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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
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