Marzocchi

Marzocchi Motor returns in Italy

The company taken over by the VRM SPA Group after a period of American ownership, from December 2015 Marzocchi Motor returned to Italy, as part of the VRM SPA Group.

In 2008, the Marzocchi Motor Group was acquired by the US company Tenneco, except for the gear pumps production. After a few years of crisis, in July 2015 Tenneco decided to close the Bologna production plants. Subsequently, the split of the motorcycles and bicycles markets took place and the one intended for motorcycle suspensions was taken over by VRM SPA which kept production and employees in Bologna. VRM SPA Group is already active in similar market segments too, and constantly investing in engine components innovation technologies.

A future that aims at innovation and quality

The new owner is also engaging in quality, innovation, research and development projects to keep the company competitive and avant-garde on national and international markets. A Dutch partner, Tractive, helps Marzocchi Motor to develop the technology of motorcycle forks and shock absorbers, proceeding on its path to strengthen its leadership in innovation and technological know-how in semi-active front forks and rear shock absorbers.

Tractive was born in 2010, as WP Suspension left the Netherlands to settle in Austria, near KTM. The Dutch core development team aimed to keep this unique expertise alive: Tractive was born in a passion for suspension technology burning. This background explains the use of white springs as a reference to this heritage, orange branding as Dutch national colour and the company motto “The Art of Suspension“. Specialization in electronic control of motorcycle fork cartridges and shocks for Adventure and Racing motorbike suspensions is what Tractive is now known for.

Touratech is the main partner (“Touratech Suspension by Tractive“), but worldwide there is a network of other partners like Rallyraid UK and Aragosta Japan. Tractive is also active in Racing shocks for snowmobiles (Totaltek, BRP Lynx Finland) and cars (DSC Sport USA). This wealth of experience also explains the specialization in electronic suspension control and broad technology base.

The most important of the technologies is the patented, state-of-the-art DDA Dynamic Damping Adjustment valve. Tractive supplies standalone semi-active suspension systems or “plug and play“ systems fitting to the factory connectors like BMW S1000RR / HP4, all Porsches, BMW M4, Nissan GTR, BMW R1200GS (ADV), Dodge Viper, BMW S1000XR, BMW R1200RT and many more models. In cooperation Marzocchi Motor will develop and assemble OEM suspension solutions for high-end motorcycle customers.

VRM SPA Group has access to the Tractive DDA Dynamic Damping Adjustment valve and other technologies. Tractive will on the other hand concentrate on Aftermarket and Racing applications.