KEY HIGHLIGHTS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
QUICK INTRODUCTION
Stability, riding control, and braking are some of the critical safety elements that riders must pay attention to when riding motorcycles, particularly on wet & slick roads. Today, almost all modern motorcycles have ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) installed in them to assist riders when they are riding. Despite this, the pursuit of creating an even more advanced version of ABS persisted, with the aim of delivering an unparalleled riding experience for motorcyclists. As a result Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) technology was developed.
Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) is an electronic safety technology designed to improve a motorcycle’
stability and prevent accidents. MSC is developed to intervene when a motorcycle is about to lose stability, typically due to a loss of traction, such as when the rider applies too much brake or throttle, or when
riding over slippery surfaces. The technology is composed of several components, including a wheel speed sensor, an inertial measurement unit, an ABS unit, and more, which collectively form a comprehensive unit.
HOW MSC WORKS
Motor stability control (MSC) works by measuring several parameters. The parameters function in tandem to provide motorcyclists with automated stability. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how it works:
The MSC technology uses sensors & data analysis to automatically adjust the motorcycle’s braking, power delivery, and stability to help the rider maintain control & reduce the risk of accidents in adverse riding conditions.
TOP COMPANIES INVOLVED Here are
The MSC technology uses sensors & data analysis to automatically adjust the motorcycle’s braking, power delivery, and stability to help the rider
maintain control & reduce the risk of accidents in adverse riding conditions.
MSC-EQUIPPED MOTORCYCLES
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
This adventure bike is equipped with Bosch MSC technology, which includes lean-sensitive ABS and traction control systems.
BMW S1000XR
This sport touring motorcycle features BMW’s Dynamic
Traction Control (DTC) & Automatic Stability Control (ASC) with BMW Motorrad’s ABS Pro system.
Ducati Multistrada 1260
The Multistrada 1260 uses Ducati’s Cornering ABS system, which is part of the Ducati Safety Pack that also includes
traction control and wheelie control.
Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE+
This sport touring motorcycle has Kawasaki CorneringManagement Function (KCMF) with Kawasaki’s Intelligent Anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), which is a high-precision
ABS that also incorporates cornering management.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Yamaha
In December 2022, Yamaha revealed of developing Advanced Motorcycle Stability Assist System (AMSAS). The company is aiming offer better control and stability for riders especially at lower speeds.
Harley-Davidson
In January 2021, Harley-Davidson unveiled Reflex™ Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS), an intelligent riding safety technology that would assist riders in gaining better control of their motorcycle in an accident
situation.
Continental AG
In November 2022, Continental AG launched 2-Channel motorcycle ABS
with integrated sensor technology where the rider will experience
advanced protective functions such as optimized curve braking.
BMW Motorrad
In October 2021, BMW Motorrad launched C 400 GT maxi-scooter, the most expensive scooter in India with in Automatic Stability Control (ASC) technology. The technology has increased riding safety especially
when riding in rain.
NOTABLE PATENTS
Title: Cornering brake
control
US9840239B2
Assignee: Robert Bosch
Filing Date: 2015-10-13
The patent elaborates about cornering brake control system that prevents the motorcycle from exceeding the maximum cornering braking threshold.
Title: Method & device for determining the roll angle of a motorcycle
US8155798B2
Assignee: Continental
Filing Date: 2007-02-19
The patent elaborates about measuring roll angle of a motorcycle. The objective of the patent is to determine roll angle to achieve safe braking when cornering.
Title: Linked brake system
for motorcycles
US20050146207A1
Assignee: BMW
Filing Date: 2005-02-11
The patent elaborates about linked brake system consisting of wheel rotational speed
sensors for measuring wheel speeds. The aim is to achieve riding stability in case of
braking.
Title: Gyroscopic rider
assist device
US20210269104A1
Assignee: Harley
Davidson
Filing Date: 2021-05-17
The patent elaborates about gyroscopic rider assist device in vehicles while tilting.
The objective of the patent is to assist in balancing of the motorcycle.
Title: Driving force control
system and saddled vehicle
EP2993333B1
Assignee: Yamaha
Filing Date: 2014-12-04
The patent elaborates about driving force control system for a motorcycle which banks while taking a bend. The aim of the
patent is to control the bank angle while leaning.
Title: Steering assist device
for saddle-riding type
vehicle
US20210269104A1
Assignee: Harley Davidson
Filing Date: 2021-05-17
The patent elaborates about steering assist device for a motorcycle. The aim of
the patent is improve vehicle body stabilization in any slip condition.
CONCLUSION
Motorcycle stability control (MSC) was an important technological innovation for the motorcyclists safety. Riding at high speeds can be exciting, but safety was compromised until ABS was developed, where
the system supports riders in dealing with critical situations while on the road. ABS has a capability to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking. This can help the rider avoid accidents caused by skidding or loss of control during sudden braking.
On the other hand, MSC is a more advanced safety system that works in conjunction with ABS, ECU and other sensors to provide enhanced stability and control to the rider. MSC can be particularly useful in challenging riding conditions, such as wet or slippery roads or during sudden changes in direction or speed
The technology is currently utilized in high-end motorcycles, where the motorcycle’s engine capacity is quite large and allows riders to attain higher speeds. Also, utilizing this technology comes at a larger expense. Therefore, companies need to invest more on research and development to make this technology available for mid & low range
vehilces.
