The decision is based on a joint study by Euro NCAP and Australasian NCAP which concluded that automatic emergency brakes would lead to a 38% reduction in real-world rear-end crashes at low speeds.
With motorcycle companies such as Honda and others now considering this sort of technology, we have to wonder whether motorcycles will be the next with mandated auto brakes.
Emergency brakes rumour
The Honda Goldwing rumour is based on some patent images that allegedly show two forward-facing cameras.
It is suggested these could only be used for monitoring traffic in front to avoid a rear-end collision.
They would be connectedto an Adaptive Driving Assistance System (ADAS) to slow the bike, prompting the rider to activate the brakes, possibly with extra assistance.
The auto system would be connected to the Goldwing’s combined braking system and Inertial Measurement Unit.
It sounds like a similar system to the one used in Honda’s Civic and CR-V cars.
The car system also monitors lane position, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and speed limiting, so these could also be added to the Goldwing.
There is no confirmation from Honda of the emergency brakes rumour, nor when it would likely be introduced.
Honda added a vast array of electronic wizardry: electric windscreen, seven-speed automatic transmission, hill start assist, idling stop/start, traction control, smart key, electronic suspension, four engine modes, LED lighting, auto-cancelling indicators and Apple CarPlay that allows iPhone users to use their device.
Yet it has a smaller fuel tank, almost a third less luggage space and shed up to 48kg in weight.
German automotive technology company Continental AG plans to be the first with a motorcycle emergency brake-assist system that applies extra brake pressure when it senses a crash.
Their system would not be automatic like in some cars that take over braking duties from the driver.
Continental recognises that motorcycles are different to cars and say their system would only assist the rider.
It works by using accurate fifth-generation radar sensors to detect imminent crash dangers.
However, the system would have to be different to cars as motorcycles lane filter close to vehicles which could easily activate emergency braking systems and send riders tumbling into traffic.
Continental motorcycle spokesman Christian Pfeiffer says their system would first alert the rider via “haptic” vibrations in the handlebars.
“Low initial braking pressure then helps the rider with the active braking operation,” he says.
“If the rider does not react to the warning, emergency brake assist automatically builds up braking force if the rider has both hands on the handlebars. The deceleration is much less pronounced than in a passenger car emergency braking system.”
A few years ago ABS was an optional safety system for those who wanted it. From the end of next year it will be mandatory in Australia. (See details at the end of this article)
How long before emergency brake assist also becomes mandatory on motorcycles?
The United Nations #STOPTHECRASH campaign has called for mandatory autonomous emergency braking that activates at slow speeds if an obstacle is sensed in front of the bike.
Of course, the makers of many of these electronic safety devices, Continental, Bosch and Denso, are supporters of the UN program.
Emergency brake assist is not the only electronic safety technology Continental is developing.
They are also working on sensors that detect roadside speed signs and display them to the rider, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and automatic switching to high beam.
Sign detection
Adaptive cruise control
Blind spot alert
Headlight assist
All these systems are based on Continental’s fifth-generation radar that go into production in 2019.
They use improved object detection algorithms that detect even smaller objects such as an exhaust that has fallen off a car.
The heights of objects can also be calculated by an elevation measurement device that detects the tail of a traffic jam under a bridge or road boundaries such as kerbs.
Continental claims their tech is now smaller and lighter.
It consists of a sensor cluster that measures acceleration and yaw rate, a radar system that analyses this data, plus brake and engine control units that activate on demand.
Continental say these can be fitted to motorcycles of all sizes from a single source, including the instrument cluster, that warns the rider of an imminent collision.
ABS will be mandatory on motorcycles, trikes and scooters over 125cc, while either ABS or CBS will be mandatory on those under 125cc.Trail bikes under 250cc and all enduro and trials bikes are exempt.
If the bike has switchable ABS, the default setting when the bike is turned off and turned back on again will be for ABS to be active.
Countries with mandatory ABS on designated motorcycles in all European nations, Japan, India, Brazil and Taiwan.
Even the USA – the land of freedom of choice – is now considering making ABS mandatory.
Bringing you the Best Motorcycle News from Around the Web!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
