Connectivity systems: connected solutions for more safety and convenience
Bike-to-vehicle communication:
Up to ten times a second, vehicles within a radius of several hundred meters exchange information on details such as vehicle type, speed, position, and direction of travel. Long before drivers or their vehicles’ sensors catch sight of a motorcycle, this technology informs them that a motorcycle is approaching, allowing them to adopt an appropriate driving strategy. A communication technology similar to the public WLAN standard (ITS G5) is used as the basis for the exchange of data between motorcycles and cars. Transmission times of just a few milliseconds between transmitter and receiver mean that participating road users can generate and transmit important information relating to the traffic situation.
Integrated connectivity cluster:
The integrated connectivity cluster is an all-in-one rider information and communication system developed especially for motorcycles and powersport vehicles. It allows riders to connect their bike to their smartphone via Bluetooth. The integrated connectivity cluster went into production in the BMW R 1200 GS in 2017. In cooperation with BMW, a newly added navigation function is available for riders. Especially in urban areas, this new feature enhances riders’ convenience as well as their safety. In addition to the navigation feature, BMW’s integrated connectivity cluster offers two functions that make riding more convenient and enjoyable. It enables riders not only to receive calls, but also to make them, and allows them to easily access their contact lists and recent calls. Moreover, riders can use the ergonomically designed controls on the handlebar to effortlessly access their music favorites stored on their smartphones. The integrated connectivity cluster’s intuitive interface and innovative technology make it easy to read in all situations, and allows riders to focus on enjoying their ride.
mySPIN – smartphone integration solution:
mySPIN enables riders to transfer the content of their smartphones to their motorcycle, scooter, or powersport vehicle. In 2017, mySPIN went into production for the first time in BRP’s on-road Can-Am Spyder trike. mySPIN will be featured in more and more popular powersport vehicles. The reasons for selecting mySPIN are the way it allows the expertise of key third-party apps to be leveraged, its simplicity of use, and its capacity to minimize distractions compared with the other solutions in the market (smartphone cradles, touchscreens).
Lean connectivity unit:
The lean connectivity unit is an optimized connectivity solution enhancing the safety and convenience of motorcycle riders. It was designed especially for the emerging markets. If the rider has an accident, the device automatically detects the accident and uses the lean connectivity unit app to send an emergency message containing the rider’s location information to the emergency contacts stored on the rider’s smartphone. In situations in which the rider feels insecure, the handlebar remote control can be used to send an emergency message with location information to the same emergency contacts. Furthermore, the system also protects vehicles against theft by using the smartphone as an additional key. Telephone functions are available as well, allowing the rider to answer or reject incoming calls directly via the handlebar remote control. When riding with friends, the lean connectivity unit permits the riders to track their location or estimated arrival time. Thanks to CAN communication, it is possible for motorcycle manufacturers to realize additional value-added functions such as remote diagnostics that increase riders’ convenience.
Assistance systems: greater safety without compromising on riding enjoyment
Motorcycle ABS:
Since 1984, Bosch has been continuously perfecting motorcycle ABS technology. Its smaller, lighter design with enhanced performance increases riding safety for riders worldwide. According to a study by Bosch accident research, around one-quarter of all powered two-wheeler accidents in Germany and India could have been prevented by ABS. Worldwide, an increasing number of countries, such as the European Union, Japan, Taiwan, and Brazil are or will soon be mandating motorcycle ABS. In the middle of 2018, motorcycle ABS will be mandatory in India for all new vehicle types with an engine displacement above 125 cc. This Indian legislation many possibly influence other emerging markets, such as Indonesia and Thailand, where small two-wheelers are also the most important means of transportation. Bosch’s smaller and lighter ABS 10 is designed specifically to meet the requirements for two-wheelers in emerging markets such as India, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Motorcycle stability control (MSC):
MSC motorcycle stability control is the world’s first all-in-one safety system for two-wheelers. By monitoring two-wheeler parameters such as lean angle, the system can instantaneously adjust its electronic braking and acceleration interventions to suit the current riding status. In this way, the Bosch system can prevent motorcycles lowsiding or righting themselves when braking in bends, which is the cause of the majority of motorcycle accidents. The new Bosch 6D sensor, which features benchmark signal performance, and vibration robustness, will be integrated in the MSC system in the near future. It will go into production in 2018. This sensor unit is the smallest and lightest design on the market. Capable of handling any sensor orientation in the vehicle, it significantly improves mounting flexibility.
Value-added functions:
Bosch is using its motorcycle ABS and motorcycle stability control (MSC) as the basis for realizing value added functions. These are programmed into the ABS and MSC units by means of smart algorithms. The latest example of a value-added function for motorcycles to emerge from Bosch is its “side-slip angle control,” which enhances the performance of dynamic vehicle control in all riding situations. By analyzing two-wheeler-specific key data such as lean-angle, vehicle side-slip angle, and deceleration, the system adjusts brake pressure to increase vehicle stability and braking performance. A “dynamic slide control,” which uses the vehicle’s side-slip angle information, is used to allow and control a certain rear wheel slide during hard braking. The function is designed especially for race-track use, and will go into production with the new Ducati Panigale V4 in 2018.
Safety systems for eBikes:
Pedelec biking is about to become safer than ever. Bosch is now about to launch the market’s first commercial antilock braking system for eBikes. Thanks to an intelligent and innovative system, this new development will make it possible to prevent the pedelec’s front wheel from locking up, and also to limit the lifting of the rear wheel. In this way, braking distance can be shortened and the risk of flipping over the handlebars reduced. According to a study by Bosch accident research, around one-fourth of pedelec accidents could be reduced if all bikes were equipped with the ABS system. The Bosch eBike ABS will be available from autumn 2017 onward – initially for selected fleet partners. Production for trekking and city eBikes furnished with the Bosch drive system is planned to start in autumn 2018.
Powertrain systems and electrification: greater efficiency and a more enjoyable ride
Engine management systems:
Electronic engine management systems are the core element of efficient and economical technology. They allow two-wheelers to fulfill future emissions regulations such as Euro 5 and BS 6 (Bharat stage), including OBD l/ll. In combination with advanced sensor technology, engine management systems are considerably more efficient than conventional carburetor systems, and can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 16 percent, depending on the situation. The control unit is the main component of these new engine management systems. This small computer analyzes all the data from the powertrain sensors, and adjusts parameters such as ignition and the amount of fuel on the basis of this data. Bosch has the portfolio to deliver optimized solutions across the entire range of vehicles, from single-cylinder, low displacement vehicles to high-performance two-wheelers and powersport vehicles.
Powertrain systems for light electric vehicles:
With its integrated systems for light electric vehicles, Bosch creates the technological basis for urban mobility solutions. Depending on the customer’s needs, two powertrain versions are available: an in-hub system for the power range up to 3 kilowatts and a central drive system for power ranges between 4 and 20 kilowatts. Motor, control unit, battery, charger, display, and connectivity box and app are perfectly harmonized to enable the electrification of light electric vehicles on two, three, and four wheels. Two examples of two-wheelers that are electrified with Bosch powertrain solutions can be seen at the Bosch booth: the Aima eScooter with its in-hub system and the Elmoto HR-8 sportsbike with its central drive system.
