'Connected' bikes looming

The era of connected, 'intelligent' motorcycles is one step closer, with three major motorcycle brands announcing the establishment of a 'Connected Motorcycle Consortium' to further the development of Cooperative-Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) applications in powered two-wheelers.

The joint announcement was made by Yamaha, BMW Motorrad and Honda recently at the ITS World Congress in Bordeaux, France – the world's largest event for intelligent transport systems.

The three companies say the formation of the consortium will accelerate development of connected motorcycles, the move following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Europe last year.

Signed by all member of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM), the MoU states that connected motorcycles will be introduced from 2020.

The introduction of C-ITS technology promises to deliver many benefits to motorists and the wider community. With vehicles able to communicate wirelessly and instantly in real time with other vehicles and infrastructure, traffic flow can be optimised and motorists can be alerted to potential dangers. This translates to reduced fuel usage and reduced pollution as well as improvements in road safety.

However, the technology also raises privacy and surveillance issues, with concerned the latter could potentially extend to 'automatic' law enforcement.

Safety is at the heart of the formation of the consortium, says Prof. Dr. Karl Viktor Schaller, Executive Vice President Development BMW Motorrad (pictured, left).

"Our aim is to promote a timely and comprehensive use of cooperative ITS systems in powered two-wheelers offering the potential to improve safety," he said.

Yamaha Motor's Executive Vice President and Representative Director, Mr Takaaki Kimura (pictured, right), said the formation of a motorcycle-specific consortium was a logical step in embracing C-ITS technology.

"Our companies are already active members of the Car2Car Communication Consortium, in which we work with car and truck makers and other stakeholders on common specifications and standards," he said.

"We came to realise that the specific requirements of motorcycles are beyond the scope of this consortium, however. The next logical step is to enter into a cooperation dedicated solely to the challenges relating to powered two-wheelers."

The Operator Officer at Honda Motor Co, Mr Tetsuo Suzuki (pictured, centre), echoed the comments.

"In order to speed up more motorcycle-specific safety developments, we intend to cooperate to promote a successful implementation of C-ITS in motorcycles and scooters," he said.

The three companies will begin their cooperation immediately, and have called on other manufacturers to joins them as C-ITS technology gains pace.

ACEM's Secretary General, Antonio Perlot, welcomed the announcement.

"This initiative is fully in line with the ACEM road safety strategy and shows the willingness of the motorcycle industry to increase safety for riders based on very concrete and practical developments."