While high-performance sportbikes are all about powerful engines and lightweight platforms, suspension plays a crucial role in ensuring these machines are capable of setting stellar lap times. After all, what’s the use of 200 horsepower if you can’t navigate corners at neckbreak speeds, right? Apart from all the R&D that goes into engines, frames, and brakes, enhancing the performance of suspension components is something that keeps both engineers and enthusiasts up at night.
It goes without saying that Öhlins is one of the most respected brands when it comes to suspension – be it for cars, motorbikes, off-roaders, and even bicycles. As such, it should come as no surprise that Öhlins sits at the very forefront of innovation when it comes to all things suspension. Case in point: the new SmartEC3, its newest semi-active suspension system designed for top-tier superbikes. The brand new system is by no means just a concept, either. In fact, it made its debut back in EICMA 2023 on the 2024 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
