KTM says it has “ demonstrated its commitment to improving safety for motorcyclists and reducing accidents ” as the first motorcycle manufacturer to demonstrate Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection systems . Still in the development process , both of these features use sensor-based technology to help detect and prevent a collision from the front or rear . The prototype systems were unveiled on a modified KTM 1290 Super Adventure S to a select group of media before being live demonstrated at the ÖAMTC driving technique center in Marchtrenk , Austria , on May 2 . Adaptive Cruise Control ( ACC ) is not designed as an emergency brake system but works when the machine is in cruise control above a designated speed . The system can detect a vehicle in front , ranging from the size of a motorcycle and above , and then locks on to maintain a distance of two seconds by automatic throttle control and – if needed – gentle application of the front brake . The finalized packaging of the system is still in development along with adding the ability for the rider to customize the operational distance and speed . When fully developed , it is expected that ACC will be able |
to respond faster than any rider in such a given situation . The ‘ blind spot ’ on a bike is usually checked by a long , rearward look , which can be dangerous in heavy traffic situations . Blind Spot Detection ( BSD ) adds another set of eyes in such demanding riding conditions or during a particularly long ride . BSD uses a short distance radar to ACC to alert the rider to the potential of an undetected rear collision – such as when changing lanes – by way of a visual warning on the TFT display , as well as with illuminating superbright LEDs integrated within the rearview mirror glass , also boosted by an audible signal . These game-changing features will be part of new electronics packages offered on certain KTM models , beginning from Model Year 2021 . This technology will also create provision for other sensor-based systems further in the future , already in development . After personally demonstrating the effectiveness of these systems to the journalists by riding the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S without his right arm and leg on the machine ’ s controls , Gerald Matschl , Vice President for KTM Research & Development , said : “ As a company , KTM is committed to improving rider safety and also |
to reduce accidents . We have a lot more development and many thousands of kilometers to test these systems in the real world before we can implement them on series production bikes , but they are coming in the near future , and we are sure they will make a difference .” KTM PR Manager ( Street ), Luke Brackenbury said : “ When it comes to KTM applying electronic rider aids to its sportmotorcycles , it has always been the same approach to offer features that help riders control their bikes without losing the joy of riding . Improving safety for motorcyclists is part of our responsibility as a manufacturer , and KTM has demonstrated this in the past as the first company to offer two-channel ABS as standard on a 125 cc machine with the KTM 125 Duke in 2014 in the same year as introducing the pioneering cornering-ABS |
function . With ACC and BSD , we hope to make motorcycling safer still .” As a motorcycle technology leader , KTM currently offers a wide range of leading electronic rider aids across most of its 2018 Street range . The goal of such systems is to either help improve rider safety or add to the enjoyment of riding . Lean angle-sensitive systems can be found on the new KTM 790 Duke and all of the 1290- powered machines , which includes Motorcycle Stability Control ( MSC ) with the revolutionary cornering ABS function , along with Motor Slip Regulation ( MSR ) and multistage traction control . On some models , semi-active suspension is offered along with Hill Hold Control ( HHC ), Automatic Turn Indicator Reset ( ATIR ), Quickshifter + and cornering LED headlights . |