Racing is exceptionally demanding on the rider,
motorcycle and shocks. The standards of precision,
endurance and safety are extremely high.
This is why Öhlins are present at all of the big
racing events. In racing situations our shocks are
put to the ultimate tests. This is where we can see
how our shocks function on the boundary of what is
possible, and what we can do better. Because it can
always be better.
Öhlins has a special racing department (more than 20
persons working full time with racing service) with
in-depth and broad knowledge of technology, design
and feel when it comes to shock absorbers. In
addition to experts in racing suspension, we
have four service trailers complete with
workstations, test equipment and computers. The
department works with the world’s leading motorcycle
manufacturers and racing teams like Aprilia, Ducati,
Kawasaki, Gas Gas, Suzuki, Honda USA and Yamaha.
Together with our customers, we develop and test the
entire suspension concept for road racing. This
means that we think holistically – the motorcycles
design, chassis and other features should function
together with the suspension and the rider’s riding
style. This results in the whole being greater than
anything the individual parts could offer
separately.
Racing involves comprehensive testing operations.
Everything must be at its best in order to be able
to keep up with the competition in racing: planning,
technical know-how, rider capacity, the track, the
tyres, the motorcycle, the suspension… This is why
in principle all of our development and competition
operations are based on testing. We firmly believe
that it is only testing that enables us to see how a
shock really works under different conditions.
We usually base our work on a certain motorcycle
model for which we specially build the shocks. Using
computers we then make a basic setting in our
laboratory. However, even though the laboratory
tests give us a good picture of how the shocks
should be adjusted, they are nonetheless simply a
basic model to work on. The final adjustments have
to be made under real conditions on the track. And
if it is to be done properly, it takes time. We
spend around 20 track days per year with our largest
customers.
But it doesn’t end there! Öhlins technicians can
also be found out on the race tracks all over the
world. Together with their colleagues in the team
they spend the entire racing season working
intensively on continuing to improve the shocks.
Öhlins staff works exclusively for each team and in
most cases we have taken on full responsibility for
the suspension. However, the exchange of expertise
on everything from tyres to chassis between Öhlins
personnel and the teams´ other experts is naturally
going on all the time.
Working in this way with the undisputed elite of
racing provides us with direct insight into the
standards we have to live up to. It is then up to us
to solve every problem based on our long experience,
our technical knowledge and our creativity.
A lot of these solutions then end up in the shocks
we sell. In other words, our know-how is a benefit
to you. With shocks from Öhlins you therefore have
the same concept, materials and high technical
standard as the world-class riders. And you feel it.
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