Öhlins Racing unveils the Öhlins Smart EC performance steering damper for the Yamaha YZF-R1M, suitable for use on the road and racetrack.
Yamaha’s YZF-R1M already features the most technologically-advanced electronic suspension system ever produced for a production roadbike, with forks, shock and software all supplied by Öhlins. Now, R1M owners can complete their bike’s handling package, with the new Öhlins Smart EC steering damper upgrade.
The Smart EC damper plugs into the Yamaha YZF-R1M bike’s existing Suspension Control Unit (SCU) to make ultra-fast changes in damping, based on parameters that include speed and acceleration. The well-proven qualities of the Öhlins steering damper are complemented by the bespoke Smart EC algorithms, which alter damping settings in real time, to suit the current riding conditions.
Feedback is excellent in both road and track conditions, with test riders reporting a reassured feeling of stability under acceleration compared with the standard damper. Öhlins’ superior materials, pressurised fluid design and narrower tolerances means reduced friction, finer adjustment, and more precise control, compared with the stock (non-Öhlins) unit. That means a more natural, ‘free’ feel at the bars, while still providing rock-solid stability when riding on the edge.
The Yamaha YZF-R1M has taken the motorcycle world by storm this year, and its Öhlins-supplied Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS) is one of the biggest talking points for owners and road testers alike. Öhlins 43mm NIX front forks and TTX36 rear shock are fitted as standard, with an onboard Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) measuring a host of parameters about the bike’s movements, in order to fine-tune the suspension units ‘on the fly’. With the new Öhlins EC steering damper, R1M owners can fit the final piece of the jigsaw, to give a unified, superior handling setup, that completes the R1M chassis package.
Robert Brinkmark, Öhlins Product Manager Motorcycles commented,
“The Yamaha YZF-R1M is a truly fantastic machine which we are proud to be part of. Now with the introduction of the Öhlins Smart EC steering damper, owners can give their machine even more control and stability.”
Smart EC Damper ‘at a glance’:
- Designed to work with Öhlins Smart EC software
- Constantly changes damping settings in real time
- Reacts to speed, acceleration, gear and throttle position
- Extremely low friction components
- Pressurised fluid design reduces free play
- Improved, more ‘natural’ riding experience
- Straight replacement for standard Yamaha damper unit