The traffic light phase assistant allows the traffic light system to communicate with the motorcycle. If the traffic lights are set to red when the
motorcycle arrives at the intersection at an unchanged speed, the rider would receive this information early enough via the instrument panel to be able to brake gently. The assistant is also able to display a speed at which he could reach the traffic lights during the green cycle.

BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide - Advanced Safety Concept (Photo: BMW Motorrad)

The bad weather warning gives the motorcyclists a visual indication in the instrument panel—optionally also a voice message in the BMW Motorrad Communication System—to provide early warning of a route section with weather conditions such as fog, rain, snow or black ice. The assistant also gives details of approximately when the rider can be expected to encounter these conditions. As the trigger algorithm, researchers have in mind a certain number of vehicles switching on their fog lamps for example. This information, combined with the exterior temperature of the vehicles in question, can be used to infer snow or hail. Other sources of data include rain sensors, regulatory systems such as DSC and rear fog lamps switched on.

The obstacle warning also indicates to the motorcyclist by means of a visual signal in the instrument panel—also with optional voice message—that an obstacle is to be expected on the road. This might be oil or chippings on the road, or a broken-down vehicle at the roadside. The warning also includes details of approximately how far away the obstacle is. The warning and location of the danger could be transmitted by the vehicle or vehicles ahead to the vehicles behind.

BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide - Advanced Safety Concept (Photo: BMW Motorrad)

The emergency vehicle warning system provides a visual display in the instrument panel which gives the rider early indication of an approaching emergency vehicle. A clear symbol and a voice message warn the rider, also providing details of the distance.

The idea behind the electronic brake light is the fact that the brake lights of a vehicle subjected to sudden heavy braking may possibly be hidden by the vehicles behind it. These results in a delayed reaction which can cause rear-end collisions. In order to inform traffic to the rear as early as possible that a brake manoeuvre has been carried out, this information is communicated to other road users by means of vehicle-to-vehicle communication as part of the electronic brake light system. The latter receive this information via the instrument panel and communication system.

An additional left turn assistant takes into account the particular risk potential of this traffic situation to the motorcyclist. Additional LEDs in the rear mirror casings and automatic high beam activation make the motor-cycles more visible to traffic turning off to the left. Calculation of the collision risk is based on data transmitted by vehicle-to-vehicle communication. If there is an acute risk of collision, simultaneous and automatic brake intervention in the car prevents it from turning off to the left.

The overtaking assistant makes an overtaking motorcycle more easily visible to other road users. The manoeuvre is detected by the system of sensors already in serial production in conjunction with Race ABS and DTC. If the vehicle ahead moves out to overtake at the same time as the motor-cycle because the driver has overlooked the motorcyclist or wrongly estimated his speed, the motorcyclist is in danger. Additional LEDs in the turn indicator are used to intensify the signalling effect, making the motor-cycle more visible within the car driver's peripheral field of vision. This significantly increases the probability of the driver noticing the motorcycle before it disappears into the blind spot.