Milan - Bosch's advanced rider assistance systems will be included in the production models of Kawasaki, starting the series production in 2021. This is the first announcement from a Japanese manufacturer to feature Bosch's advanced rider assistance systems. "Bosch continues to make riding safer, more efficient and fun around the world, and we are honored to supply Kawasaki with our systems" says Geoff Liersch, President of the Bosch Two-Wheeler & Powersports business unit.

Bosch's rider assistance technologies for motorcycles based on ADAS
Cars can be made safer through the addition of crumple zones, airbags, and seat belts. Motorcyclists, on the other hand, face considerably more danger when riding: the risk of dying in an accident is up to 20 times higher for them than for car drivers. The advanced rider assistance systems improve safety and comfort for motorcyclists, comprising adaptive cruise control (ACC), forward collision warning, and blind spot detection. The technology underpinning these systems is a combination of Bosch's radar sensor, brake system, engine management and HMI (human machine interface). According to Bosch accident research, radar-based assistance systems could prevent one in seven motorcycle accidents. These electronic assistants are always vigilant and, in emergencies, they respond more quickly than people can. Mr. Yuji Horiuchi, President of Motorcycle & Engine Company in Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., says "We are glad to announce that our motorcycles will be equipped with Bosch's advanced rider assistance systems, which offer greater rider reassurance. With the support of these systems, we are confident that Kawasaki can offer "Fun and Rewarding to Control" to even more riders."

Bosch's advanced rider assistance systems
ACC adaptive cruise control
Riding in heavy traffic and maintaining the correct distance to the vehicle in front takes a great deal of concentration and is strenuous over longer periods. ACC adjusts the vehicle speed to the flow of traffic and maintains the necessary safe following distance. This can effectively prevent rear-end collisions caused by insufficient distance to the vehicle in front. Moreover, not only does ACC offer riders more convenience, it also allows them to concentrate more on the road, particularly in high-density traffic.

Forward collision warning
In road traffic, even the briefest lapse in concentration can have serious consequences. Bosch has developed a collision warning function for motorcycles to reduce the risk of a rear-end collision or to mitigate its consequences. If the system detects that another vehicle is dangerously close and the rider does not react to the situation, it warns the rider by way of an acoustic or optical signal.

Blind spot detection
This system keeps a lookout in all directions to help motorcyclists change lanes safely. A radar sensor serves as the blind spot detection system's electronic eye. Whenever there is a vehicle in the rider's blind spot, the technology warns them by way of an optical signal – for example, in the rear-view mirror.

Comprehensive safety concept: three steps towards accident-free mobility
Bosch is developing motorcycle safety technologies based on the three steps concept. The first step, is improving motorcycle stability with ABS and motorcycle stability control (MSC). ABS is now mandatory for new models in countries and regions such as Japan, the EU, India, Taiwan, Brazil and China (in the EU, it is also mandatory on all existing vehicle types), and is to be made mandatory for new models in Australia within 2019. The second step is advanced rider assistance systems that use surround sensing technology. The third step, is safety technologies through network connection between motorcycles and surrounding environment, such as bike-to-vehicle communication and automatic emergency call system for motorcycles. With this comprehensive safety concept, Bosch will keep developing the innovative technology that enables safer riding without taking away the fun.

Related link: www.bosch-motorcycle.com

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