During the proceedings of a Connected Motorcycle Consortium conference in Munich, BMW introduced a R1200RS ConnectedRide. The prototype demonstrates the kind of inter-vehicle technology that is developed for the integration of two-wheelers in future connected transport systems.

BMW Motorrad, Honda and Yamaha founded the Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC) in 2016, followed soon after by Kawasaki, KTM and Suzuki. The primary role of the CMC is to set the basis for developing the technology that will help integrate motorcycles in cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS).

Studies into developing a global C-ITS environment have proven that motorcycles are often incompatible with systems developed for cars and trucks, mainly because of their particular dynamic properties. For the members of the CMC, integration to such an automotive safety system requires the development of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) tech that will be compatible both across all manufacturers, and across all types of vehicles.

The BMW R1200RS ConnectedRide is equipped with prototype communication equipment BMW

The CMC Conference that was held on October 12 at BMW Welt in Munich is taking the first steps in defining the work that needs to be done and inviting as many companies to join in as possible. For the occasion, the three founding members displayed their prototype motorcycles, a BMW R1200RS, a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin and a Yamaha Tracer 900, equipped with a common V2V system sample.

BMW's R1200RS ConnectedRide was outfitted with a variety of systems designed to inform the rider and other road users of each other's presence and prevent possible accidents. Similar systems were employed in the prototypes on display by Honda and Yamaha, offering an example of the cross-manufacturer compatibility that will be required.

Working under the auspices of the European Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (ACEM) and in close cooperation with the Car2Car Communication Consortium, the CMC has set a very demanding target; by 2020 every ACEM member must have a production model with C-ITS capabilities.

Source: BMW