International Dealer News IDN 150 August/September 2019 | Page 30

PRO GuIDe Panigale V4 suspension upgrades XXF31 rear monoshock with hydraulic spring preload As a result of its race experience and recent collaboration with Eugene Laverty and the Go Eleven WSBK Team, Italian suspension specialist Bitubo has developed new suspension options for the much admired 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 ABS 1100. Bitubo's ECH29 pressurised cartridge has been developed "to offer excellent front end stability thanks to precision control of deceleration forces, even under extreme braking. Its features provide the best control under braking, even at extreme lean angles and the most challenging ECH29 corners on any track. pressurised "Adjustable in hydraulic cartridge spring preload, compression and rebound, this cartridge contains innovative systems, such as lightweight components, our patented low pressure gas pressurised 'Full Pressure System' (FPS) to ensure immediate response by eliminating cavitations by the internal fluid, and 'Easy Charger' - a quick spring replacement system and exclusive new cartridge dismantling technique". Bitubo says that under braking, the front fork deforms - becomes oval-shaped - which increases 'Sliding Kit S' 'SSW A1' shock-absorbing steering kit static friction. The original bushings and seals create higher than necessary fork friction at the very first moments of initial response to the brakes. This happens due to the surfaces “pasting”. Bitubo says the front fork 'Sliding Kit S' uses its superior grade bushings, low 'stiction' coefficient seals and 7071 zinc alloy aluminium hardware ('Ergal') to decrease the static friction of the surfaces while the fork is deformed. Bitubo's 'SSW A1' shock-absorbing steering kit is "adjustable in 18 positions, complete with joints, for 30 XXF11 racing rear monoshock with manual spring preload adjustability that is the equal of the original component. The joints are integral to light alloys and they are CNC-machined from solid with our patented coaxial pressurised shock absorber chamber design. Also seen here, further development of the company's racing rear monoshock with manual spring preload (XXF11) and XXF31 rear monoshock with hydraulic spring preload for the Panigale V4 has resulted in an overall weight decrease, new settings that are even more race-ready and an upgrade aimed at better performance and adjusting simplicity of the length and hydraulic spring preload adjustment. "These shocks allow the rider precise control and increased maximum grip, as well as even tyre wear as a result of the immediacy of the damping force. This gives the rider improved confidence in the corners at extreme lean angles, during fast direction changes and under hard acceleration. At the same time, it provides excellent stability, even under extreme braking. "The innovation is in the internals of the shock, with new solutions for improving the damping coefficient and increasing damping consistency at high temperature. The 14 mm rod improves sliding, while the 30 mm piston reduces the mass of the fluid in motion. "The adjustments are all positioned in the upper portion and allow modifying the spring preload, extension and double compression, with the XXF31 also delivering hydraulic spring preload and length adjustment". BITUBO Selve di Teolo (PD), ITALY Tel: [phone] [email protected] www.bitubo.com INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 www.idnmag.com