Assistants: Play it safe 🎥

The focus of the tests was on the safety potential and reliability of the various systems.

More and more motorcycles offer rider assistance systems that are designed to significantly improve safety. Since the introduction of mandatory ABS for motorcycles in 2017, new assistants have been added that can basically be divided into safety and comfort.

Ducati Multistrada, Honda Africa Twin and Kawasaki Ninja
In the test, TCS, in cooperation with the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention, examined safety and comfort systems of three of the best-selling models.

During the tests on the TCS test track in Hinwil and in road traffic, the assistance systems of a Ducati Multistrada, a Honda Africa Twin and a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX were put under the microscope.

Reliable systems increase safety
In general, the tests have shown that the systems work reliably and thus significantly increase the safety of motorcyclists.

The safety potential of the normal and cornering ABS was rated as very high, and the traction control was convincing on all test vehicles. The stoppie control also offers a high level of safety. It is always switched on in the tested motorcycles and reliably prevented the rear wheel from lifting off in the tests.

The adaptive cruise control and blind spot warning systems are world firsts for motorcycles. The systems have been able to convince both on the test track and in road traffic.

Caution when using the wheelie control
The wheelie control prevents the front wheel from lifting off during acceleration. The different setting levels on two of the three test bikes allow the front wheel to lift off at different heights. This can be adjusted by the user.

But beware: This can also encourage wheelies, which can be dangerous under certain circumstances. Therefore, driving training and good preparation are still necessary in any case for optimal safety.

tcs.ch