Honda Develops Electric Motorcycle That Doesn’t Fall Over and Requires No Riders

Custom MN4 Vultus Riding Assist System Keeps Honda’s Motorcycle Stabilized, Preventing the Rider from Putting Their Feet on the Ground

The motorcycle manufacturer Honda is working on a technology that may eliminate what is known in motorcycles as the kickstand, elements that allow the electric motorcycle not to fall when it is stopped. This would practically nullify the chance of falling with it… at least at low speeds.

Read Also

• Embraer Closes Contract with Fokker to Develop New Projects in Commercial and Defense Aviation
• East Corridor of the Port of Paranaguá Is Prepared for Exporting Grain and Meal Harvests
• With the End of Reporto, Port and Rail Sectors Fear Losses and Seek to Reverse Veto on Tax Benefits Made by Bolsonaro
• Alerj Discussed, in a Recent Meeting, the Potential of the State of Rio de Janeiro for the So-Called Blue Economy and the Region’s Growth Capacity in the Sector
• The Port of Paranaguá Is Preparing the East Corridor for the Export of Upcoming Grain and Meal Harvests, Aiming for Even Greater Growth in the Port Sector

Honda’s New Electric Motorcycle May Ride Without a Driver

Specifically, Honda presented an evolution of its ‘Riding Assist Demo’ system, which allows the motorcycle to always be upright or stabilized, even when stopped.

If confirmed that this technology can be taken to production, the kickstand and support (elements that serve to keep the motorcycle stationary when it is stopped) may be a thing of the past.

Likewise, this technology also implies greater safety, as it can prevent falls at low speeds. And not only that, but it also eases the daily life of many motorcyclists, as they would not need to put their feet on the ground when stopped, making the ride much more comfortable when arriving at a traffic light, for example.

Honda’s New Technology Also Allows for Driving in Reverse

This technology, in turn, enables turning at very low speeds without the risk of falling and, in addition, adds the possibility of engaging reverse while maintaining the electric motorcycle’s upright position.

Explaining how this system works, it is a technology that recognizes both the motorcycle’s and the rider’s movements. Additionally, it maintains balance with an integrated device between the front and rear wheels. The motorcycle remains upright even without support.

Without a Rider, the Electric Motorcycle Remains Fully Upright

Moreover, this technology works both with and without a driver. However, it should only be activated at low speeds because, once the speed increases, the motorcycle naturally stands upright, and it needs to lean to navigate curves.

In this regard, it also presents the challenge that this system is currently closely linked to the swingarm. The swingarm is a key component in the current transmission of a combustion motorcycle, transferring power to the rear wheel through the dragging kit (with chain, sprocket, and pinion) or through the shaft drive.

Therefore, it is likely that this system is more intended for fully electric motorcycles in the future. One way or another, it seems to us to be a very interesting advancement that will certainly increase user comfort and, above all, their safety.

Honda Claims It Is Not Just Gyroscope Technology

Honda claims that it did not resort to the use of gyroscopes but also does not go into much more detail. What can be seen in the video it published is that the motorcycle maintains its upright position without the user needing to put their feet on the ground. In the video showcasing this technology, Honda uses the MN4 Vultus model, to which it incorporated a completely innovative rear axle.

Instead of the traditional swingarm, it has different elements that continuously work to balance the bike, recognizing the movements of the rider or the motorcycle and responding quickly to keep the electric motorcycle in an upright position.