Product Review: Ohlins Unveils Aftermarket Suspension For BMW R 1200 GS

For riders who want to get the most out of their bike, some aftermarket performance parts can cost nearly as much as the motorcycle itself. That's not quite the case with the Ohlins' new aftermarket suspension system for the BMW R 1200 GS, but it does come close.

Retailing for the steep price of $3,279, the new suspension system gives riders bang for their buck. Ohlins claims that the system is the first aftermarket electronic suspension system in the world, and drastically changes the performance of the BMW bike.

The upgrade plugs directly into the R 1200 GS's electronic control unit (ECU), essentially overriding the factory settings for the bike's suspensions. Since the device is plugged directly into the ECU, riders can still use the OEM display and controls in order to make adjustments to the suspension. However, the Ohlins system comes with its own function that allows for automatic suspension damping depending on the speed of the bike.

In addition, the kit includes front and rear twin-tube TTX shocks, along with a wiring harness. Altogether, the Ohlins Mechatronic suspension system should provide a noticeable upgrade to the existing BMW sport bike.