Technology applied to motorcycle safety is advancing at breakneck speed. Inertial platforms, radars, cameras and complex electronic systems currently help the motorcyclist to anticipate a good part of the dangers that appear while driving. However, not all problems require a digital response.
TANAX has resorted to a much more basic principle to develop the Moto Bell: make noise before the rider comes face to face with a wild animal. This small bell has been designed to be installed on the handlebars of a motorcycle and emit a metallic sound when the vibrations of the vehicle set its acoustic body in motion.
The main objective is to warn of the proximity of the motorcycle during tours on forest trails, mountain roads or especially isolated areas. The Japanese company presents the product as a tool aimed primarily at reducing the risk of unexpected encounters with bears, a problem that is of particular concern to those who practice motorcycle tourism and off-road driving in certain regions of Japan. But it also works for any other animal.
A brass bell that works without electricity
The operation of the TANAX Moto Bell couldn’t be simpler. Instead of using sensors, speakers or connections to the motorcycle battery, it uses an acoustic body made of brass that sounds when it receives the vibrations generated during circulation.
The manufacturer assures that the mechanism can produce sound even at low speed, an important feature for those who advance slowly on roads, narrow tracks or areas of poor visibility. Under these conditions, engine noise may be less noticeable at a distance, especially on quiet motorcycles or when terrain and vegetation muffle the sound.
The intention is not to scare away the animal when it is already on the road, but to announce in advance that something is approaching. This way, the wildlife would have more opportunities to move away before the motorist reaches their position.
It is important to understand that this accessory does not guarantee that an animal will leave the road nor does it replace preventive driving. On a forest track, speed moderation, reading the terrain and the ability to stop the motorcycle within visible space continue to be essential. The Moto Bell should be considered as a complementary acoustic warning.
Activation and silence via a magnetic lever
One of the common drawbacks of bells used by hikers is that they remain ringing constantly while the user moves. On a motorcycle, this feature could be uncomfortable when entering a town, traveling through a residential area or using the motorcycle on daily trips.
To avoid this, TANAX has incorporated a small lever with a magnet that allows the sound body to be locked or released. By lowering the lever the bell is activated, while by raising it the mechanism remains immobilized and stops ringing. The change between both modes is done manually and practically immediately.
This solution keeps the completely mechanical philosophy of the product intact. The rider can activate the bell before entering a track and silence it again when returning to the asphalt or approaching an inhabited area.
Compatible with different handlebar diameters
The Moto Bell is installed directly on a straight section of the handlebar. To expand its compatibility, the set includes two spacers that allow it to be adapted to tubes with external diameters of 22.2, 25.4 and 31.8 millimeters.
These measurements cover configurations used in numerous road, custom, trail and off-road models, although TANAX warns that the device should not be mounted in curved areas, conical sections or tubes with a diameter different from those specified.
The main body is made of POM, a plastic material commonly used in components that require rigidity, dimensional stability and wear resistance. The part responsible for generating the sound is made of brass. Its dimensions are 75 millimeters high, 25 wide and 63 deep, so it can be placed in relatively small spaces on the handlebars.
It can also warn if someone moves the motorcycle
TANAX proposes a second use for its particular hood. When the motorcycle is parked, the user can keep the sound mode activated. If someone touches or moves the motorcycle, the vibrations will make the mechanism rattle.
Obviously, the Moto Bell cannot be considered an anti-theft alarm in the strict sense. However, the sound could attract the attention of nearby people or warn the owner that someone is tampering with the vehicle.
The brand also points out that it can be used while pushing the motorcycle to warn pedestrians or other users of the proximity of the vehicle. These are, in any case, secondary functions derived from an extremely simple mechanism.
TANAX has been available for a few months in Japan. Its official price in that market is 2,530 yen, about 14 euros, making it a very economical solution. At the moment, neither its marketing in Spain nor a specific price for Europe has been officially announced.
