Touratech Suspension Plug & Travel EVO

Electronic suspension system for BMW R 1200 / 1250 GS

The Plug & Travel EVO electronic suspension system from Touratech Suspension is a completely new development. Thanks to numerous technical innovations, the semi-active suspension elements raise the handling of the BMW R 1200 / 1250 GS to an unprecedented level.

Completely newly developed electronic suspension system for BMW R 1200 / 1250 GS

In 2013, Touratech launched the Plug & Travel suspension system as a high-quality replacement for the electronic suspension elements on the BMW R 1200 GS / R 1250 GS. Demanding GS riders thus received a semi-active suspension system for the first time which was specially designed to meet the high loads resulting from riding with luggage on unpaved ground and at the same time offered exceptionally fine response behaviour and practical adjustment options.

The experience gained from riding millions of kilometres has now been incorporated into the completely newly developed high-end Plug & Travel EVO series.

Die Top-10-Benefits

Precise response and highest control quality even under extreme continuous load enable consistent performance under the toughest offroad conditions as well.

High-end material from the market leader in suspension tuning guarantees maximum service life as well as optimum function, whatever the riding situation.

The new design optimises oil flow and suppresses foaming, preventing cavitation damage even at the highest damper frequency.

Maximum sealing and lowest possible friction: The new low friction seal combines sensitive response with long durability.

Faster and more reliable adjustment of the vehicle balance in the event of a change in load or when riding with a pillion passenger.

An easily readable scale on the easy-to-use knob enables reliable and repeatable setups in ten steps, without tools.

This innovative design gets the maximum spring travel out of the GS's geometry. This ensures ground clearance and reserves even in offroad use with luggage.

The safety plus for extreme conditions. Extreme compression movement is gently absorbed by the suspension system, and comfort when riding offroad is noticeably improved.

The one-piece milled bottom part offers a slim design with maximum strength. The unsprung masses have been reduced through clever weight savings, contributing to the sensitive response.

Like all suspension elements from Touratech Suspension, the new Plug & Travel EVO is fully service-enabled. Wear parts can be replaced cost-effectively, guaranteeing consistently high performance over a long product service life.

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The Plug & Travel principle: seamless integration into your vehicle

The Touratech Suspension Plug & Travel EVO electronic suspension elements can be used to replace the standard Dynamic ESA shock absorbers on the BMW R 1200 / 1250 GS without any modifications to the vehicle.

Installation is now even easier due to the slimmer layout, all standard plug connections are retained and operated as usual via the standard switches.

The semi-active suspension elements of the new Plug & Travel EVO line do without an intermediate control unit and process the data from the Central Function Unit (CFU) of the R 1200 / 1250 GS directly. There is no need for time-consuming teaching of the electronics. In addition, the integrated control system is able to immediately take into account all software updates installed via the BMW service, so that no additional suspension element update is required.

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Strong partners: Eibach and JRZ Suspension Engineering

To master the challenging task of redesigning an excellently functioning electronic suspension system for the R 1200 / 1250 GS while retaining its proven strengths and at the same time opening up new benefits for their customers, Touratech teamed up with two technology companies, leaders in their respective segments. Eibach, a world-renowned manufacturer of performance suspension systems, took over responsibility for the development and production of the particularly high-quality springs.

The electronic valve, the heart of every semi-active suspension element, was developed in conjunction with the Dutch specialists from JRZ Suspension Engineering.

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Worldwide patented electronic valve

The semi-active Plug & Travel EVO suspension system adjusts the damping of the BMW R 1200/1250 GS to the current conditions of the ground in real time. For this purpose, the path and speed of the compression and extension movements are recorded by sensors. Based on this data, the electromagnetic valve regulates the oil flow, so that a sensitive response is achieved while simultaneously maintaining the highest reserves against bottoming out.

The electronic valve used in the new semi-active Plug & Travel EVO is patented worldwide. It reacts to the electronic control with unprecedented precision. And even when subjected to extreme damping pressures during tough offroad use, the flow and therefore the damping remain absolutely constant.

New Hyper Flow damper piston

The Hyper Flow damper piston, which modifies the flow performance in the suspension elements of the Plug & Travel EVO series, has been completely redesigned. The oil flow is optimised in such a way that foam formation at very high damper speeds is effectively suppressed. Cavitation damage caused by collapsing oil bubbles is now a thing of the past.

Unique low friction seal

To ensure maximum sealing of the damper with the lowest possible friction, the seal on the piston rod has also been redesigned. Due to the modified shape of the ring and effective support of the sealing lip, the sealing surface and therefore the friction remain constant at all times, regardless of the load. This guarantees the low breakaway torque required for sensitive response and prevents the unpleasant slip-stick (backsliding) effect.

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Slim design, maximum functionality

Thanks to a one-piece milled bottom part, it was possible to reduce the weight of the suspension elements while increasing their strength. The lower unsprung masses contribute to the fine response of the suspension system. And the new design of the electronic shock absorbers offers yet another fundamental advantage. Despite their smaller dimensions, the EVO elements realise the maximum possible spring travel allowed by the standard suspension geometry of the BMW R 1250 GS.

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Powerful electric preload adjuster

The electric preload adjuster for electronic adjustment of the spring preload has also been completely redesigned. The engineers have succeeded in achieving a higher torque for rapid compression of the spring at a lower operating pressure. This puts less stress on the seals, which results in even longer durability. This technology enables the vehicle balance of the BMW R 1200 / 1250 GS to be compensated instantaneously when the load is changed or when riding with/without a pillion passenger.

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Simple suspension system tuning

The pre-setting of the compression damping on the new EVO line is simple and intuitive, using a single element. Adjustment is carried out in 10 steps with an easy-to-operate rotary knob, equipped with an easily readable scale. This also enables less experienced users to reliably implement individual suspension system setups on their BMW R 1200 /1250 GS.

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End stop for the toughest applications

To meet the demands of the most extreme trails, the suspension elements of the Plug & Travel EVO series have an end stop made of a foam-like plastic. This material deforms progressively under pressure, so that a gentle braking of extreme compression movement at the end of the working stroke is achieved. This important feature protects the suspension system and improves comfort on board the R 1200 / 1250 GS.

High-quality Uniball bearings

Best durability thanks to minimal tolerances distinguishes the high-quality Uniball bearings. The new rubber seals are particularly pressure-resistant, so that they effectively keep out dirt and water, preventing premature wear.

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Electronic suspension system fully service-enabled

Like all suspension elements from Touratech Suspension, the new semi-active Plug & Travel EVO suspension system is fully service-enabled. Wear parts can be replaced cost-effectively, guaranteeing consistently high performance over a long product service life

Merciless test bench testing

Before the new suspension elements went into extensive field testing, a comprehensive test procedure was carried out on the test bench. A test device was specially developed for internal durability tests. Even lateral loads were simulated with weights, and the cooling of the damper was carried out using a fan to replace the airstream. To obtain the most realistic environment possible, the electronic valve of the damper was connected to a complete motorcycle electronic system. On the test bench, the dampers had to withstand one million strokes at full compression and an additional 30 kilograms of lateral force.

The result: not a single one leaked!

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Tough practical testing

Parallel to the endurance tests on the test benches, extensive riding tests were also carried out. This is why ready-to-ride pre-production samples were created at the beginning of development process, allowing the new Plug & Travel EVO to be put through its paces using a wide variety of basic set-ups over thousands of kilometres.

And intensive testing was not only carried out with the "normal" versions of the R 1250 GS and its sister model Adventure. The Touratech development workshop also built a special version with a 21-inch front wheel suitable for offroad use and increased spring travel. With this prototype, the new material could be tested at the limit under the toughest conditions.

With the input of the winner of the Dakar car ranking and Hellas Rally winner, Dirk von Zitzewitz, Touratech was able to develop a special offroad set-up on the basis of the new Plug & Travel EVO – in addition to the traditionally available one – which turns the multitool R 1250 GS into an offroad capable adventure bike that is unparalleled in this weight class.

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