Bilstein has been at the forefront of vehicle damper technology for more than 60 years. It is a position that has seen the German company engineer countless OEM suspension systems for leading vehicle manufacturers as well as deliver highly regarded motorsport and aftermarket chassis solutions.

But it is only the most recent advances in vehicle damper technology -- and in particular the company's Modular Damping System (MDS) and Clubsport suspension programmes -- that have laid the foundation for Bilstein to pursue its next major development opportunity: high-performance motorcycle suspension systems.

Bilstein is therefore delighted to reveal that its all-new high-performance suspension system for motorcycles is now in its fifth year of development and undergoing final testing and TÜV certification ahead of its market launch later this year.

In a decisive move for this area of the motorcycle aftermarket, the new Bilstein system centres around a complete telescopic front fork assembly rather than adopting separate cartridges. The fork tubes are Bilstein's familiar hard chromed components with an additional titanium nitride coating. These in turn run in high-grade alloy outer tubes with wet bearings and low-friction seals.

Damping is provided by Bilstein's renowned gas-pressurised monotube units, with independent two-way adjustment provided in-line through the piston rod instead of needing to displace fluid into a remote reservoir. The separate dials for compression and extension adjustment are stacked on top of the nearside stanchion, machined and numbered for easy operation on the move.

Meanwhile, the new Bilstein system for the rear end of the motorcycle is built into a compact, coilover-style unit that is typically more than one kilogram lighter than rival systems. Similar to the front, it features an all-alloy, two-way adjustable, gas-pressurised monotube that does not require the location of a remote reservoir. The whole unit can be mounted either way up so owners can ensure that the adjustment wheels are easily accessible, while it is possible to modify the spring preload by either rotating the adjustable spring seat or by installing a separate hydraulic system.

Development of this exciting new Bilstein high-performance suspension system has included a variety of Italian, Japanese and German sports bikes from different decades and in both race and road specifications. However, for the launch of this important new product, Bilstein has focused on delivering its first application for the BMW S1000RR sports bike, produced from 2009 to the present.

Prices and availability of the new Bilstein suspension system for the BMW S1000RR will be revealed soon, with further applications being announced in due course.

Contact: Bilstein Technical Centre UK (0116 289 8345)