“Response and execution times are 1-3 mil sec depending on the event. This is very fast as compared to a normal shock based electronic system of 15-20 mil sec. Viscosity of the fluid is not changed but it is the easiest way to visualize the effect. The key to performance is in the algorithm. It can be used to control ride motion, pitch balance ( in a bike dive under braking could be greatly reduced, drive off of corners should be improved also) and wheel control. The response is so fast that the control gets to the damper down motion before larger damper forces are needed, this helps a lot with wheel control. It will also allow softer spring rates for better traction and bump absorption. Overall it should be a nice advancement, once the control scenarios get worked out. It is not full active because the damper can not be forced to extend, it can only be commanded to be in full release. Full active requires a hydraulic pump to extend the damper. The control algorithm for both systems is about the same. I would say semi-active is 70% as effective as full active but 25% as costly and complex. Full active is still the holy grail. It will take a rider with an open mind to develop the total system because many of the inputs he or she is used to will be different.”
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