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models. This is the real crux. With prices consistency
ranging from R12,000 to R50,000+
For example, the TTX range uses · Fully adjustable for different
twin-tube technology to separate per component, Öhlins isn't cheap. conditions
compression and rebound circuits. But when compared to:
· Massive performance boost
This ensures: · Crash damage from poor
damping · Proven racing technology
· Reduced cavitation during
aggressive use · Tire wear from incorrect Cons:
rebound High cost
· Consistent damping over ·
long race distances · Fatigue on long rides · Requires knowledgeable
· Minimal heat fade …it begins to make sense. setup to maximize benefits
Especially for those pushing Overkill for casual city
Track-day riders in South Africa's ·
Western Province Motor Club report performance boundaries or investing commuting
more consistent lap times after in longevity. FINAL VERDICT
switching to Öhlins, citing better As one Cape Town rider put it:
tire wear and improved chassis “The money I spent on Öhlins saved So—what's so special about Öhlins
me from upgrading bikes. It made suspension?
balance.
my MT-09 feel like a completely It's not just the gold anodizing, the
ELECTRONIC
different machine.” MotoGP legacy, or the big price tag.
SUSPENSION: ÖHLINS
It's about control. Öhlins
SMART EC suspension gives you the confidence
INSTALLATION AND
Öhlins isn't just about mechanical SUPPORT IN SOUTH to push harder, ride longer, and
tuning. Their Smart EC system, corner with more precision than
used on bikes like the Ducati AFRICA ever before. For riders who demand
Panigale V4S or Yamaha R1M, Thanks to growing demand, South the best—on track, gravel, or twisty
adapts in real-time. African distributors now offer local tarmac—it represents a benchmark.
Öhlins support:
· It reads inputs from lean In South Africa's diverse and
angle, throttle, brake · Bike Gear SA sometimes challenging road
pressure, and wheel speed (Johannesburg) conditions, having that edge can
mean the difference between
· Then it adjusts compression · Superbike Solutions (Cape surviving a pothole and crashing
and rebound damping on the Town)
fly because of it. That's not
· RAD Moto (Gauteng) luxury—that's smart riding.
· Modes include Race, Sport, Most models come with full "It's like giving your bike a new
and Road, each with user installation guides. However, proper chassis. You don't realize what
tuning presets you're missing until you feel it."
setup requires a baseline sag and
For riders covering long distances damping setup by a pro. Many For those who understand that
with variable road surfaces—like a local riders opt for a suspension suspension is not just about comfort
run from Hermanus to Prince tune day after installation. but performance, safety, and
Albert—the system delivers PROS AND CONS connection to the road, Öhlins is the
unmatched versatility. gold standard. LHR
Pros:
COST: IS IT WORTH IT? · Unmatched quality and

