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Kawasaki Jumps on Radar Bandwagon

  • Kawasaki is the latest manufacturer to work on equipping their bikes with radar.

  • Their patent filings show a system with front and rear radars.

  • The system works together with the brakes and throttle.

Kawasaki is the latest manufacturer to work on equipping their bikes with radar.

It is learned that Kawasaki’s system will either warn the rider or engage automated braking if it senses an imminent collision. In their patent filing, the system utilizes a front and rear radar detector. In turn, the radars control the brakes and throttle.

The front radar will scan the road ahead and apply the brakes if there are hazards. The rear radar, on the other hand, will detect fast approaching vehicles and alert the rider to take evasive action.

Kawasaki isn’t the first maker to develop a radar system.

Suzuki is working on equipping their bikes with radar reflectors to make them more visible to radars in other vehicles. Whereas Honda may equip the next Gold Wing with automated braking. All 2020 Ducatis will have front and rear radars in addition to cornering ABS. KTMs will feature adaptive cruise control and blind spot awareness system by 2021.

Vehicle radar technology isn’t merely experimental, as all new European-made cars are mandated to be fixed with automated or emergency braking systems in 2020. The decision follows joint studies by European NCAP and Australasian NCAP that automated brakes can reduce collisions by 38%.

So yes, bikes will definitely be equipped with radars soon.

Wahid's lust for motorcycles was spurred on by his late-Dad's love for his Lambretta on which he courted, married his mother, and took baby Wahid riding on it. He has since worked in the motorcycle and automotive industry for many years, before taking up riding courses and testing many, many motorcycles since becoming a motojournalist. Wahid likes to see things differently. What can you say about a guy who sees a road safety message in AC/DC's "Highway to Hell."

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