Motorcycle: Most Common Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Driver assistance systems commonly available on automobiles are becoming more and more common on motorcycles. Manufacturers felt that it was also necessary to make two-wheeled vehicles intelligent in order to reduce the number of accidents. Although they are not yet installed on all motorcycles and their number is still insufficient compared to ADAS on cars, this innovation is still to be commended. 

What do we mean by driver assistance systems? What are they for? What are the most common on motorcycles? Why are there fewer driver assistance systems on motorcycles? If you want to know everything about motorcycle driver assistance systems, read this article.

Driver assistance systems: what are they? 

Un driver assistance system is a system usually built into cars and some motorcycles that makes the driver's job much easier. This makes the task of the driver easier. It is an active safety information system that allows the driver to avoid certain accidents. As the name suggests, it is a highly intelligent electronic assistant for greater driving comfort and safety. 

For a long time, these help systems were only available on cars. Only recently have manufacturers started to integrate it into motorcycles. There are several types of driver assistance systems with specific functions. Having these systems on your car can also lower your insurance premiums because insurance companies believe that the smarter your car is, the less risk it will take. 

What are they for?

From the definition of driver assistance systems, we can easily conclude that they increase safety while driving. They allow the driver to avoid all dangerous situations that could lead to an accident. They also ease the burden on the driver, freeing him from a number of tasks that can distract him and affect his vigilance. ADAS also helps the driver better understand environmental conditions that can make driving difficult. 

Thanks to these systems, the car will be able to quickly detect hazards and react as quickly as possible, even before the driver reacts. While these tools are very useful and highly recommended on machines, they can be a source of risk if their interface is not well designed and when they are not very reliable. 

What are the most common driver assistance systems on motorcycles?

As we said earlier, driver assistance systems are now available on motorcycles. These electronic devices promote safe driving, detect and respond to hazards at an unimaginable speed that humans cannot. Here are the most common motorcycle aids. 

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

This system is considered the oldest driving assistance system. This significantly reduces the number of accidents when driving on sand, gravel, dead leaves or even wet carpet. This is very useful, especially in the event of emergency braking on these surfaces. What's more, the anti-lock braking system also helps to shorten stopping distances and improve braking stability. Thus, the risk of falling is significantly reduced. with motorcycles with ABS. Even in the event of a fall, the consequences are mitigated by the ABS. 

ABS bend

It works like a normal ABS, but can also prevent the wheels from straightening and skidding on steep grades. Indeed, motorcycles have to lean when cornering. But slowing down on a slope can have serious consequences. It is also highly recommended not to brake when cornering. 

In the event of heavy braking, the motorcycle may skid or even move out of the lane. In this case, cornering ABS plays a role, allowing the driver brake in a corner without motorcycle slipping... Many accidents involving hard braking in a corner could be avoided by cornering with ABS. 

Stop control

The motorcycle stops when the driver brakes too hard to remove the rear wheel, especially if the load on the wheels is unevenly distributed. In the event of a stop, the braking distance increases and it becomes difficult for the driver to brake. In this case, there is a risk that the motorcycle will become sunny if the brake is not released quickly. Thus, stop control provides better longitudinal stability to offer the driver maximum safety in all braking situations. 

Draft regulator

Unlike ABS, which works when the wheel is locked, traction control is useful when the rear wheel is spinning. Thus, we can say that the traction control system is the opposite of ABS. It reduces the transmitted power in a fraction of a second to balance rear wheel strength and tire grip. The traction control system will help you a lot on bends and on wet roads. 

It is obvious that the aforementioned motorcycle driving assistance systems are not exhaustive. There are several others and many reflector manufacturers still reuse ADAS in motorcycles. 

Why are there fewer driver assistance systems on motorcycles?

This disadvantage is due to several reasons, including the fact that drivers prefer to ride motorcycles freely. Also, not all ADAS on cars are compatible and will not be used on motorcycles. Moreover, the manufacturers of these assistance systems are mainly car manufacturers. Only a few of them produce motorcycle parts. 

In any case, driver assistance systems are also very useful for motorcycles, and with these means, several motorcycle accidents could be avoided.