Future Yamaha motorcycles could be radar-equipped

Blind-sport warning and collision-detection coming

It seems that radar technology will inevitably find its way on future motorcycles for added safety. First, it was Ducati, then KTM, BMW and Honda followed shortly afterward. Now, Yamaha is reportedly developing its own radar system to reduce the likelihood of collisions on its future motorcycles.

Just recently, the Iwata-based motorcycle manufacturer filed patents for what seem to be a new system for motorcycles designed to detect and possibly warn the rider or reach to what’s in front and around him while riding.

Based on the drawings, radar as well as other sensors will be placed in key areas of the motorcycle, which will then relay information through the bike’s TFT screen. Thanks to the radar, related features could possibly include blind spot detection, proximity warning, impending collision (front), warning about vehicles approaching from behind, and overspeeding warnings. It will also warn its rider about an incoming emergency vehicle.

Some warning lights will also appear on the bike’s side mirrors, similar to blind spot warning lights now commonly found on new model cars.

The system could also be an indication that Yamaha is already preparing for the integration with V2V or vehicle-to-vehicle system. V2V is a system that will allow one motorcycle to communicate with another nearby motorcycle, whether on the same road in the same direction, oncoming, or on an adjacent street.

This allows the bikes to “talk to each other” and share where they're headed, how fast they're going, and possibly even the make and model of one another. This is to allow motorcycles with V2V systems the ability to determine the traffic situation on other roads, or even anticipate possible collisions and take steps to avoid it.

This is really a great step towards motorcycle safety that will allow riders to be more “aware” of their surroundings with the help of these sensors and safety systems.