Future Tech: HD Group-Riding Adaptive Cruise Control
The cutting edge system will be able to distinguish between cars and motorcycles.
Radar Ride
Group rides are about to get a whole lot safer. Harley-Davidson recently filed a patent for its new radar-based adaptive cruise control system. The technology is the next big advance in motorcycling, with KTM and Ducati planning to implement similar systems using existing automotive technology. Unlike Harley-Davidson's competitors, its cutting edge system will be able to distinguish between cars and motorcycles.
Complex Group
To date, no manufacturer has attempted to develop an adaptive cruise control specifically for motorcycles. Harley-Davidson's patent filings show a system that is much more complex and better suited to group riding situations. The only other system in development is from Bosch, the German automotive supplier, who is currently working on a generic system suitable for its many clients.
Bike Formation
Adaptive cruise control systems use Light Detection and Ranging technology or LIDAR. The current systems monitor the vehicle in front and automatically modulates a car's speed to maintain a safe gap. Harley-Davidson's design is much more bike-orientated. Instead of being tuned to follow cars, it is intended to work in a staggered formation of bikes and adjust for multiple motorcycles sharing the same lane.
Transceiver Cruise
Harley-Davidson first filed a patent application for the adaptive cruise control system in 2018. Much like existing technology, the details of that patent showed how the brakes and throttle would be used to maintain a constant distance between vehicles. The latest patent application suggests that the new system will use cameras and data received from transceivers to identify individual motorcycles.
Separation Intervals
There is a lot going on with Harley-Davidson’s proposed adaptive group cruise control. The controller will use a combination of radar, camera, and LIDAR sensors to determine the distance, velocity, and cruising speed of other vehicles compared to the set speed of the associated motorcycle. The information will then be used to determine separation intervals, set either by default or programmed by the rider.
Set Lead
Harley-Davidson’s group cruise control has the ability to adapt if a lead motorcycle passes a vehicle. The system would then identify the situation and adjust its speed to match the vehicle, rather than trying to keep up with the lead bike. The system will also have the ability to sense motorcycles in adjacent lanes and choose whether or not to set them as the lead.
Seamless Interval
While it sounds a bit like science-fiction, the new technology is intended to be a seamless experience. Patent plans show a simple dashboard display with graphics illustrating which vehicle the bike's cruise control is locked onto, and its relative position in the lane when riding in a staggered formation. Rider controls will permit the input of the desired interval and maximum speed.
Combined System
The earliest adaptive cruise control would be available is for the 2021 lineup. Like its competitors, Harley-Davidson’s design will incorporate a rear radar sensor acting as a blind-spot monitor. Warning lights in the mirrors would relay this information. The cruise control system will no doubt be combined into the existing Reflex Defensive Rider System and make for a well-rounded touring package.
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