KTM working on sensor-based rider assist features

• Published On: 10 May 2018
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The company is working on two sensor-based rider assistance systems.

Cars have featured adaptive cruise control systems for a while now, but motorcycles haven’t yet, at least
commercially. KTM is currently working on two systems - Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot
Detection. KTM’s vice president of R&D, Gerald Matschl said they are ‘still in development’ and ‘not for
next year’. Matschl did a demo on a KTM 1290 Super Adventure, fitted with front and rear-facing
sensors, while riding behind a people carrier. With his right foot off the rear brake lever and his right
hand away from the handlebar, the motorcycle matched its speed to that of the car in front.
The bike’s Blind Spot Detection system uses the rear-facing sensor with LED lights embedded into the
mirrors, to warn riders about vehicles approaching from the rear. This tech may debut on the next
generation of the 1290 Super Adventure, which will launch sometime at the end of 2020.