International Dealer News IDN 122 Dec/Jan 2014/15 | Page 16

news ROOM Öhlins adds Scooter, Multistrada and additional MX product options HLINS has begun to release details of its suspension products for 2015, which includes a wide selection of off-road applications covering everything from 50cc mini motocross to Open class and Enduro machines. Beginning with the mini MX classes, Öhlins is offering its TTX30 rear shock that features ‘big bike’ Twin Tube Crossflow (TTX) technology for use on competitive 50/65cc machines. TTX shocks have separately adjustable compression and rebound damping, and different spring rates are also an option. For 2015 Öhlins has revised its STX 46 shock for use on SW and LW class 85cc machines. The shock now has a two-way compression adjuster, and the characteristics of the Progressive Damping System (PDS) have been overhauled to control the forces the shock absorber is subjected to. Riders of 85cc machines can also benefit from the STX85 cartridge kit based on the TTX22 for adult MX machines. The spring pressurised system can compensate for heat changes and provide reliable damping through every stroke. The kit has been designed to rise very low above the fork leg tops, allowing the forks to be mounted far up in the triple clamps for lower bikes or for the smaller riders in the class. When it comes to 125cc and larger MX machines, Öhlins not only has its TTX22 cartridge kits, but also the RXF racing front fork. The 48mm fork has gold anodised outer tubes and titanium-oxide treated inner Ö tubes, and 2015’s developments include new seals to reduce ‘fading’, and top-out noise is minimised due to the introduction of a top-out spring and rubber. A new check-valve unit helps the fork to stay up in stroke without feeling too hard, which also improves the overall performance of the front fork. For the rear of larger bikes, the TTX44 has been further refined for 2015 with a new rebound adjuster design for better precision and more rigid feeling. It features the latest ‘Twin Tube’ design with a claimed zero cavitation risk and multiple adjustment options. Moving to road options, for 2015 Öhlins has developed a pair of upgrade kits that make it possible to add semi-active suspension to the Ducati Multistrada 1200. The two Mechatronics upgrade options currently available from Öhlins are dependent on the model year. For the ‘10-‘12 Multistrada 1200 S, fitted with Öhlins EC suspension as standard, all that’s required for semi-active functionality is an Öhlins Suspension Control Unit (SCU), which provides a set of preprogrammed smart algorithms to constantly alter the damping settings of both the front fork and rear shock. By monitoring the motorcycle’s speed, acceleration and various other bike parameters, it ensures the suspension is continuously optimised. Owners of the base model Multistrada 1200 can purchase an upgrade kit that includes new forks, a new shock absorber, a new dashboard and an SCU. The new forks are TTX30 rear shock featuring ‘big bike’ Twin Tube Crossflow (TTX) technology for use on competitive 50/65cc machines 16 INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 Forks, part of the upgrade kit for the base model Ducati Multistrada 1200 S36, a classic design and part of the ‘Scooter Performance Line’, a new range of options for scooters Öhlins ‘Road & Track’, using NIX internals and TiN-coated sliders for minimal friction, and the rear shock is a twin tube TTX. The first Ducati model available for this upgrade is the ‘10-‘12 Multistrada 1200, but Öhlins is working on a similar upgrade kit for the ‘13-‘14 version. Öhlins road options for 2015 continue with a range of parts for scooters under the ‘Scooter Performance Line’ banner. Available for machines from 125 to 600cc, the new range features products for both mono and twin shock models. The STX shock is available for both mono and twin shock machines, while the S36 is a classic design available in emulsion, ‘dividing piston’ and piggyback versions (depending on application), which can be specified with a number of different damping adjustment options, with or without length adjustment. Popular models, including the Honda MSX, Forza and PCX 150, are in stock, with other applications being developed for machines such as the Yamaha X-Max range. ÖHLINS RACING AB Upplands Vaesby, SWEDEN Tel: [phone] [email protected] www.ohlins.com