COMMITTED TO IMPROVING MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

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 Austria.

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 finalised 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 'blindspot' 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 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.