Öhlins the global leader in suspension solutions has launched the all-new SD20 steering damper for Street- and Supersport motorcycles. The new SD20 piston-style damper, available April 2025 through Öhlins retailers, features a larger cylinder and piston and other design enhancements which together provide significantly increased and more consistent damping force and smoother adjustment steps across a wider range of damping force. Öhlins’ new steering damper offers tighter tolerances and a more efficient design.
Test riders engaged by Öhlins engineers reported being able to ride faster with the new SD20 and described the steering wobble as noticeably “calmer” compared to the SD16. Also new to the SD20 damper is Öhlins’ exclusive cylinder-valve design, inspired by our racing applications and EC steering damper. This innovative design significantly enhances rider comfort. Unlike a traditional needle valve, the cylinder valve features a series of holes that are restricted by an edge inside the cylinder to balance the force applied to the damper actuator, enabling quicker adjustments. It also provides increased sensitivity and responsiveness across both the low and high ends of the adjustment range.
Technical Features:
• Ø20 mm piston
• New, more advanced design
• More compact design
• Improved damping force balance
• Increased damping force for better control
• Quicker wobble reduction and safer feel compared to the SD 16
• Derived from Factory Racing technology
• Premium titanium-anodized finish
“Our new SD20 damper combines the latest Öhlins solutions with a more efficient and robust design to deliver noticeable improvements in rider comfort and overall bike performance,” said Robert Brinkmark, Director Sales, Marketing and Product Management at Öhlins. “In fact, our test riders found that the SD20’s performance characteristics are very similar to those of our steering dampers for Factory racing applications.”
The all-new SD20 steering damper continues Öhlins’ nearly 50-year history of delivering technologically superior suspension solutions for all types of motorcycles and riding preferences. The Öhlins range for motorcycles includes shock absorbers, front forks, steering dampers, and spring kits engineered to help optimize the rider experience. Öhlins also develops and markets an array of advanced suspension solutions for automotive, mountain bike and powersport applications.
To learn more about the new Öhlins SD20 steering damper and any of the brand’s other world-class suspension solutions, contact your local Öhlins retailer or visitwww.ohlins.com.
