When last February we met the radical Ducati Desmoto from Futuri Motion Tech, there was one aspect that caught our attention about this elaborate project. We refer to the ÖTX control unit, developed by the Dutch specialist himself, with which it is possible “configure the rebound and compression settings on any electronically controlled Öhlins TTX rear shock, front fork or steering damper”, as he himself explained after the official mass launch of the product.
ÖTX control unit in detail
Mark van Veggelfounder of the Dutch workshop Futuri Motion Tech, based in Tilburg, is, in addition to being a high-level trainer, someone who devises new technical solutions with which to bring the latest technologies to any biker. Good proof of this is this ÖTX control unit that we show you today. The same one that has just been launched on the market for the modest price of 340 euros.
With it we can replicate the electronic functionality of the Öhlins TTX suspensions without requiring the ECU provided in any motorcycle model that equips them. From a small and practical transparent case that fits in the palm of your hand, it is now possible to regulate the rebound and compression settings using the two buttons it includes. Additionally, there is no need to keep the ÖTX controller connected to the suspension.
Once we have adjusted the parameters according to our preferences, the ÖTX control unit can be disconnected. Veggel explains in the product description: “This means you can use a single controller for the rear shock and front fork at the same time, or for multiple bikes, for example. Or you can leave it connected for quick adjustments when needed.”
On how he managed to develop this interesting ÖTX control unit, Mark recently explained: “I started taking things apart, opening components, doing tests. I did the first tests of this controller about five years ago and got a basic prototype working. Then, about two years ago, I finished the final product.”
However, he has new ideas in his head to improve it through new applications and compatibilities. In fact, he is already working hand in hand with a computer engineer colleague and the results are truly promising. It appears that the future version of the ÖTX control unit “will not have a screen, will remain coupled to the motorcycle and will be controlled via Bluetooth or possibly via the CAN bus,” says Veggel himself.
He concludes by stating that “This opens the door to possibilities like GPS-based suspension adjustments or even lean angle-based adjustments, where the bike modifies the behavior of the suspension corner-to-corner depending on the settings.” In short, an interesting technological display that could even be used by some motorcycle brands in the near future.
An idea that is confirmed after knowing how “Royal Enfield is among the engineer’s clients, after the Indian giant requested an ÖTX controller for the initial suspension setup of its experimental Himalayan EV prototype”as reported by MCN colleagues.
In any case, for more information and details you can consult directly on the official Futuri Motion Tech website.
