Bosch and KTM have been working together since 2013 to develop new technological advances, such as the radar system for motorcycles, which are intended to improve the overall safety of users. The latest in this field is the innovative assistance system, with up to 6 different functions, which the radar system itself will incorporate on Austrian motorcycles next season. According to the German brand, 5 of these functions are completely new and could help prevent one in six accidents on German roads alone.
KTM will present its new radar system with 4 of these functions
According to the latest announcement regarding the new functions incorporated in the radar system used by KTM bikes, it will be finally announced next November. In addition, it is planned to go on sale for the next season, initially including 4 of these functions. Geoff Lierschdirector of Two-Wheeler & Powersports at Bosch, said:
“Bosch’s stated goal is to make motorcycling even safer and more comfortable through the use of innovative new technologies, without diminishing the pleasure of riding. The new features are another step in this direction and we are delighted to have KTM as a customer.” For its part, Stefan HaistKTM’s head of chassis control systems development for the street, comments:
“We are very pleased with the long-standing collaborative relationship between our development teams and are pleased that KTM is the first to use these new features.” Both brands have been working hand in hand for over a decade. We have closely examined some of these technical advances tested on the orange bikes over time.
Back in 2018, Bosch showed the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S with front and rear radar incorporating two technologies: on the one hand, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and on the other Blind Spot Detection (BSD). Later this year, we already told you about one of the functions that are now being officially presented, a new system with which groups of motorcyclists riding in formation would know the position of their companions at all times.
Up to 6 additional functions to the conventional radar system
Bosch provides a very specific description of the functions that KTM radar systems could incorporate starting next year and what their uses are:
Adaptive Cruise Control – Stop and Go (ACC S&G)
For motorcyclists, traffic jams can be exhausting and dangerous. Drivers constantly have to press the clutch, use the brakes, and then get going again. To make this easier, Bosch launched the ACC adaptive cruise control in 2020. Once the desired speed has been set, this system constantly adapts the vehicle’s speed to the flow of traffic, maintaining the necessary safety distance from the vehicle in front.
Bosch has taken this technology to a new level to offer greater riding comfort with its new ACC S&G function, which can bring the motorcycle to a controlled stop to assist the rider. This works best with an automatic transmission such as that used on KTM’s new bike, which will be the first to feature this new feature. If the motorcycle is stopped, riders do not need to use the clutch – they can put the motorcycle in motion by simply pressing a button or briefly activating the throttle as soon as the vehicle in front starts to move.
Group Travel Assistance (GRA)
Staggered group riding is popular with motorcyclists, but can be tricky with ACC as the feature expects motorcycles in front to be in the middle of the lane. GRA is a useful complement to ACC; it uses an algorithm to detect 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 achieve a natural group formation. When not riding in a group, GRA works in the same way as ACC.
Driving Distance Assist (RDA)
When traffic is flowing smoothly and RDA is activated, it helps maintain a suitable distance from vehicles in front and thus prevents rear-end collisions. With ACC, a desired speed must be set; but when RDA is activated, the motorcycle can be controlled normally using the throttle grip. While riding, the system automatically reduces the vehicle’s acceleration or applies the brakes as necessary.
Drivers can set the desired distance to the vehicle in front in advance. If desired, they can also use a switch to deactivate the function or apply the accelerator to override the deceleration generated by the RDA system. This allows the function to be integrated naturally and comfortably into the dynamic flow of driving.
Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Dangerous situations on the road require not only a quick reaction, but also, in many cases, emergency braking. Every second counts when it comes to preventing collisions and avoiding potentially serious consequences. EBA is activated when the system detects a risk of collision and the rider does not brake hard enough. In this case, the function actively increases the brake pressure on the wheels to slow the motorcycle down as quickly as possible.
Rear Distance Warning (RDW)
Even in a car, it can be difficult to keep a constant eye on traffic approaching from behind; but on a motorcycle, it requires an extra level of concentration. The RDW system monitors the situation behind the driver and displays a warning on the screen if another vehicle gets too close. Based on this warning, the driver can take action 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 warning lights. The function thus protects motorcyclists from accidents caused by having to brake unexpectedly or by the vehicle not seeing them, whether they are waiting at a traffic light, in a traffic jam or riding in flowing traffic.
These new functions complement Bosch’s global offering of radar-based assistance systems, thus expanding the “sensory world” In addition to basic safety functions, increasing emphasis is also being placed on comfort and experience functions that focus on the motorcycle and take into account real-life riding situations – functions that ensure not only safety and comfort, but also unrivalled riding pleasure.
