The motorcycle industry is improving every day. Each company is working hard to make their motorcycle the safest and the most enjoyable to ride. 
There is a race to maximize riding experience. These motorcycle technologies enrich both on-bike and off-bike riding experience.
However, the focus of these motorcycle technologies is to protect the rider. 
In this blog, I will cover some of the latest motorcycle technologies about rider safety, riding experience, road safety, motorcycle performance, and overall experience. 
Let’s talk about the most important thing first: motorcycle helmets. 

Latest Motorcycle Helmet Safety Technologies

UK Helmet Standards require all helmets to meet certain safety standards.

In the UK, SHARP tests motorcycle helmets and gives them ratings. SHARP also uses the BS 6658 standard for helmet testing. BS 6658 was developed by the British Standards Institute.

MIPS Helmet Safety Technology

MIPS, or Multi-directional Impact Protection System, reduces rotational motion of the helmet after a crash. The system protects the rider's neck and spine. MIPS is one of the latest innovations in motorcycle helmet technologies.

AIROH Helmet Safety Technologies

Airoh is one of the leading motorcycle helmet manufacturers. The company has developed four technologies for safer helmets. 

• AMS2 - AIROH MultiAction Safety System: This is motorcycle shell material technology that dissipates impact force and keeps the head safe. The material is a carbon kevlar composite with a double polystyrene shell inside. 

• AMS2 PLUS -AIROH MultiAction Safety System: Advanced form of AMS2 Airoh multiaction safety system. The difference between the two is that AMS2 Plus has a silicon polymer design that improves the relative motion of the two polystyrene layers. 
• SN - AIROH Sliding Net System: ASN is a 3D fabric structure that absorbs shock and protects you in the event of an accident.
  

• AMLS - AIROH Magnetic Lining System: AMLS, or Airoh Magnetic Lining System, makes cheek pads removable, improving hygiene, cleaning, and comfort. 
• AEFR - AIROH Emergency Fast Release: Makes cheek pads removable with a pull of the helmet straps. This technology helps rescuers remove helmets without causing more injuries or pain. 

Motorcycle Helmet Communication Technologies 

These two are the top communication systems for bikers. Both technologies are effective but each has different applications, features, and benefits.

Bluetooth Motorcycle Technology

This motorcycle communication system uses Bluetooth technology to connect with other riders. Bluetooth has wide compatibility; this technology can work with a lot of devices. It is affordable and power-saving technology too.

However, Bluetooth has limited range and it is susceptible to interference. Sometimes, Bluetooth offers poor audio quality. Bluetooth systems can handle only one connection at a time.

Shop Bluetooth motorcycle helmets here. 

Motorcycle Mesh Intercom System

Mesh intercom technology makes up for the flaws of the Bluetooth motorcycle intercom system.

Mesh technology offers long-range with stable communication and simultaneous group communication with clear audio. However, Mesh intercom has some drawbacks including higher cost, limited compatibility (mostly works with the same model/maker too), and short battery life.

Sena mesh intercoms and Cardo mesh intercoms are two popular motorcycle mesh intercom brands.

Read this guide to fully understand the difference between Bluetooth & Mesh communication systems.

Motorcycle Suspension Types

These are the top motorcycle suspension systems & technologies. Some companies have specialised in the research and manufacturing of motorcycle suspension, like Öhlins, K-Tech, and TW Suspension Tech.

Motorcycle Telescopic Fork​ Suspension

Universal standard in motorcycle suspension, telescopic forks have a spring/damper unit with stanchions at the bottom. A new version of telescopic forks is inverted or upside-down telescopic (also called USD) forks that have a spring/damper unit at the top.

Motorcycle Coil Spring Suspension​

Coil spring absorbs road bumps, shocks, and the impact of hitting a road pothole. Springs keep the tyres on the road and isolate the rider and chassis from the road. 

Coil spring suspension has certain advantages, like; 

• better handling of the small bumps
• consistent ride
• less maintenance, and 
• better resistance to heat build-up.

Progressive Suspension Springs​

Another motorcycle suspension technology, progressive springs have unequal coil distance. This results in a softer response on smaller bumps but a firmer response on rough tracks.

Progressive springs offer better control on rough terrain, hence their popularity for enduro racing, mountain racing, and motocross.

Motorcycle Suspension Dampers

Dampers aid in the work of coil and progressive spring suspension. Dampers reduce the oscillation of springs after a shock. There are four kinds of dampers: 

• dry friction dampers
• fluid-based dampers
• damper rods, and
• cartridge forks.
  

Motorcycle Electronic Suspension

Electronic suspension adjusts the damping and ride height of a bike for road conditions and load. Riders can adjust electronic suspension with a button, app, or without tools. This type of electric suspension is good for track days.

Motorcycle Headlight Technologies

These are some of the popular motorcycle headlight technologies.

Halogen Motorcycle Headlights 

A Halogen bulb uses a tungsten filament inside a glass bulb filled with halogen gas to produce light.

Halogen motorcycle lights are brighter with a long lifespan. However, halogen lights produce a lot of heat, and they are less energy efficient.

Motorcycle Xenon Headlights

Xenon headlights are structurally similar to halogen headlights, but with xenon gas. Xenon HID headlamps (high-intensity discharge) produces over 3 times brightness with a stronger beam pattern.

Xenon headlights better highlight road markings, bumps, potholes, etc. Xenon HID bulbs produce bluish-white light.

LED Motorcycle Headlamp​s

LED headlamps for motorcycles use semiconductor-based lights. LEDs are more energy-efficient, and they typically last longer. They also don't heat up like halogen or Xenon bulbs.

Adaptive Motorcycle Headlights

A technology that adjusts motorcycle headlights height and position on bumps and shocks. This movement adaptability results in increased visibility in the dark and around corners.

Important: There is ongoing research on the effects of motorcycle headlight glare on other riders, drivers, and pedestrians. This research will determine how the headlight glare affects others and how its negative impact can be minimized.

Types of Exhaust Systems for Motorcycles​

Motorcycle Single Exhaust

A single exhaust system on a motorcycle collects all exhaust gases in a single pipe and expels those gases using a single muffler.

A single exhaust system is simple to install and inexpensive too. 

Motorcycle Dual Exhaust

Dual exhaust uses two pipes on both sides of the engine to expel exhaust gases. The dual exhaust system reduces back pressure and improves tuning.

There are two subcategories of dual exhausts: 2-into-1 exhaust, where both exhaust pipes deliver gases into one muffler, and 2-into-2 exhaust where each exhaust pipe delivers exhaust gases in a different muffler.

Motorcycle Full Exhaust System

The full exhaust system is simply a collective name for all the parts of a motorcycle exhaust system, including headers, pipes, mufflers, catalytic converter, tailpipe, etc.

Motorcycle Slip-On Exhaust System

A slip-on exhaust consists of only the muffler or tailpipe. Slip-on exhausts are plug-and-play. Riders can easily install them on the go.

Slip-on exhausts improve motorcycle appearance and sound.

Read this guide to decide if you should buy a full exhaust system or slip-on exhaust system. 

Types of Motorcycle Brake Systems

These are some of the leading motorcycle brake technologies.

Motorcycle Disc Brake System

Motorcycle disc brakes use calipers to squeeze brake pads against the rotor. This pressure transfers to the wheel, and the motorcycle slows down. Disc brakes are lightweight, reliable and offer excellent stopping power in all conditions.

Disc brakes can be mechanical or hydraulic.

Motorcycle Drum Brake System

The drum brake system creates friction by pressing brake shoes against the brake drum. Drum brakes are easier to apply, inexpensive, and create good stopping force.

Drum brakes can be applied alone or in a combination of drum/disc brakes.

Motorcycle Hydraulic Brake System

Hydraulic brakes for motorcycles use hydraulic chambers and valves to apply pressure to brake discs and stop the motorcycle.

Hydraulic technology is used in both disc brakes and ABS brakes.

Hydraulic brakes have sealed systems that offer smooth performance.

Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking System

The anti-lock braking system uses electronic sensors and hydraulic chambers to assess and control the rotating speed of each motorcycle and apply the brakes accordingly to keep the rider in control.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS Braking System) increases traction control and improves braking on curves.

Motorcycle Combined Braking System (CBS Braking)

CBS, or combined braking system, is one of the latest motorcycle braking technologies that apply brakes for both front and rear tyres when the rider uses only one brake lever.

CBS braking improves stability and safer speed controls.

Motorcycle Handlebar Technologies

Different Types of Motorcycle Handlebars 

These are the types of motorcycle handlebars.

1. Tracker Handlebars: Neutral-shaped, versatile, developed for track racing.
2. Clip-On Handlebars: Mounted directly on the front forks, also called clubman handlebars, used on sports bikes. 
3. Drag Handlebars: Better manoeuvrability and aerodynamics, low-rise, almost straight across, also called zero-drag bars. 
4. Motocross Handlebars: Provides extra stability, used in motocross. 
5. Z-Bars: Suitable for narrow bikes, comes in many shapes similar to ‘Z’. Harley Davidson Z-bars are popular. 
6. Ape Hangers: high handlebars, suitable for tall people, Ghost Rider movie bike had ape hangers.  
7. Frisco Handlebars: Similar to z-bars but with smoother curves, this handlebar style honours San Francisco Bay chopper style of the '70s.
8.  Chumps Handlebars: handlebars with moderate rise and gentle curves, comfortable, good for daily riding & long cruising.
9. Keystone Handlebars: Similar to Z bars, but uprights are angled inwards for an aggressive look. 

Heated Motorcycle Grips

Latest in motorcycles, you can buy heated motorcycle grips to keep your hands warm in mild and cold weather. Combine these heated grips with hand guard protectors to further improve your riding experience. 

These heated grips take power from your motorcycle battery. Icy weather or strong winds can make heated grips ineffective.

Motorcycle Ignition Systems

Motorcycle ignition is getting smarter every year. Here, we will discuss conventional breaker-point ignition, distribution ignition, and electronic ignition.

Conventional Breaker-point Ignition System

Conventional Break-point Ignition is a type of motorcycle ignition system where an electric switch creates a spark for the ignition of the air-fuel mixture in the engine.

This spark ignition is different from electronic spark ignition in that the breaker points wear out in conventional ignition, whereas computer ignition doesn't use any breaker points.

Electronic Ignition System

Electronic ignition (EI) uses an engine control module (ECM) to calculate ignition timing and send work signals to the igniter.

Electronic Ignition uses sensors for data communication, an armature for replacing points, and ECM for picking up signals from the armature and controlling power flow.

Electronic ignition increases ignition system reliability, improves fuel efficiency, and makes maintenance easier.

Electronic ignition is of three types: 

• AC-CDI (alternating current, capacitor discharge ignition)
• DC-CDI (direct current, capacitor discharge ignition), and 
• DC-TPI (direct current, transistorized pointless ignition).
  

Distributor less Ignition System

DIS directly fires spark clubs from coils. Being distributor less, DIS doesn't use a distributor to route electricity to spark plugs.

DIS Ignition system works using the ignition module and the engine computer control. 

Motorcycle Frames Types

These are the main types of motorcycle chassis currently in use in the industry.

Motorcycle Cradle Frame

A cradle frame is made of a single large tube for the spine and many other smaller tubes for holding the engine in place. Other names for motorcycle cradle frames are diamond frames and downtube frames.

Many motorcycle brands have built their own version of the cradle frame. One example is Yamaha’s Deltabox motorcycle frame, which improves stability and handling.

Twin Spar Motorcycle Frame

Twin Spar frames, or perimeter frames, use two beams/spars to form a protective perimeter around the engine. This frame is commonly used on sports bikes.

BMW HP4 Race motorcycle uses twin spar motorcycle frame.

Trellis Motorcycle Frame

Trellis motorcycle frame connects the steering head to the swingarm pivot using lightweight, stiff, and strong metal tubes. A trellis frame has a triangulated pattern that looks like lattice girder principles. The metal tubes are welded or brazed together for a strong frame.

Trellis frames are strong, lightweight, and easy to maintain. Ducati has made excellent racing motorcycles on trellis frames.

Monocoque Motorcycle Frame

A monocoque motorcycle frame is a hollow box-shaped frame, made from a single piece of carbon fibre or aluminium material. The frame covers the engine, suspension, and other parts of the motorcycle.

The benefits of monocoque frames include better stress distribution, better engine integration, compact design, and lightweight.

Kawasaki was one of the early companies to develop and use monocoque frames in their motorcycles. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R used a monocoque frame.

A monocoque frame becomes semi-monocoque when supports like tubes or longerons are added to the frame.

Backbone Motorcycle Frame

A simple motorcycle frame type that holds together different motorcycle parts with a large, single steel tube from headstock to swingarm pivot to subframe mount. The motorcycle engine rests on the spine of the backbone frame.

Honda CX500 used a backbone motorcycle frame.

Motorcycle Transmission Types

One of the most important parts of a motorcycle is transmission. This is how the engine’s power is transferred to the wheel.

Motorcycle Manual Transmission System

As the name implies, manual transmission allows the rider to change gear manually with their left foot. The clutch is usually installed on the left side of the handlebar.

Manual transmission is a simple transmission that provides faster acceleration. It is easy to maintain too.

An important event in the evolution of motorcycle manual transmission was The Island of MM TT races of 1911, where the ‘free engine clutch’ was introduced.

Motorcycle Semi-automatic Transmission

A semi-automatic transmission is a type of motorcycle transmission where the rider doesn’t have to change gears. However, the rider still needs to move the bike from a standstill.

This transmission is also called clutchless; it uses sequential shifting. Yamaha Y-AMT is Yamaha’s semi-automatic transmission technology. Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z7 Hybrid also have semi-automatic transmissions.

Motorcycle Continuously Variable Transmission

Continuously variable transmission is a type of automatic motorcycle transmission. This transmission can change through a continuous range of gear ratios. 

This clutchless transmission delivers smooth acceleration, better fuel economy, and a linear power band.

CVTs use a pulley/belt/chain for continuous motions. (CVT) is used in maxi scooters.

Suzuki uses an improved version of CVT, SeCVT, in its Suzuki Burgman 650 maxi scooters.

Motorcycle Dual Clutch Manual Transmission

Dual clutch manual transmission (DCT) uses a combination of automatic and manual gear transmission. This transmission uses two clutches, one for even gears and one for odd gears.

DCT offers improved acceleration, better fuel efficiency, more comfort & control, and a relaxed riding experience.

Honda is considered a pioneer of DCT technology. Honda was perhaps the first company that installed dual clutch manual transmission on its scooters and motorcycles.

Motorcycle to Infrastructure & other Vehicles Communication Systems

Technology is helping motorcyclists ride safely in urban environments. Many accidents caused by the careless attitude of the rider or other drivers can be prevented with these technologies.

These are some of the top motorcycle technologies in the category.

 

Blind Spot Detection System

Blind spot detection enables motorcyclists to spot objects, vehicles, and riders in their blind spots. These can be radar-based systems or vision-based systems.

Innov has a third-eye motorcycle radar system and blind spot detection system. Other companies working in blind spot detection are Bosch, Continental, and MobileEye.

Bosch Connected Service for Motorcycles Technology

Bosch recently developed a connected service for motorcycle technology.  This system helps riders assess the speed, location, trajectory, and collision chances of their motorcycle.

This service also sends rider’s information to emergency services in case of an accident. However, this service is currently only available in Germany.

Forward Collision Warning Detection System (FCWD)

FCWD is a radar-based system that uses sensors to detect objects in front of the motorcycle and inform riders of any collision threats.

Once the FCWD system detects a possible collision, it alerts riders with sounds, visuals, vibration, or quick brake pulse.

 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX has an FCWD installed. Kawasaki ARAS is a type of blind spot detection technology used in Kawasaki vehicles. Another example is the BMW Riding Assistant FCW.

Technologies for Rider Safety in Case of an Accident

Motorcycle accidents can go unnoticed. This can delay medical help to motorcyclists. These technologies help riders connect with emergency services.

BMW ECALL Technology

BMW developed ECALL technology to protect motorcyclists. Riders can contact emergency services with the help of a physical SOS button on the handlebar.

The ECALL system automatically calls the emergency services too if the rider is immobile for some time.

The motorcycle automatically sends rider information to the BMW help centre when the rider doesn’t manually activate the system. ECALL sends the rider's coordinates to quickly locate the rider and the spot of the accident.

RealRider Crash Detection

A subscription-based app, RealRider detects crashes and sends your health and location data to emergency services. The app works by detecting your motion.

Protective Motorcycle Clothing

Protective motorcycle clothing works like a shield. Though you are legally only required to wear a helmet to ride a motorcycle, motorcycle garments like leather jackets, textile jackets, leather motorcycle suits, motorcycle boots, gloves, and pants can protect you from severe injuries, cuts, and lacerations.

Benefits of Using Motorcycle Protective Garments

Motorcycle garments decrease hospitalisation chances by 30%. They act as a second skin for you.

Leather garments are the best for protection. Modern textile motorcycle garments that are made of Kevlar, Dyneema, Cordura, etc., are also good.

Motorcycle Jacket AirBag

One of the revolutionary technologies, motorcycle jacket airbags protects the rider's neck, shoulders, spine, and back with an airbag.

Tamas Straub is credited with the idea of motorcycle airbags, which he presented in 1976.

Motorcycle Airbag

Another important technology in motorcycle airbags is car-like airbag technology on motorcycles.

Honda airbag technology is one example of motorcycle airbags.

Motorcycle Jeans with Airbags

Recently, Mocycle has developed the world's first motorcycle jeans with airbags. Motorcycle pants airbag protects your hips, lower back, and tailbone.