IT is already ten years since BMW introduced what was then (2004) the first electronically adjustable suspension (ESA), allowing finger-tip damping control from the handlebar. That was followed by ESA II in 2009 - giving riders push-button road and load control over spring rates.
ESA turned out to be a first step, a first step in a logical progression leading to the development of the current dynamic ESA semi-active suspension system – an "intelligent" system that uses sensors to monitor the status of the motorcycle and terrain characteristics, optimising the suspension in milliseconds while riding.
With many BMW F 800 GS and R 1200 GS bikes equipped with their original ESA systems, even with the latest dynamic ESA, Touratech is now bringing out its own ESA version for these models.
Developed in partnership with Dutch specialists Tractive, Touratech's system is said to be an easy-install "Plug & Travel" ESA - one that is fully serviceable and tuneable to the customer's request. Tractive Suspension specialise in electronic suspension, founded by the former WP Suspension core development team when KTM relocated the WP Suspension business to Austria. The white colour of the springs is a reference to this heritage. The team at Tractive previously invented ESA1 and ESA2 and is now actively involved in dynamic suspension development worldwide. The company says that "even for the newest models with dynamic ESA, Touratech is worldwide the only real replacement aftermarket supplier".
The company states that every aspect of this system is geared to long-distance touring, with lots of luggage, on almost any type of road surface, and that "Plug and Travel" means no modifications are required and components can be easily swapped out.
"As far as operation goes, customers can adjust the suspension in the usual way," says suspension product manager Jo Glaser. "We use the original BMW controls, but we have completely redesigned the shock absorber set-up.
"Our ESA suspension system will interest anyone who wants to take their F 800 GS or R 1200 GS touring. Riders who fit the Touratech Suspension ESA system not only get spring elements with a special set-up for touring, but the components – like all shock absorbers from Touratech Suspension - are fully serviceable.
"Riders whose motorbikes aren't equipped with an electronic suspension system can install our ACE system - a self-contained system that uses its own sensors developed by Touratech Suspension", said Jo Glaser.
"This means that even motorcycles which previously used conventional shocks can be fitted with an electronic suspension system. Currently the ACE suspension system is available for the BMW R 1200 GS (front/rear shock absorber), the Yamaha Super Ténéré up to 2013 (rear shock absorber), the Triumph Tiger Explorer (rear shock absorber) and BMW R 1150 GS/Adventure (front/rear shock absorber)".
Also available, the fully serviceable Touratech Suspension Cartridge Kit Extreme is a fully adjustable damping cartridge for the original fork that is designed to withstand the exceptionally tough conditions of enduro touring.
This "shock absorber for the fork" is said to deliver a "noticeably more sensitive response with high stability and the greatest possible resilience".
The company says that unlike open types, which use the same oil for both damping and lubrication, theirs is a closed system developed for the extreme stresses endured by sportsbike forks.
With this design the damping oil is located in a closed cartridge, leading to very exact damping control, similar to that of a shock absorber. The cartridge uses an internal piston of 35mm (which the company says is the largest in the market!), which allows for stable and precise damping setting. A special Motorex oil formulation is used for filling the fork legs to lubricate the fork.
Riders receive a completely filled cartridge fitted with the appropriate spring; only the original outer tubes are retained. Touratech Suspension closed cartridges are said to handle "even extreme damping frequencies on rough off-road rides. They are supplied with the unique Touratech touring set-up for the respective motorcycle. For individual settings – e.g. different loading conditions or for a completely personalised suspension set-up – it is possible to adjust the spring preload as well as the damping on compression and rebound strokes".
A built-in "hydraulic end stop" prevents the fork mechanically bottoming out when the bike is ridden hard. "This cartridge system provides hugely improved ride safety coupled with maximum ride dynamics", says Product Manager Jo Glaser.
Touratech say their Cartridge Kit Extreme is the ideal solution for all motorbikes that do not come with factory-fitted adjustable forks. It is available now for all BMW F 800 GS models, and the Triumph Tiger 800 XC and Tiger Explorer. Lowering kits of approx. 25-50mm for the forks, and a suitably adapted Touratech Suspension shock absorber, are expected soon.
TOURATECH
Niedereschach, GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)7728 92790
info@touratech.de
www.touratech.com
