International Dealer News IDN 122 Dec/Jan 2014/15 | Page 10

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Touratech suspension ESA and
Cartridge Kit Extreme
T 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 longdistance touring, with lots

I

'we use the
original BMW
control unit'
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"

Tom Glazemakers of Tractive Suspension in the Netherlands, seen here on the
right with Lars Wurdemann of Touratech, told IDN that "suspension
technology is one of the two most important elements for safe and
enjoyable riding. The developments that we have seen in the industry in the
past decade are only the start - the next 10 years will see motorcycle
suspension data gathering, and the systems that data can drive open up a
whole new era in the development of the riding experience".

'a special Motorex oil
formulation is used''
Spring preload and
damping can be
adjusted on
compression and
rebound strokes

Touratech's new Electronic Suspension System (ESA) is a fully
serviceable "Plug & Travel" retrofit for the BMW F 800 GS and
R 1200 GS. The company also has actively controlled electronic
(ACE) suspension systems available for the BMW R 1200 GS and
R 1150 GS Adventure, and Triumph Tiger and Yamaha Super
Ténéré models that don't have electronic suspensions.
The Touratech Suspension
Cartridge Kit Extreme features a
built-in hydraulic end stop
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

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INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015