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Adaptive Cruise Control

In a fierce showdown set for 2024, Honda’s iconic Africa Twin is gearing up to challenge BMW’s highly anticipated R 1300 GS in the competitive open-class adventure motorcycle market.

  • the next-generation Honda Africa Twin to feature radar-assist technology. 
  • latest type-approval documents also confirmed the introduction of direct fuel-injection. 

As both manufacturers vie for dominance, riders can expect groundbreaking advancements and cutting-edge technologies from these two renowned giants.

BMW has confirmed the imminent launch of its much-sought-after R 1300 GS in September of this year. Building on the success of the R 1250 GS, this latest iteration promises revolutionary construction and on-board innovations, signaling a significant leap forward in the world of adventure bikes.

On the other hand, Honda’s Africa Twin follows a different approach, placing an emphasis on off-road capability over on-road touring and raw power. Despite their distinct focus, these formidable machines will undoubtedly attract similar groups of adventurous enthusiasts, creating an exciting competition for customer loyalty in 2024. The stakes are high, and the stage is set for a remarkable showdown.

Amid the buzz and anticipation, evidence has emerged supporting the development of an extensively updated Africa Twin. Honda has discreetly filed type-approval paperwork for its 2024 model, which intriguingly carries the model code “SD14.” This move signals the manufacturer’s determination to deliver a game-changing offering that will challenge BMW head-on.

While specific details about the new Africa Twin remain scarce, Honda’s recent patent filings have shed some light on potential enhancements. Notably, the company is working on incorporating front and rear radars into the bike’s design, akin to rivals such as KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure, Ducati’s Multistrada V4, and the upcoming BMW R 1300 GS.

These radars, either offered optionally or as standard, are poised to improve rider safety and experience, ensuring the Africa Twin keeps pace with the rapidly evolving adventure bike segment.

Among the most thrilling developments is the prospect of a direct fuel-injected version of the Africa Twin’s SOHC engine. This innovation aims to elevate performance, enhance fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions, underscoring Honda’s commitment to environmental consciousness and engineering excellence.

Furthermore, enthusiasts and experts alike are buzzing about the intriguing possibility of a supercharged Africa Twin. If realized, this extraordinary advancement could propel Honda’s champion to new heights, rivaling the formidable powerhouses represented by KTM’s big V-twins and Ducati’s Multistrada V4 range, all without requiring the development of an entirely new engine.

Spy shots from the next generation Yamaha Tracer 9 GT was circulated online in July and showcased the sports tourer getting a major upgrade.

  • 2023 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT to feature radar-assisted cruise control.
  • Patents confirmed the radar unit to sit between the front headlight. 

Reports from reputable media at the time, including CycleWorld indicates that the Tracer 9 GT will feature radar sensor technology. 

However, latest development has confirmed that the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is getting the  radar technology according to a new patent.

That said, this suggest that the Tracer would become the most affordable (or least expensive) motorcycle to feature the fancy radar-assisted adaptive cruise control and emergency braking systems.

More importantly, Yamaha did a great job to hide the ugly electronic unit as opposed to the Ducati’s Multistrada V4, KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure S and BMW’s R 1250 RT.

Based on the patent, the radar unit can be seen nestled between the Tracer 9 GT’s lower headlights.

Also, Yamaha fitted a thin cover in front of the hardware to ensure better protection from mud, gravel, water or insects from hitting the sensor directly.

In addition, if the thin cover is scratched or chipped, it can be cheaply replaced. 

Yamaha is likely to introduced the new technology to the 2023 Tracer 9 GT.  

It looks like Kawasaki is next in line to adopt the radar assisted adaptive cruise control with the 2022 H2 SX after BMW R 1250 RT, Ducati Multistrada V4 and the recently launched KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.

Kawasaki inked a deal with Bosch over the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) back in 2019, including the adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning system, and rear blind spot monitoring setups.

However, in a statement, Kawasaki suggests that they haven’t set a date for the introduction of the ADAS system.

Nonetheless, it looks like Kawasaki already has the answer with the 2022 H2 SX that was recently caught testing with the fancy radar.

Based on the images shown, the H2 SX had the front headlamp revised to accommodate the Bosch radar sensor, although there is no significant styling change to the overall design.

The system is much like the Multistrada V4, R 1250 RT and 1290 Super Adventure S, enabling adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection.

The adaptive cruise control operates by detecting and reading the front vehicle and makes necessary adjustments to the motorcycle distance and speed.

While the radar is visible on the Ducati, BMW and KTM, Kawasaki managed to “hide” it via a cleverly sculpted cover.

However, the recent spied photo does not reveal the rear radar, which usually sits below the rear light unless Kawasaki has a way of hiding it.

Recent reports also suggest Kawasaki will introduce a radar-equipped Versys 1000.

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