Ohlins
ActiveOverview
Öhlins is a Swedish manufacturer of suspension systems for motorcycles, cars, mountain bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorsport applications.1 The company supplies OEMs such as Ducati and Lamborghini, and racing teams in MotoGP, World Superbike, Formula 1, and World Rallycross, with products exported to over 50 countries.134
History
Öhlins was founded in 1976 by former motocross racer Kenth Öhlin in his father's engineering workshop, initially producing exhaust pipes, engines, and shock absorbers.1 The company relocated to its current headquarters in Upplands Väsby, Sweden, in 1990.1 It has developed suspension for various vehicles and secured over 450 racing titles.5
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle Suspension | High-performance shocks and forks for street and racing | $500 - $3,000 |
| Automotive Suspension | Coilovers and dampers for performance cars | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Mountain Bike Suspension | Advanced forks and shocks for MTB | $400 - $1,500 |
| Motorsport Suspension | Custom systems for racing series | $2,000 - $10,000 |
| Steering Dampers | Stability control for motorcycles | $300 - $800 |
| Ride Height Control | Adjustable systems for vehicles | $500 - $2,000 |
Manufacturing
Main production and R&D are based in Upplands Väsby, Sweden, with approximately 97% of output exported.1 Subsidiaries include facilities in Thailand, Germany, and the US.1
Notable Products
- TTX Shock Absorbers - Twin-tube technology used in MotoGP and superbike racing.
- NPX Forks - Mountain bike suspension forks with advanced damping.
- DFV Shocks - Dual Flow Valve shocks for road motorcycles.
- Road & Track Coilovers - Adjustable suspension kits for performance cars.
- RX-T36 Fork - Pike-style fork for enduro mountain biking.
Reputation
Öhlins is regarded by enthusiasts and professionals as a premium suspension provider, valued for reliability in racing and OEM applications.13 Strengths include engineering for high-performance motorsports with over 450 titles won.5 Some note high prices as a drawback compared to competitors.1