MopedDB

ZF / Sachs

Foundet:1915

Founded in 1915 as "Zahnradfabrik GmbH" in Friedrichshafen for the production of airship transmissions. After 1918, the company expanded into automotive transmissions. A milestone was the takeover of Mannesmann Sachs AG in 2001. This enabled ZF to integrate expertise in clutches and shock absorbers as well as the trademark rights for the Sachs brand.

Chassis Technology & ZF Race: Sachs made ZF the global market leader in chassis technology. ZF Race Engineering GmbH in Schweinfurt (founded in 1998) bundles all motorsport activities and develops high-end components such as dampers and clutches for Formula 1, WRC, and tuning.

ZF (via the Sachs brand) provides suspension systems for off-road motorcycles, including telescopic forks (open/closed cartridge) and rear shock absorbers. Start: Sachs has been active in the damping business since 1934. Focus on modern off-road chassis intensified following the integration into the ZF Group in 2001. Manufacturers: The primary off-road partner is Betamotor (Italy) for their RR (Enduro) and Evo (Trial) series. Collaborative projects also exist with BMW Motorrad.

Last edited: 1/15/2026 · Jürgen Wißler