TracTive electronic damping technology - "The Benchmark"
A pioneer of electronic suspension systems for motorcycle applications (such as BMW ESA), Dutch specialist TracTive is an electronic damping technology manufacturer with pedigree - among other achievements, it is a Tier 1 supplier to several OE manufacturers - including Italian manufacturer Marzocchi and Fox in the USA. Its active damping valve technology (DDA) is the benchmark for applications like the BMW S1000RR (2019 and up).
Based on its DDA technology, TracTive has become the only suspension company worldwide to supply full 'plug & play' electronic aftermarket suspension for many BMW models.
TracTive was founded in 2010 by a team of six WP Suspension engineers and technicians who chose not to "go with the furniture" when owner KTM decided to move the suspension business it had bought from founder Wim Peters in 1995.
Preferring to remain in the Netherlands rather than move to Austria, the company has now grown to 45 employees and assembles up to 10,000 shock absorbers and around 150,000 electronic damping valves annually.
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Initially, the company specialised in production for top-end customers such as Touratech for the larger adventure bikes, Rally Raid Products for light adventure and Aragosta for typical Japanese applications.
Commercial Director Tom Glazemakers told IDN that " in order to fully support the growth of these private labels, we have started to develop an extensive range of TracTive products and a broad service dealer network worldwide.
"We are very well known for our unique combination of high-end design, quality control and electronic valve technology, so now we will leverage this expertise and make our designs available to a wider audience as we establish the TracTive brand identity.
"Our business model consists of three main plans. First and foremost, the in-house development of technology. Our R&D department is continuously challenged to develop new technologies and supply prototypes for a range of OE and Tier 1 customers. This is the best way of making sure we stay ahead in suspension technology. Sometimes we work on vehicles that will hit the market in just three years.
"Some of the inventions by TracTive R&D, like the DDA technology, are being manufactured in-house. In addition to the BMW S1000RR/XR/R models, our products can be found at several other vehicle manufacturers, such as the Can-Am Maverick, some hypercar brands like Pagani, Dallara, RUF Porsche and a number of smaller brands. With a production capacity of 200,000 pieces annually, we can guarantee a reproducible and robust function. These technologies form the basis for the largest part of our sales.
"Our mission is to produce unmatched 'plug & play' products that perform better than OE, with faster response times, improved handling, less weight and greater, indeed greatest possible safety. Nowadays, electronic suspension has become an integral part of a vehicle safety system, as crucial as ABS and stability control. While conventional shock absorber suppliers sometimes try to cancel electronic functions and therefore endanger the integral safety of the bike, TracTive firmly believes in enhancing the vehicle safety by using 'plug & play' solutions. In motorbike and automotive applications alike, TracTive provides 'plug & play' solutions for cars like Porsche and BMW that come off-factory with an electronic suspension system."
eX-PERIENCE set for BMW R1250GS/ R1250GS Adventure
TracTive has been supplying 'plug & play' electronic suspension for all BMW R1200GS models from 2005 onwards in different versions - from stock replacement to hardcore adventure applications. For the R1250GS (A) with dynamic ESA and automatic spring preload, TracTive has developed a specific version that it says is "better suited to the different electronic damping modes and ride adjustment".
Full dynamic ESA functionality is maintained but with improved road and dynamic damping - the front and rear shocks have increased oil volume for thermal stability and additional compression adjusters for optimal tuneability. The front shocks have a 46 mm piston and 16 mm piston rod for increased durability, and the electric preload adjuster module is described as "really bomb-proof". The shocks are available in different ride heights.
TRACTIVE SUSPENSION
www.tractivesuspension.com
