Lives could be saved with motorcycle stability control

If the rider brakes or accelerates too hard, MSC reduces the brake pressure or the acceleration to a level that allows the motorcycle to be steered much more safely. The system was first applied at the end of 2013, in KTM’s 1190 Adventure and 1190 Adventure R. Now ADAC has recognized this major safety improvement: on January 16, 2014, it awarded the Bosch MSC its 2014 Yellow Angel in the “Innovation and Environment” category. “MSC makes even the tightest bend safer,” commented Gerhard Steiger, president of the Bosch Chassis Systems Control division.

Bosch claims that for the first time, and as far as the laws of physics will allow, this control system now works when the motorcycle is leaning hard. To achieve this Bosch have added a sensor box to an existing powerful ABS. This box can measure or calculate the pitching and rotary motions on all axes more than 100 times a second. This makes it possible to adjust brake pressure, braking distribution, and engine torque extremely quickly – whether it is a case of the rider pushing a little too hard or of the bend getting unexpectedly tighter.

MSC is predominantly aimed at premium motorcycles in Europe, Japan, and the United States. For budget motorcycles and scooters – particularly in Asia – Bosch also offers what is called a front ABS. This 1-channel ABS controls just the front wheel, which on many motorcycles in Asia is the only one equipped with a hydraulic brake circuit. This function, too, will save lives: in India alone, 40,000 people die each year in motorcycle accidents.