In the world of advanced technology, motorcycles got their own unique advancements in terms of the electronics package, closely linked with its mechanics. What follows will be a list of those advanced electronics used on motorcycles that aid to the betterment of riding experience. The motorcycles considered here are also mechanically advanced (read Superbikes). For better understanding, simple language has been used instead of complex technical terms.Videos have also been attached for better understanding.1. Traction Control
This is the first and foremost system that helps the rider to get along with all the power the engine has to offer (in a smooth way), without any rear wheel spin or power wheelie. The job of the system is that, it measures the speeds of both the front and rear wheels for many number of times within a second. By using that data it senses whether there is an unusual increase in speed at rear wheel compared to the front.
When the system senses such difference, the ECU controls the output power of the engine which eventually brings up the traction in the bike. This is done by either reducing the fuel input to the injectors or cylinders, cutting down the spark sequence in one or more cylinders, or closing the throttle valve internally (if the motorcycle comes shod with "Ride by Wire" technology).
As each rider has different types of skill sets, the Traction Control system comes usually in 3 or 4 modes ranging from minimum to maximum intervention. Modern racing machines also make use of the Traction control systems, to put most of the engines power on the ground by avoiding wheel spins.
2. Wheelie Control
Wheelie Control is a similar technology like TC, where the bike senses a power wheelie even before it's about to happen and it substantially avoids the circumstance. The Wheelies can be sensed by using a Pitch gyro sensor in the motorcycles sensor package. But instead, most of the manufacturers rely on the data gathered for Traction control. When the front wheel speed decreases gradually while the rear continues to accelerate, the system detects a wheelie. This in turn makes the system to intervent, and prevent the wheelie from happening. All these happens in fraction of seconds that the amateur riders won't even know that he/she is being helped by these electronics.
In recent times, the manufacturers are bringing in their Flagship models with 6 axis sensors (pitch,roll,yaw) for extreme precision and to make use of them in WSBK Championship (Only Homologated bikes are allowed in WSBK Championship). The 2015 Yamaha R1 and 2015 BMW S1000RR are a few to name, with these ultra modern electronics.
3. Launch Control
A race start needs to be very precise so that the bike doesn't wheelie or have a wheel spin. Having the throttle fully open at start would also damage the motorcycles engine. In order to overcome these, the Launch control was developed. What the system does is, it doesn't allow the engine RPM to cross a certain limit (10,000 RPM in case of Superbikes). The Launch control maximises the power that's put on to the tarmac right at the race start in a controlled manner. This works just like the Traction control, limiting the amount of power and torque sent to the rear wheel. But the difference is that, it works during race starts whereas TC is always ON (unless the rider switches it OFF).
4. Slide Control
The Slide control is a technology evolved in MotoGP racing. The 2015 Yamaha YZF R1 was the first production motorcycle to incorporate this technology. This system requires the 6 axis sensors for its working. Whenever a slide is detected during acceleration along with extreme lean angles, chances of getting a high side is higher. The system intervenes and reduce the power at the rear wheel, controlling the slide in a corner. The Slide control in production bikes have a few levels to choose from, according to the skills of the rider.
5. ECU Remapping
The ECU remap chip is a fuel injection adjustment unit, that is connected with the stock ECU of the motorcycle. These chips change various parameters of the engine and injectors as soon as it is powered. The changes are made to the bikes fueling and ignition timings, which results in better performance without making any permanent changes to the stock ECU. These chips come in different tuning states that can be changed manually. The chips vastly increase the horsepower, torque and acceleration of the motorcycle. The latest chips also support advanced electronic components like Quick Shifters. Some of the famous aftermarket tuning chips are manufactured by Power Commander and Bazzaz.
6. Quick ShiftersIn motorcycle racing every tenth of a second matters. As riders lost few tenths by closing the throttle during every gear shift, the Engineers developed a new technology in the form of a Quick Shifter. Upon use, the gear can be shifted clutch less with the throttle being fully open. A small sensor is attached to the gear lever of the motorcycle, so that it detects an up or down shift. The system cuts the fuel supply or Ignition in that very moment, which unloads the transmission. During that period of time, the gear can be shifted up or down. All these happens in milliseconds, saving almost a second in one lap for racers.
7. Anti lock Braking System
Being around for a few years now, it is one of the most important features in production bikes. As most of our readers know, the ABS stops wheel lock/locks during braking. At first there was only one predefined setting for ABS intervention, which is now developed to various levels so that it could be selected by the rider depending upon his need. The ABS system uses wheel speed sensors on both wheels and a sensor that detects a wheel lock, by which it prevents locking. The ABS modes come in various levels with minimal to maximum intervention. Racing bikes don't use this technology though, as it spoils the riders unique braking techniques.
By: Aravind Rb