In an effort to increase rider safety, Bosch has unveiled six new radar-based assistance systems, including five world-firsts. Set to enter the market in 2025, the new technology is the second-generation of the company’s Advanced Rider Assistance System (ARAS) and will be used for the first time by KTM aboard their much-awaited Super Adventure V-twin model.

The new systems take the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) tech already found on the 1290 Super Adventure S to the next level, giving it additional advanced functions like the power to bring the bike to a stop behind a vehicle, track movement of bikes in front when riding in a group, increase brake pressure to avoid a collision and even pull away from a stop when the vehicle in front moves again. Other new safety features include rear distance and collision warnings. Let’s take a look.

Adaptive Cruise Control/Stop & Go (ACC/S&G)

The new ACC S&G function can bring the motorcycle to a controlled standstill in order to avoid a collision with the vehicle in front. This works best with an automatic transmission such as the one that will be used in KTM’s new Super Adventure model as the bike can change gears for you and bring the bike to a halt while avoiding a stall.

Moreover, if the motorcycle comes to a halt, there is no need for riders to use the clutch; they can set their bike in motion simply by pressing a button or briefly activating the throttle as soon as the vehicle in front starts moving.

Group Ride Assist (GRA)

Group riding in a staggered formation is popular among motorcyclists, though it can be challenging with ACC, because the function expects the motorcycles riding in front to be in the middle of the lane. GRA gives added functionality to ACC by using an algorithm that detects when a group is riding in a staggered formation and regulating the speed to automatically maintain the same distance from the motorcycles in front. In this way, the function assists riders in achieving a natural group formation. When not riding in groups, the GRA system works the same as ACC.

Riding Distance Assist (RDA)

When traffic is flowing smoothly and RDA is activated, it helps maintain an appropriate distance from vehicles in front and thus prevent rear-end collisions. With ACC, a desired speed must be set; but when RDA is activated, the motorcycle can be controlled as normal via the throttle grip. While riding, the system automatically reduces the vehicle’s acceleration or applies the brakes as and when required. Riders can set the desired distance from the vehicle in front beforehand. If they wish, they can also use a switch to deactivate the function or apply the throttle to override the deceleration generated by the RDA system. This enables the function to blend naturally and comfortably into the dynamic flow of riding.

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

EBA is triggered when the system detects a risk of collision and the rider doesn’t brake hard enough. In this case, the function actively increases the wheel brake pressure further to reduce the bike’s speed as quickly as possible.

Before it can activate, the system requires the rider to apply the brakes, and it won’t function when the speed exceeds approximately 100 miles per hour (160 kph).

Rear Distance Warning (RDW)

RDW monitors the situation behind the rider and flashes a warning on the display if another vehicle gets too close. Based on this warning, the rider can take mitigating action to prevent a rear-end collision.

Rear Collision Warning (RCW)

RCW warns vehicles behind the motorcycle when a rear-end collision is imminent, for example by activating the hazard warning lights. In this way, the function protects motorcyclists from accidents caused by having to brake unexpectedly or by a vehicle failing to see them – whether waiting at traffic lights, sitting in a traffic jam, or riding in free-flowing traffic.

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According to Bosch, their goal when developing these safety systems is to not interfere with what makes motorcycles fun. “Bosch’s declared aim is to make motorcycling even safer and more comfortable by employing innovative new technologies – without diminishing riding enjoyment,” says Geoff Liersch, head of Two-Wheeler & Powersports at Bosch. Do you think this new tech accomplishes that?