Motorcycles equipped with Öhlins suspensionpage 14

Öhlins, founded in 1976 by Kenth Öhlin in Sweden, has become a world reference in the design of high-end suspension systems. The adventure began in a modest workshop near Stockholm, where Kenth developed his first shock absorbers for motocross. Thanks to innovations quickly recognized for their effectiveness, Öhlins forged a solid reputation in the world of competition, a field that would remain at the heart of its identity.

From the 1980s onwards, the brand distinguished itself in prestigious disciplines such as MotoGP, Superbike, motocross and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Öhlins suspensions, whethershock absorbers, forks or advanced electronic systems such as the Smart EC, stand out for their precision and reliability, even under the most demanding conditions. Innovations such as pressurized gas shock absorbers make Öhlins a pioneer in its field.

There's no shortage of wooers. Manufacturers such as Yamaha, Ducati, BMW, KTM and Kawasaki allowed the brand to equip top-of-the-range models as original equipment, reinforcing its status as a technological leader. In 1987, Yamaha acquired 50% of the company, initiating a lasting collaboration before Kenth Öhlin took over the majority shareholding a few years later.

Over the course of its history, the Stockholm, Sweden-based company has passed through several hands. In 2018, Öhlins joined the American Tenneco group, a milestone in its international development. This dynamic continues to evolve in 2024, with the acquisition of Öhlins by Brembo for $405 million. This takeover, the largest in Brembo's history, reflects the Italian group's ambition to extend its technological expertise, while offering Öhlins the opportunity, in the words of its CEO, to "open up to new growth prospects".

Present in over 50 countries, with production sites in Sweden and Thailand, Öhlins employs around 500 people. Building on its heritage and innovation-driven vision, the brand continues to be a key player for enthusiasts and professionals in search of performance and precision.