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Motorcycle riders or enthusiasts like to stay with brand loyalty, of course. In fact, manufacturers depend on this brand loyalty. They, of course, use it as a selling point. To keep riders loyal, they have a plan. The builders regularly work on motorcycle improvements.
Bike makers integrate new technology into the bikes. But they strive to keep the classic appearance of the motorcycle that attracts riders. Motorcycle makers incorporate new technology into the cycles. But they attempt to maintain the traditional appearance of the bike that attracts riders.
Some improvements include headlights and the electronic throttle. But other modifications are not that noticeable.
Electronic Throttles
The electronic throttle’s one of the differences, of course, seen. In this case, the throttle control’s ride-by-wire technology. The change makes fuel control from the engine by electronic sensors. In this instance, it’s instead of the older cable-driven system. The electrical signal avoids sudden stalls. It’s done by the electronic throttle signal sent to a small computer.
This computer is called an ECU. The speed of the bike and gear lets the throttle send a signal. The bike signals to the ECU. This process allows control over the engine. This makes for a smoother ride, better performance, and fuel economy. It’s a system that’s, in fact, perfect for beginning riders and, of course, experts. Also, the ride-by-wire system automakers use in some cars can be used in bikes.
Cooler Engines
Bike engines attract riders, and of course, it’s the distinct sound they like. But bikers did begin choosing, in fact, for an alternative driving force. Though rather than the traditional air-cooled engine, times did change. Liquid-cooled engines are another choice. The outer sports fins don’t exist on the liquid-cooled engine. The air-cooled engine fins allow the engine’s heat to escape.
The newer engine has a closed design. Because of the invention, the bike also makes decreased noise. Also, it produces a lower amount of heat. The engine runs cooler. So the engine runs better than an air-cooled engine. It helps prevent overheating and engine damage. The heat is transferred to the radiator at the front of the bike. In this case, it makes riding the bike comfortable on hot days and in traffic.
But the liquid-cooled engine has other benefits. For example, it helps avoid hot spots on the cylinders. The liquid-cooled engine maintains an even dispersion of heat. But the engine difference changes the long history. In this case, the change differs from the original motorcycle’s air-cooled engines.
Motorcycle Lights
Lights on a bike remain essential, day or night. Day riding lights make the bike visible on days without the sun. At dusk, lights keep the bike visible. They allow the rider the same visibility as a car driver. But bikers still face other dangers. For example, they can get harmed by animals, insects, weather, and road conditions.
Bikers have life-altering challenges that car drivers don’t face. For example, they can be thrown by potholes the headlight may miss. While taking corners, the headlight illuminates a portion of the turn. This differs from a car’s headlights showing the whole arc. Technology has helped with adaptive headlights.
The sensor uses the angle to determine the direction of the lighting. Adaptive lighting illuminates areas that traditional lights miss. The bright headlights have government safety approval. The American Automobile Association (AAA) backs the headlights. AAA says the lights are 90% safer. This is because the lamps give better lighting at night on curves.
Motorcycle Stabilizers
The first thing riders lear is that bike stability is essential. Instructors teach new riders the importance of bike stability. It’s a motorized vehicle with two wheels instead of four. In this case, handling the bike becomes different. Motorcycle stability is essential. But unlike a car, the motorcycle rider must prevent the cycle from falling over. Also, bikers need to keep both wheels on the pavement.
Motorcycles have shock absorbers and steering dampers. Also, good quality tires help keep the bike stabilized. However, great tires don’t always help skid or ride in bad weather. But technological advances do help the bike’s stability. The Bosch Stability Control helps the bikes have even more excellent stability.
A computer that monitors several sensors run the controls. If the computer sees a loss of traction, it helps correct the problem. In this case, it automatically applies the disc and engine brakes. The computer does this to regain control of the bike. Hence, riders have this extra protection on winding roads. Also, it offers protection on terrain with sand or gravel.
Motorcycle Touchscreens
The tech world meets bikes with touchscreens. In this case, riding a bike, the rider needs both hands on the handlebar. It didn’t make sense for riders in motion to use personal technology. For example, riders can’t use cell phones or GPS. But a company named Skully based in Silicon Valley has changed things.
It makes the AR-1 helmet. So this helmet now allows riders to listen to music and more. Also, they can use GPS and make phone calls without using their hands. The rider doesn’t need to take their eyes off the road.
Michael Ehline
Michael is a managing partner at the nationwide Ehline Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, APLC. He’s an inactive Marine and became a lawyer in the California State Bar Law Office Study Program, later receiving his J.D. from UWLA School of Law. Michael has won some of the world’s largest motorcycle accident settlements.