When we hear the words “cruise control”, we usually associate it with cars. But thanks to technological advancements, cruise control is becoming common in motorcycles as well.
Many manufacturers already equip their motorcycles with cruise control nowadays. BMW, on the other hand, has decided to one-up their game as they plan to be the first ones to introduce radar-guided cruise control in their motorcycles and they call it – Active Cruise Control.
BMW Active Cruise Control or ACC is like a smarter version of the cruise control. It basically keeps your vehicle at a pre-determined distance from the vehicle in front while maintaining the fixed speed. This feature is common in luxury cars and self-driving vehicles.
ACC being smarter than the conventional cruise control not only requires more complex technology in the cruise control but also additional sensors to measure the distance in front. This corresponds to more cost and a little added weight to the motorcycle.
BMW has stated that they have developed this system with Bosch. The rider can set both the distance from the vehicle in front and the speed of the bike in three stages at the touch of a button. It even features two modes, Comfort and Dynamic, which alter the aggression with which the bike accelerates or decelerates.
The system also features a ‘Curve Speed Control’. This helps the motorcycle maintain constant speed in a turn while maintaining a comfortable lean angle. As the rider leans further, the system limits its intervention to avoid unsettling the rider.
The BMW Active Cruise Control has its fair share of drawbacks too. According to the automaker, the capability of the radar is limited when cornering. Adding to this, the system also cannot respond to stationary vehicles. So if you approach a traffic jam, you’ll have to do your own braking.
The system also warns the rider when the system cannot operate via the dash, so the rider can take full control of the motorcycle. The dash is also used to warn the rider if the system thinks there is a situation where emergency braking might be necessary.
So when will we see this in flesh? There is no definite date from BMW yet. While other manufacturers like KTM and Ducati are also working on this tech, BMW plans on beating them to market and to become the first manufacturer to introduce this system on a production motorcycle. Let us know if you would want this system on your motorcycle.
BMW Active Cruise Control
- This radar-guided system helps maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front
- The system will cause an increment in the cost and weight of the motorcycle
- The system also features Curve Speed Control, which helps maintain speed and lean while cornering
- The system cannot respond to a stationary vehicle, and the capability of the radar is limited while cornering
