Adjusting the suspension is one of the most troublesome things on the road, especially if carrying cargo, rear luggage, etc., which often requires finding tools to adjust the suspension before each trip. Despite the rise of modern cars with electronic suspension systems, their practical price is often high. Recently, German suspension manufacturer Wilbers announced an innovative solution, the Nivomat suspension system, to help riders solve all problems at once!
The Wilbers Nivomat avoids the traditional messy steps of adjusting preload based on load, and requires no electronic control valves or inclination sensors (IMU) at all. It can automatically maintain the perfect suspension settings, like a suspension "magician" that allows riders to enjoy a perfect driving experience without any magic props.
Wilbers cleverly combined "hydraulic gas suspension" technology from the automotive industry and crammed it into a motorcycle shock absorber. Nivomat consists of two independent hydraulic chambers. A low-pressure chamber is used to store the oil, and another high-pressure chamber is filled with nitrogen. A single-cylinder damping system and a pump rod with a control valve make up this innovative device.
When the load increases, such as when a passenger is on board or luggage is added, the pump rod automatically adjusts the pressure between the two chambers at the same time as the motorbike naturally shakes. The oil in the low-pressure chamber is pumped into the high-pressure chamber, which forces the piston rod to extend, resulting in increased spring stiffness and lengthening of the shock absorber body. This process only takes a few hundred meters!
Wilbers says that the pumping action continues until the suspension returns to its set level. Whether you're riding alone, traveling with a group, or carrying luggage, Nivomat keeps your bike's geometry and suspension sag the same. When the load is reduced, the oil returns to the low-pressure chamber, softening the shock absorber and providing a more comfortable driving experience.
Darren Wnukoski, owner of MCT Suspension Company and a Wilbers suspension expert, said of the Nivomat: "It's truly revolutionary! Riders no longer need years of tuning experience to find the best settings. Nivomat changes everything. Just install it and forget it!"
Wnukoski added the advantages of the Nivomat: "Although the electronic semi-active suspension system has its advantages, its shortcoming is the lack of consistency, as it constantly analyzes limited information and adjusts the settings accordingly. The Nivomat is different, its parameters are preset so the suspension always responds in the same way while keeping the geometry of the motorcycle precisely."
Each Nivomat shock is custom-made, with Wilbers taking into account rider and passenger weight, as well as the vehicle's normal driving style, to ensure the shock is exactly what the customer wants. The Nivomat is primarily aimed at the travel market, especially at riders who often travel long distances in varying road conditions. It is important to note that the Nivomat's compression and rebound damping are not adjustable, but they are "active" and automatically adapt to driving conditions.
Innovation always has a price. The price of Nivomat rear shocks depends on the model, starting at £975, with most models around £1500.
