High-Tech Developments in the Motorcycle World.
If the word motorcycle automatically recalls the image of a Harley Davidson with its thunderous fuel engine, you have some brushing up.
Here are the best innovations for motorcycle gear and motorcycle gadgets.
Gadgets & Gear
Like in any industry, motorcycle gadgets and gear manufacturers are constantly working on improving their products. These changes just aren’t always flashy and often go unnoticed. For example, a good pair of motorcycle footwear gets constant updates regarding the quality of materials, comfort, and fit. You’d probably have to have a special interest in the topic to get excited about upgrades like the invention of a new, breathable, yet durable fabric hybrid.
If you want something more visibly high-tech to get excited about, these inventions are for you:
Airbag Clothing
A motorcycle offers less protection than a car. There is no carriage around the rider, barely any space between the rider and the impact point, no seat belt to keep the rider in place, and no airbags. As a result, motorcycle riders must wear protective motorcycle gear, like a helmet and armored clothing. The tough materials, padded areas, and protective plates reduce the risk of injury.
A relatively new addition is airbag clothing. Like many upgrades in motorcycle gear, it originated on racetracks and is now widely available. Airbag vests, jackets, jumpsuits, and pants might not sound very high-tech until you start thinking about how they know when it’s time to inflate. In a crash, they must realize what is happening and deploy the protective airbag in a fraction of a second. There are typically two ways this system works:
- Tethers—A tether connects the clothing to the bike. The airbag deploys when the rider falls off the bike, and the rope is pulled hard enough.
- Sensors—This high-tech variant uses onboard sensors that can detect a crash in real time and transfer this information to the computerized system installed in the airbag clothing.
Smart Helmets
Several companies are working on developing a smart helmet with sensors, cameras, and tech that allows a HUD to display important information on the motorcycle helmet’s visor. However, some of these prototypes have been halted due to safety concerns at quality testing.
Nonetheless, their elder siblings, the simpler smart helmets, are nothing to sneeze at. These helmets have great features, like an integrated comm system, Bluetooth functionality, or taillights. Some of these helmets have buttons on the outer shell, which you can use to operate your headphones, answer calls, or play music. You’ll appreciate this detail if you’ve ever dealt with controlling a headset under a helmet.
Motorcycle Phone Apps
Smart helmets and the bike’s user interface shine when connecting and interacting. Many apps are great for use on the bike via these connections.
We’re not just talking about fun bike games or maps, either. Manufacturers like Yamaha or Zero Motorcycles have developed apps to collect data and even adjust power output and much more. Naturally, these apps are great for riders with racing ambitions who want to analyze and adapt their technique.
Conclusion
Electric motorcycles are certainly the biggest innovation in recent years. But many smaller gadgets and gear were improved upon or invented as well. These high-tech gadgets work with sensors and intelligent technology to provide more comfort and safety to the motorcycle rider. Like many technological advancements in our lives in general, they are focused on connectivity and automatization.
Airbag clothing can detect an accident in real time. A smart helmet can help us more easily utilize many aids, such as Bluetooth headsets. Smartphone apps that connect to your bike can collect data and allow you to adjust your riding according to the current situation.
