Motorcycles are just as old as cars, and they’re certainly not left behind when it comes to tech advancements.
2022 came around with many motorcycle tech trends already flourishing on the market.
Keep reading if you’re wondering what new trends to embrace to give your bike a powerful makeover. If you’re keen on getting a new bike boasting some of the biggest trends in motorcycle technology, this post is yours.
1. Anti-Lock Brakes
There was a time when emergency braking meant the wheels lock, the tires lose traction with the road, and the vehicle stays in motion.
With the adoption of the new Anti-Lock Braking System, the automobile industry hasn’t just improved significantly but has become a lot safer.
While the technology started with four-wheeled vehicles, top motorcycle brands nowadays implement the system as well. The best part is that ABS on motorcycles works better than expected, as it has lowered fatal accidents by 31 percent.
Basically, you have fewer chances of causing accidents if your bike has ABS, which is a huge thing. After all, motorcycle accidents are severe and just as financially crippling as car accidents. This JT Legal Group article highlights the legal and financial consequences of motorcycle accidents.
2. Electric Bikes
Electric motorcycles are not just a concept or test models anymore. Dozens of manufacturers worldwide are rolling out functional, eco-friendly bikes that are just as good as traditional fuel bikes.
The e-bike technology isn’t new because early pioneers go as far back as 1895. But up until a decade ago, the available models were not practical or as competitive as the fuel-based motorcycles.
Things have changed, however.
With the latest lithium-ion battery technology, electric motorcycles and scooters are now powerful enough to take on hundreds of miles on a single charge.
The Power Source Issue
One of the problems e-bikes always faced was acquiring enough power and maintaining it for long periods. Various manufacturers have used different methods to overcome this issue.
Fast Charge
Most electric motorcycles are mounted with rechargeable batteries that you can plug into ordinary outlets. The powerful lithium-ion batteries are expected to last many hours during the day and charge overnight for several hours.
However, new trends in charging electric vehicles have brought in fast charging technologies like the Combined Charging System (CCS) and CHAdeMO, which can rapidly charge a battery in an hour or less.
Hybrid System
Some of the latest innovations from brands like Yamaha and Honda aren’t fully electric but a combination of electric and the traditional engine system. The idea does overcome the power issue by shifting from one system to another.
Battery Swapping
In a bid to bypass the charging stops, some brands like Roam are making electric bikes that allow swapping dead batteries with fully charged ones at special stops.
3. Adaptive Motorcycle Headlights
While headlights aren’t a problem for cars, they are a point of concern for motorcycles because they are smaller and limit the amount of light needed for the road.
The new headlight technology eliminates many of the weaknesses of the traditional model.
Also known as smart headlights, the new models have sensors that adapt the light to the driving conditions. Basically, the light shines in the direction you’re headed and not straight ahead.
The technology improves peripheral vision and focuses light on sharp bends through real-time calculations.
4. Airbag System
Without a doubt, airbag technology revolutionized the motor vehicle industry and saved many lives.
On the other hand, the motorcycle design made having an airbag impractical.
That’s not the case anymore.
Over time, manufacturers have developed various airbag systems that can successfully reduce impact in the event of a crash.
Honda, for instance, developed a mounted airbag system that deploys in case of a frontal collision.
The newest trend, however, are airbag vests, popularly known as smart jackets, which are available in major online stores.
Conclusion
These tech trends don’t just usher in the next generation of motorcycle technology. They also bring about comfort and safety advancements. Today, many of the latest innovations have significantly cut down the rate of motorcycle accidents, making bikes a lot safer than they used to be.
Hopefully, our tips will come in handy when shopping for a new ride or upgrading the one you have.
