German automotive suspension brand Bilstein, best-known for its performance-oriented aftermarket car shocks, is entering the motorcycle market.
A subsidiary of Germany’s huge ThyssenKrupp metals and engineering conglomerate, Bilstein has reportedly been investing in R&D for motorcycle suspension applications for the past five years. And it is now ready to challenge other leading European brands — Öhlins and WP — for a slice of the action.
Debut products will be lightweight rear shock and front fork upgrade fitments for the BMW S1000RR. These were slated to appear on the machines of a top team in the now virtually moribund 2020 British Superbike Championship. And presumably Bilstein will be keenly pursuing an OEM relationship with BMW Motorrad for this and other models.