Bosch's new bike division

German automotive giant Bosch has announced it's opening a special division dedicated to developing safety technologies for motorcycles, with an updated anti-lock braking system certainly on the cards.

To be based in Yokohama, Japan, the new department — Two-Wheeler and Powersports Division — will focus on developing even smarter anti-lock braking systems, while add-on electric hub motors for e-scooters will also be on the radar. It will also serve special-purpose vehicles such as quads, personal watercraft and snowmobiles.

"Bosch technology for more efficiency and safety should be part of any car and in the future the same will go for motorcycles," says Dr. Dirk Hoheisel, member of the Bosch management board. "We are aiming to become a leading supplier in the motorcycle market, too. The portion of the market relevant for Bosch which covers driving safety systems, powertrain technology and infotainment systems will double over the next five years."

According to autoevolution.com, ranking high on the list of the main tasks for the new Bosch division is a new generation of anti-lock braking, ABS10, which could be revised and adapted for use in small motorcycles, working on both one (front wheel) and two (both wheels) channels — and thus keeping costs down for emerging markets. ABS10 will also be lighter and smaller, and is expected to be introduced sometime in 2016.

Bosch's ABS9 system already has massive market penetration, from high-end bikes to the latest scooters.