If cars are not your thing and you would rather get on a two-wheeler and explore the world, then you might want to know more about what the motorcycle technology has in store for you.
Naturally, these advances are designed for both casual and competitive riders. So, you can be sure that you’ll find out interesting things if you keep on reading this article.
Without any further ado, let’s take a look at the recent advances in motorcycle technology and see how they can help you have an easier time on the road.
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
As you may know, in certain breaking situations, there’s a chance that your wheel might lock up. Anti-lock braking systems use sensors that analyze the wheel speed and prevent your wheel by locking up, by quickly reducing and reapplying brake pressure.
The statistics tell us that this technology works! The motorcycles equipped with ABS see a 31% lower fatal-crash rate than the exact same models but without anti-lock braking systems.
More and more motorcycles now come equipped with cornering ABS as well. This technology uses IMU (inertial measurement unit) data paired with the ABS and with throttle control, in order to keep the motorcycle stable when taking tight turns as well as in emergency situations.
Automatic Clutch and Shift
Seen as a turn-off by most beginners, the use of clutch and shift gears may soon become a thing of the past. Some motorcycle manufacturers are now rolling out motorcycles that come with automated clutch and shift.
In short, if you own one of these motorcycles, you’ll never have to deal with shifting gears again.
Frames
While hand-built frames come with reductions in weight, there’s one thing that has greater potential in terms of frames and their weight – namely, 3D printing.
3D printing technology might not be new. Instead, the advance we are talking about here is the ability to load the components of a motorcycle with composite printing materials.
Again, the statistics speak for themselves – a 3D-printed motorcycle frame is usually around 35% lighter than any conventional model.
Electric Motorcycles
While the technology needed to make the electric motorcycles feel and act the same way as a conventional one is still under development, it is not just a dream.
Companies like Energica and Lighting have already come up with lithium battery operated motorcycles. Obviously, the only problem is the density of these energy cells, an aspect that makes them quite heavy, thus affecting the total weight of the motorcycle.
All you can do is wait for smaller lithium cells – which can also store large amounts of energy – if you want an electric motorcycle capable to compete with conventional models.
The Bottom Line
These were only a few of the recent advances in motorcycle technology. We could mention air-bag clothing, adaptive headlights, as well as electronic tire pressure monitors – only so that you can see that the world of bikers is getting more and more into technology.
Still, before taking your beloved motorcycle for a trip, make sure that you have a motor vehicle accidents attorney that you can rely on in case something happens. As we all know, motorcycle drivers have a higher risk of being involved in an accident than car drivers.
Therefore, whether you are testing out new technology or giving your old Harley a run, make sure that you are insured and safe!