Safety and assistance systems for motorcycles are increasingly determining the driving experience on two wheels and are now standard on many machines. Motorcycle ABS, which has been a pioneer since 2016 for newly developed model series and since January 2017 for all newly sold motorcycles with more than 125cc capacity in the European Union, has been a pioneer. Today, a large number of other “assistants” come into play as standard, even before critical situations even arise. With increasingly complex engine and chassis technology, electronic co-drivers are becoming increasingly important – and many high-tech motorcycles are already indispensable. Which assistance systems will indicate the direction in the future.
The ABS brake systems are the best example of inconspicuous, efficient working with high efficiency. Continental has been developing and producing these for motorcycle manufacturers worldwide for over ten years. From the beginning, the engineers can draw on decades of experience in the field of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in terms of brakes and sensors and incorporate them into a wide range of driver assistance systems for two-wheelers. During their development, a special feature of motorcycling is high up: the assistance systems preserve the driver’s freedom. A credo that the engineers from Continental also follow: “Our systems support the driver without patronizing him,” emphasizes Tobias Butz,
Relief of the driver in all situations
As an inconspicuous but efficient promoter of the attention level proves the traffic sign recognition (Traffic Sign Assist). It registers and signals speed limits and overtaking bans and displays them to the driver. Likewise, Blind Spot Detection can help prevent critical lane change situations. The rear-facing radar detects the rear traffic and warns the driver of objects that are in the blind spot of the mirror. The analysis of the preceding traffic by camera and / or radar in conjunction with the functions of the forward collision warning (Forward Collision Warning) or the emergency brake assistant ensures to prevent rear-end collisions with serious consequences. The environment sensors detect a sudden reduction in the distance to the vehicle ahead in fractions of a second, warn the driver or – if the driver has both hands on the handlebar – even initiate a necessary braking himself. Intelligent automatic cruise control (Adaptive Cruise Control) also ensures greater safety. It not only keeps the speed constant, but also the safety distance to the traffic ahead.
The intelligent headlight assistant (Head Light Assist) relieves the motorcyclist from having to switch between dipped and main beam after dark. The system detects the traffic ahead and oncoming traffic and automatically switches to optimal lighting without dazzling the other road users.
Sustainable for a secure future
Continental’s motorcycle driver assistance systems benefit from many years of research and development experience for passenger cars and will make a lasting contribution to “taking a major step towards the Group’s Vision Zero – a future without fatalities, injuries and accidents” Tobias Butz.
Wide range of ABS systems
The powerful range of Continental’s ABS systems ranges from simple one-channel ABS for scooters and small machines to the two-channel ABS MK 100 to the MK 100 MIB – Motorcycle Integral Braking System – for powerful motorcycles in a wide variety of advanced segments Control functions such as ABS for sports and off-road use, cornering brakes or a holding function on the mountain with the motorcycle stopped without permanent brake operation. The latest development, the MK 100 MIB EVO, weighs 1140 grams and is 500 grams lighter and smaller than its predecessor.
Source: Continental
