The bike that tells you how fast to corner

Motorcycles capable of warning riders when they’re speeding, cornering too fast or too close to the vehicle in front are to begin UK road trials in June.

The warning system is a prototype of safety technology the European Commission (EC) would like to see manufacturers put on road bikes in five or six years.

An EC-funded research project called Saferider will equip at least nine bikes with the technology, including a Yamaha Tenere an X-Max 250 scooter, and a Piaggio MP3 Hybrid.

It’s likely they will use satellite navigation and speed limit maps to warn the rider when he’s speeding.  

A “curve speed warning” feature will tell the rider when he’s approaching a bend too fast.  

Sensors will detect objects ahead and warn riders if there is a risk of collision. 

Current trials involve simulators but bikes are to be tested on the road this summer ahead of public demonstrations at the Mira test track in Nuneaton on November 5. 

Dr. Roberto Montanari, technical manager of the project, at Italy’s University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, said: “We are in the development phase and the riding side will be done in June.”  

For more on this, including how the system could use a head-up display projected onto the rider’s visor, get MCN, on sale now.