AIRTENDER by Umbria Kinetics, maximum grip without sacrificing comfort

AIRTENDER by Umbria Kinetics – The AIRTENDER is an innovative suspension, the first capable of eliminating the eternal compromise between comfort and performance thanks to a patented hydropneumatic system (two international patents) by Umbria Kinetics. The Airtender can be mounted on any suspension, even electronically controlled (such as BMW's ESA), by replacing the original elastic element with the Airtender components: a coil spring much stiffer than the original one (approximately double the elastic coefficient), capable of emphasizing the cycling qualities of any motorbike in the sections where the asphalt is free of roughness, and the hydropneumatic system, which being mounted in series to the helical spring, in sections where the asphalt is uneven and in the presence of potholes, allows the overall elastic coefficient (K) to be reduced (even drastically).

Thus, for example, if the coil spring “A” has a K equal to 260 kg/cm and the hydropneumatic system “B” has a K coefficient equal to 180 kg/cm, the resulting K will be equal to: 260 – 180, i.e. 80 kg/cm. Thanks to the Airtender, therefore, you can take advantage of the advantages of a stiff spring when the road is smooth and the advantages of a soft spring on potholes.
The result is the right suspension at the right time regardless of the type of surface, use and presence of the passenger and/or luggage. The Airtender, in fact, thanks to a regulator, offers the possibility of changing the calibration of the hydropneumatic element, allowing the suspension to work correctly even when traveling as a couple and/or with luggage.

For decades, manufacturers have tried to modulate the elastic system, either through complex, heavy and expensive air springs, or through simpler technologies applied to shock absorbers, managed electronically (semi-active systems). Both solutions, in all their forms, from the cheapest to the most expensive, have never solved the problem. For this reason, up to now, no system has been able to obtain the perfect set-up, the one capable of ensuring maximum grip but also maximum comfort. The set-up, especially on a production motorcycle, is a compromise, chosen based on the type of use and the price range. In practice, therefore, even using the most technologically advanced tools, when you decide to emphasize driveability you must necessarily sacrifice ride comfort and, naturally, vice versa.

Lhe first major innovation of the Airtender system consists in eliminating the concept of compromise. Thanks to the Airtender, in fact, it is possible to obtain maximum grip without sacrificing comfort, while at the same time raising the level of safety. The second innovation concerns the simplicity with which the Airtender achieves this objective: reduced dimensions, no need for compressors and electronic control units. The third great innovation of the Airtender concerns the integration with the mechanical standards currently available. The Airtender, in fact, unlike air springs and semi-active suspensions, does not require "ad hoc" design but can be installed on any type of vehicle simply by changing the accumulator support. The fourth innovation concerns intrinsic damping that the Airtender has. All the elastic elements, in fact, must be combined with a damper (the shock absorber), without which the system cannot function. The Airtender, thanks to its technical configuration, acts as a self-damping elastic, a feature that further emphasizes the versatility of the system, which matches perfectly with any shock absorber, standard or after market.

The Airtender can be defined as a "super elastic" system capable of keeping the wheel always in contact with the ground so as to make the reactions of the motorbike controlled and predictable. From the numerous tests carried out with various test riders (including those of motorcycle manufacturers) it emerged that the introduction of the Airtender, in any type of chassis, significantly increases traction and comfort. In fact, on smooth asphalt the very rigid spring prevents swaying while on potholes the soft spring prevents the set-up from destabilizing and reduces vibrations transmitted to the driver's back. In practice, the motorcyclist perceives a significant increase in feeling. When driving with the passenger and/or with luggage, the advantages of the Airtender, compared to the original systems, increase further as the super elastic characteristics allow the vehicle to be kept in position, emphasizing driveability and safety and allowing the shock absorbers, tires and all electronic systems work at their best.

The Airtender can be installed on any vehicle and on any type of suspension. For this reason, only by changing the accumulator support and adapting the calibration of the hydropneumatic system, Airtender can "follow" the owner with every change of motorcycle. Marketing of the Airtender will begin in 2017.