LAS VEGAS: Bringing new revolution in biking, Honda has unveiled what it calls the 'Riding Assist' technology at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Honda Riding Assist basically uses technology that allows the motorcycle to balance itself in slow speeds without the use of gyroscopes.
This is achieved essentially by raking out the motorcycle's front forks and then moving the front wheel back and forth - just like cyclists do to balance themselves at extremely slow speeds.
Most self-balancing technology uses gyroscopes, but that adds a lot of weight, which could limit a motorcycle's ability to manoeuvre. Instead, the Honda Riding Assist motorcycle leverages the company's Robotics technology. When engaged, the system increases the fork angle of the front suspension lengthening the bike's wheelbase and, disconnecting the front forks from the handlebars. The system then uses minute steering inputs to keep the bike perfectly balanced, without the use of heavy gyroscopes or other mass-shifting devices.
In fact the concept bike Honda showcased at CES can even silently propel itself along following its owner, hinting that there is space for autonomous technology as well.
BENEFITS OF SELF-BALANCING BIKE
DISABLED RIDERS: With a self balancing motorcycle, disabled riders won't have to put their feet down at a stop, thus giving people who have previously been limited to trikes and sidecars the opportunity to get out on two wheels.
BEGINNERS: With self-balancing bike, there is no need to witness embarrassment in case of of letting your bike fall over because you dropped the clutch when you thought you were in neutral or forgot to put the kickstand down is a rite of passage in motorcycling right.
LAW ENFORCEMENT: While this model doesn't appear to have a very high powered engine, the low speed control and ability for use without hands shows massive potential for law enforcement.
HILLSIDE PARKING: When a large percentage of the streets stand on a steep angle, finding parking where your bike can sit comfortably can be a real pain. Self balancing technology could remove that problem, giving you a bike that can stand upright anywhere.
SECURE STORAGE: A motorcycle that can drive itself, even if only short distance, could deliver itself to secure storage in a zone that might be too tight for a rider to dismount.
SHORTER RIDERS: When you don't need to put your feet down at all, just being able to touch your toes is no big deal.
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