IF THIS FEELS LIKE DÉJÀ VU, YOU ARE CORRECT; you have seen this motorcycle before. This is the Riding Assist-e concept and it was revealed back in 2017. At that time, it attracted considerable attention on account of its autonomous self-balancing abilities. We are talking about this concept again because Honda are now developing this technology for use on the road.
The Riding Assist-e was fully capable of balancing itself while stationary and could roll along at a walking pace without a rider being astride. To do this, it was armed with an array of sensors that fed information required to actuate self-steering, auto-acceleration, and automatic braking, thus eliminating the need for a rider. What is interesting is that the latest patent does not suggest complete automation. Rather it appears to be an assist system that can either cover for a fatigued rider or assume control to prevent an accident. Sounds useful, does it not?
Motorcycles with radar sensors are not new to us any longer. Ducati and Triumph are selling motorcycles in India that have radar-based systems developed in collaboration with major players such as Bosch and Continental. Furthermore, we know that Yamaha are running trials for a steering-assist apparatus on their factory-run motocross motorcycles. Even in such company, what Honda have in mind is leaps and bounds ahead of the others.
In addition to cameras and radar, their technology will also feature “lidar” (Light Detection And Ranging). This uses
