Text and Photos: Michael Hesse
On a 15-day off-road tour with GS Europe Team Germany 1, travelling across the Balkans and back, the Touratech Suspension Extreme2 suspension on Michael Hesse’s BMW F 900 GS had to prove what it was capable of.
For the gravel adventure in the Balkans, Michael’s GS was thoroughly upgraded by the experts at Touratech Suspension. The core element of the upgrade was the combination of the Cartridge Kit Extreme and the new Extreme2 shock absorber. This was complemented by the 24-way adjustable CSC steering damper. The aim: maximum riding stability and precise handling, even under extreme conditions.
FIRST TEST: CROATIAN GRAVEL ROADS
Even the first few kilometres on the dry gravel roads of Istria highlighted the strengths of the fork upgrade. The closed-cartridge technology responded sensitively to bumps, yet always offered the necessary reserves against the dreaded bottoming out. Even on rocky forest sections with deep ruts, the front wheel remained stable. In conjunction with the steering damper, the GS could be steered precisely into drifts – a noticeable difference from the standard suspension. A key section followed on the infamous Mali Alan Pass in the Velebit Mountains. Steep ramps and loose boulders pushed the suspension to its limits. Whilst the rider was required to maintain the utmost concentration and keep a precise line of sight, the precise damping provided accurate feedback and thus a decisive boost to safety. After demanding sections, one thing stood out above all else at the end of the descent: confidence in the equipment.
MONTENEGRO: TRACTION ON STEEP SLOPES
The high altitudes of the Durmitor massif presented the suspension with a different challenge: the constant shift between damp rock slabs and loose scree, meaning virtually zero traction. At a particularly treacherous spot – a mix of steep steps, a sloping surface and hardly any grip – I would probably have given up with a standard suspension. But this is exactly where the Extreme2 showed what it’s capable of. The precisely working spring elements allowed me to build up traction in a controlled manner and master the passage. The revised PDS also demonstrated its strengths in this extreme terrain. Even harsh impacts from hard landings or uncontrolled line choices were absorbed cleanly. Afterwards, I recalled the conversation with the suspension expert at Touratech regarding the setup: “Feel free to set it a bit stiffer,” he had recommended. “And more rebound, but don’t over-dampen it. The bike should rebound quickly but in a controlled manner after compression – that ensures control without losing traction.” He was right!
ALBANIA: HARD ENDURO RIDING IN THE NATIONAL PARK
The most demanding sections lay ahead in Albania. The Hard+ track in Hotova-Dangell National Park, in particular, pushed the bikes to their limits: deep mud, loose boulders and endless climbs. Under these conditions, the CSC steering damper prevented the handlebars from whipping out of control. Whilst other riders struggled to keep their bikes on track, the front wheel of my F 900 GS remained stable and responsive even on difficult terrain. All in all, this demonstrated the effectiveness of the overall design: the interplay of precise damping, traction and steering stability took the pressure off the riding situation and allowed me to ride with focus and fluidity.
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The Touratech Suspension Extreme2 shock absorber with extensive adjustment options.
NO COMPROMISES ON ASPHALT
After the off-road sections, the journey home to Istria was mainly on asphalt. Here too, the suspension impressed. The F 900 GS remained stable during hard braking, showed no tendency to bob and provided precise feedback in fast corners. Despite the luggage, no weaknesses were apparent – proof that the suspension components also perform well on-road.
PREDICTABLE, HIGH-TRACTION AND STABLE
After over 3,800 kilometres on varied terrain, the verdict is clear: The Touratech Suspension Extreme2 suspension does not primarily enhance comfort, but above all control over the motorcycle. Whether on rocky inclines, deep mud or fast gravel tracks – the BMW F 900 GS remained consistently predictable, offered strong traction and maintained excellent directional stability. The endurance test in the Balkans has shown: a precisely tuned suspension makes the difference between riding and struggling – and gives the rider what counts in extreme situations: confidence.
