KTM Introduces Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection to Future Bikes
KTM will be the first motorcycle manufacturer to integrate Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection systems into their bikes in a bid to improve safety for motorcyclists.
(All images taken from KTM)
While these safety features are commonplace, motorbikes are not falling behind either, with KTM implementing the prototype systems on a modified KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S. Both the aforementioned features will use sensor-based technology to help detect and prevent a collision from the front of rear.
In fact, KTM has already unveiled the prototype system at a live demonstration located at the ÖAMTC driving technique center in Marchtrenk, Austria, on May 2nd.
The KTM test rider in the video was Gerald Matschi himself, Vice President of KTM’s R&D division. Showing off his nerves of steel, Matschi lifted his right hand and foot off the controls of the adventure bike and let the prototype adaptive cruise control system set in and take over the throttle and brakes.
So how does the adaptive cruise control really work?
Similar to those found on cars, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is not designed as an emergency brake system; instead, it works when the motorcycle is in cruise control above a designated speed.
The system will be able to detect a vehicle in front via sensors (see images below) - regardless of size - and lock on to maintain a distance of two seconds by automatic throttle control and if needed, gentle application of the front brake.
According to the press release, the system is still in development but the company expects the ACC to be able to respond faster than any rider in any given situation. Some updates they are planning for the system includes the ability for the rider to customize the operational distance and speed.
As for the Blind Spot Detection (BSD), KTM states that the system “adds another set of eyes in such demanding riding conditions or during a particularly long ride.”
The BSD is said to use a short distance radar to ACC to alert the rider to the potential of an undetected rear collision. Such incidents would include the changing of lanes, in which a visual warning on the TFT display will show, as well as on the illuminated LEDs integrated within the rearview of the mirror glass, also enhanced with audible signal.
Following the successful demonstrations of the ACC and BSD, Matschi said: “As a company, KTM is committed to improving rider safety and also to reduce accidents. We have a lot more development and many thousands of kilometers to test these systems in the real world before we can implement them on series production bikes, but they are coming in the near future and we are sure they will make a difference.”
KTM PR Manager Luke Brackenbury also added: “When it comes to KTM applying electronic rider aids to sport motorcycles, it has always been the same approach to offer features that help riders control their bikes without losing the joy of riding.”
“Improving safety for motorcyclists is part of our responsibility as a manufacturer and KTM has demonstrated this in the past as the first company to offer two-channel ABS as standard on a 125cc machine with the KTM 125 Duke in 2014 in the same year as introducing the pioneering cornering-ABS function. With ACC and BSD, we hope to make motorcycling safer still.”
These new features are to be offered on certain KTM models starting from 2021, along with other sensor-based systems that are already reportedly in development.