In a bid to increase driver safety, Bosch has unveiled six new radar-based assistance systems, including five world firsts. Scheduled to enter the market in 2025, the new technology is the second generation of the company's Advanced Rider Assistance System (ARAS) and will be used for the first time by KTM aboard its highly anticipated Great adventure V-twin model.
The new systems take the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) technology already found on the 1290 Super Adventure S to the next level, giving it additional advanced functions such as the power to stop the bike behind a vehicle, follow the movement of bicycles in front. When riding in a group, increase brake pressure to avoid a collision and even move away from a stop when the vehicle in front of you moves again. Other new safety features include rear distance and collision warnings. Let's take a look.
Adaptive Cruise Control/Stop & Go (ACC/S&G)
The new ACC S&G function can bring the motorcycle to a controlled stop to avoid a collision with the vehicle in front. This works best with an automatic transmission like the one that will be used in KTM's new Super Adventure model, because the bike can shift gears for you and bring it to a stop while avoiding a stall.
Additionally, if the motorcycle stops, the rider does not need to use the clutch; They can put their bike in motion simply by pressing a button or briefly activating the accelerator as soon as the vehicle in front of them starts moving.
Group Travel Assistance (GRA)
Riding in a staggered group is popular among motorcyclists, although it can be difficult with ACC because the feature expects motorcycles riding in front to be in the middle of the lane. GRA adds functionality to ACC using an algorithm that detects when a group is riding in a staggered formation and regulates speed to automatically maintain the same distance from the motorcycles in front. In this way, the feature helps riders form a natural group. When you are not riding in a group, the GRA system works the same as ACC.
Driving Distance Assistance (RDA)
When traffic is flowing and RDA is activated, it helps maintain an appropriate distance from vehicles in front and thus avoid rear-end collisions. With ACC, a desired speed must be set; but when the RDA is activated, the motorcycle can be controlled normally via the throttle grip. While driving, the system automatically reduces vehicle acceleration or applies the brakes as needed. Drivers can pre-set the desired distance from the vehicle in front of them. If they wish, they can also use a switch to deactivate the function or apply the throttle to cancel the deceleration generated by the RDA system. This allows the function to integrate naturally and comfortably into the dynamic flow of driving.
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
EBA is triggered when the system detects a risk of collision and the driver does not brake hard enough. In this case, the function actively increases the braking pressure of the wheels to reduce the speed of the bike as quickly as possible.
Before it can activate, the system requires the rider to apply the brakes, and it will not operate when speeds exceed approximately 100 miles per hour (160 km/h).
Rear Distance Warning (RDW)
RDW monitors the situation behind the driver and displays a warning on the screen if another vehicle approaches too close. Based on this warning, the driver can take mitigation measures to avoid a rear-end collision.
Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
RCW warns vehicles behind the motorcycle when a rear-end collision is imminent, for example by activating the hazard lights. The function thus protects motorcyclists from accidents caused by unexpected braking or by a vehicle that does not see them – whether waiting at a red light, a traffic jam or free-flowing traffic.
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According to Bosch, their goal when developing these safety systems is not to interfere with what makes motorcycles fun. “Bosch’s stated goal is to make motorcycling even safer and more comfortable using innovative new technologies – without diminishing the driving pleasure,” says Geoff Liersch, head of two-wheelers and powersports at Bosch. Do you think this new technology achieves this?
