KTM to introduce ACC and BSD technology

KTM has demonstrated prototype versions of senor-based adaptive cruise control (ACC) and blind spot detection (BSD), which it plans to offer on selected models from 2021,

The 1290 Super Adventure S is presumably one of those models, and it’s the one which was fitted with the technology in a live demonstration last month.

ACC is not designed as an emergency brake system but works when the machine is in cruise control above a designated speed. The system can detect a vehicle in front, ranging from the size of a motorcycle and above, and then locks on to maintain a distance of two seconds by automatic throttle control and – if needed – gentle application of the front brake.

There will also be ability for the rider to customise the operational distance and speed.

The ‘blind spot’ on a bike is usually checked by a long, rearward look which can be dangerous in heavy traffic situations. BSD adds another set of eyes in such demanding riding conditions or during a particularly long ride. BSD uses a short distance radar to ACC to alert the rider to the potential of an undetected rear collision – such as when changing lanes – by way of a visual warning on the TFT display as well as with illuminating superbright LEDs integrated within the rearview mirror glass, also boosted by audible signal.

Gerald Matschl, Vice President for KTM Research & Development, said: “As a company, KTM is committed to improving rider safety and also to reduce accidents. We have a lot more development and many thousands of kilometers to test these systems in the real world before we can implement them on series production bikes, but they are coming in the near future and we are sure they will make a difference.”