMW R1200 GS, developed
for them by specialist Dutch suspension manufacturer TracTive. Their system is
a DDA (dynamic damping) Plug & Travel that is said to offer “a completely
new riding experience particularly on demanding tours”. Sensors register
irregularities in the ground, and send this information to electronic controls,
which adjust the spring elements in a matter of milliseconds.
Electromagnetically controlled valves adjust the
flow of oil in the fork, increasing or reducing the damping effect. The
greatest challenge affecting semi-active suspensions has always been capturing
of information from the original plugs on an
ECU and translating that data so it could be used
to control an aftermarket retrofit product.
Jo Glaser, Touratech’s suspension product manager,
says that what makes this system stand out is that it is easily interchangeable
with BMW’s own DDC system.
“Touratech’s DDA Plug & Travel suspension uses
the existing plugs and is operated through the switches that are already built
into the handlebar. The system is integrated into the motorbike through BMW’s
original ECU”. This means the rider can continue to use all the BMW standard
driving modes and loading presets as well as custom settings. Tom Glazemakers,
who heads up the TracTive suspension team that has helped Touratech to develop
the system, told IDN that “our front shock has a 46mm diameter compared to
BMW’s 36mm, and is made in aluminium tube rather than the original steel.
We are able to keep the temperature much lower and
improve the stability of the dampening action, therefore improving the handling
performance and durability of the system”.
Tom went on to say that “one of the most important
features of the system we have developed for Touratech is the use of our
patented bypass valve. Activated in milliseconds, the reaction of the
suspension is electronically tuned all the way from completely closed to fully
open. This is a departure from the basically automotive technology used by
manufacturers such as BMW with their CNC style mechanical valves”.
