Do you remember writing down or printing out directions and stuffing them in your tankbag—or taping them around your forearm—before going out for a ride? Do you remember glancing down every thirty seconds when you realized you didn’t know where you were, trying to make sure you didn’t miss your turn?
We look back on the ‘old days’ of ancient moto tech with a sheepish fondness (like paper directions), but we’re pretty glad that things are progressing: motorcycle tech has come a long way in the last few decades with significant improvements to rider safety.
ABS
With the first ABS systems introduced to production motorcycles in the 80’s (thanks, BMW)—ABS is now often a standard feature on motorcycles. It wasn’t until 2009, however, that Bosch developed an IMU (inertial measurement unit) specifically for a motorcycle. The original ABS units BMW used in the 80s weighed more than 20 pounds. Now, they weigh in at about a pound and a half.
Beyond that, statistics show a 22% decrease in fatal accidents in bikes with ABS as opposed to without.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Communication Systems
We know that maintaining situational awareness is a critical component of motorcycle safety. Simply put: pay attention.
The advent of communication systems—specifically being able to use navigational aids that pipe directions straight into our helmets—plays a huge factor in freeing up mental space to pay attention to what’s in front of us. Instead of glancing down at instructions in a tank bag and reducing distractions, we’re now able to set it and forget it when it comes to our navigational needs.
Additionally, being able to communicate directly with folks you’re riding with reduces the need for frequent stops, yelling at each other at stoplights, and allows us to let one another know about obstacles in the road.
Airbag Clothing
Folks have been riding with airbag vests in MotoGP since 2007—and in 2018, MotoGp made them compulsory. Airbag vests use a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect changes in movement that suggest a crash, and then inflate in milliseconds to protect riders in the event of an accident.
While this technology has been available for some time now, it’s now entering the consumer space at a much more rapid rate. Airbag vests are becoming readily available, and companies are starting to introduce additional articles of airbag clothing, like jeans.
Wireless Brake Detection
Here’s where we come in with Brake Free. Since motorcyclists make up about 3% of registered vehicles on the road in the United States—we need to do our best to stand out. While motorcycle taillights certainly do their part—now riders have an additional layer of visibility when reducing their speed that sits at eye-level with other drivers on the road.
On top of that, Brake Free uses a combination of gyrometer and accelerometers in automotive grade Bosch IMU (similar to ABS applications) to detect any decrease in speed: braking, engine braking, or downshifting.
That offers an additional level of safety over relying on motorcycle brake lights alone—which only engage when you’re actively braking. Which, as we know, is not the only way to decrease one’s speed while riding.
We’re all about being seen and staying safe on the road. Head back to our homepage to step up your safety game and order your Brake Free, if you haven’t already.
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