Bosch is taking the motorcycle into the future. Photo courtesy of Bosch

Stuttgart, Germany and Milan, Italy - November 06, 2017

• Dr. Dirk Hoheisel, member of the Bosch board of management: “Megatrends such as urbanization and sustainability will fundamentally change mobility and the motorcycle as we know it today.”

• Bosch is set to reach sales of one billion euros with motorcycle technologies

• Bosch technologies make the motorcycle fit for the future: first by making it safer, second by making its powertrain more efficient

• Tiny titans: Bosch’s powertrain system for light electric vehicles reduces complexity and cost – for manufacturers and thus also for anyone who wants to drive electrically through their city

Connecting bikes and cars ensures motorcycles’ digital visibility. Photo courtesy of Bosch

Milan – “Megatrends such as urbanization and sustainability will fundamentally change mobility and the motorcycle as we know it today” says Dr. Dirk Hoheisel, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH.
“Bosch technologies make the motorcycle fit for the future: first by making it safer, second by making its powertrain more efficient.”

Dr. Dirk Hoheisel, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. Dr. Dirk Hoheisel has been a member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH since July 2012. In this function, he is responsible within the Mobility Solutions business sector for systems integration, for the Chassis Systems Control, Car Multimedia, Automotive Electronics, and Automotive Steering divisions, and for the Two-Wheeler and Powersports business unit. Photo courtesy of Bosch

Bosch’s vision is to make the mobility of the future accident-free, stress-free, and emissions-free – and this goes for motorcycles as well.

Whether as a transportation option for the emerging mass markets or as an element of multimodal mobility in megacities: two-wheelers are increasingly in demand.

By 2021, the annual global production of two-wheelers is forecast to reach around 160 million units – one-third more than today.

This makes motorcycle technology a remarkable driver for business. Bosch’s Two-Wheeler & Powersports business unit, based in Yokohama, Japan, continues to gain momentum in the important global motorcycle and powersports market.

Connecting bikes and cars ensures motorcycles’ digital visibility. Photo courtesy of Bosch

The business unit has registered sales growth of more than 20 percent compared to 2016 − twice as fast as the market.

And by 2020, Bosch is set to reach sales of one billion euros with motorcycle technologies.

The company offers assistance systems, connectivity solutions, and modern powertrain and electrification systems for two-wheelers and powersport vehicles.


Connectivity: the next step in the evolution of riding safety

One of Bosch’s goals is to make riding accident-free.
At Bosch, two-wheeler safety starts right from the e-bike.

With the market’s first production antilock braking system for eBikes, the success-story of Bosch assistance systems for two-wheelers continues.

With this system, the braking distance can be shortened and the risk of flipping over the handlebars is reduced.

Bosch is taking the motorcycle into the future. Photo courtesy of Bosch

According to a Bosch accident research study, around one-fourth of pedelec accidents could be reduced if all bicycles were equipped with the ABS system.

As the world’s leading supplier of motorcycle technology, Bosch has made motorcycle assistance systems such as ABS, MSC (motorcycle stability control), and side view assist a firm feature in the market.

Bosch is taking the motorcycle into the future. Photo courtesy of Bosch

Yet the possibilities for developing innovative technology for safer riding have by no means been exhausted:
“Our vision for the future is to use connectivity to prevent accidents from happening in the first place,” Hoheisel says.

Courtesy of Bosch

For this reason, Bosch is creating connectivity systems that allow riders to communicate with vehicles, the infrastructure, and other road users in general, like the digital protection shield.
It allows motorcycles and cars to talk to each other.

Long before drivers or their vehicles’ sensors catch sight of a motorcycle, this technology informs them that a motorcycle is approaching, allowing them to adopt a more defensive driving strategy.

Connecting bikes and cars ensures motorcycles’ digital visibility. Photo courtesy of Bosch

Another solution which allows the rider to be connected and safe is the connected horizon; riders can look around the next bend and get advance warning of possible hazards.

By 2025, more than 70 percent of newly registered motorcycles worldwide will be connected.


Small size, big impact

It is not only connectivity that is continuing to pick up pace at Bosch, but also electromobility.

In the years ahead, the market for light electric vehicles like eScooters is expected to grow by about 40 percent.

Studies indicate that some 100 million such vehicles will be manufactured worldwide by 2020.

Connecting bikes and cars ensures motorcycles’ digital visibility. Photo courtesy of Bosch

“Electromobility will take off much more rapidly in small-vehicle segments. Small electric vehicles have a bright future, worldwide,” Hoheisel says.

This is why Bosch has developed scalable powertrain systems that enable the electrification of light vehicles on four, three, or two wheels, such as the Govecs eSchwalbe or the AIMA eScooter.

The systems comprise a motor, control unit, battery, charger, display (HMI), and connectivity box, as well as an interactive app that connects the rider’s smartphone with the vehicle.

Bosch is taking the motorcycle into the future. Photo courtesy of Bosch

Bosch’s electrified powertrain solutions are scalable across all performance classes between 0.25 and 20 kW.

Vehicle manufacturers benefit from a comprehensive systems solution that can be quickly integrated, and that also means less development effort.

This reduces complexity, variants, and cost – for manufacturers and thus also  for anyone who wants  to drive electrically through their city.

Bosch is taking the motorcycle into the future. Photo courtesy of Bosch

One further advantage: the small vehicles not only reduce emissions, but noise as well.

While Bosch is stepping up its efforts related to electrified mobility, it is also continuing to improve the combustion engine with electronic engine management solutions.

These allow two-wheelers and powersport vehicles to satisfy the latest emissions regulations, such as Euro 5 and BS 6 (Bharat stage), and can reduce CO2 emissions, while still meeting the demand for the latest functionalities and improved performance.


The Bosch innovations on show at the EICMA 2017

• Connectivity systems: connected solutions for more convenience

• Assistance systems: greater safety without compromising on riding enjoyment

• Powertrain systems and electrification: new riding experience and sustainable powertrain technology


Connectivity systems: connected solutions for more safety and convenience

Bike-to-vehicle communication:

Up to ten times a second, vehicles within a radius of several hundred meters exchange information on details such as vehicle type, speed, position, and direction of travel.

Connecting bikes and cars ensures motorcycles’ digital visibility. Photo courtesy of Bosch

Long before drivers or their vehicles’ sensors catch sight of a motorcycle, this technology informs them that a motorcycle is approaching, allowing them to adopt an appropriate driving strategy.

A communication technology similar to the public WLAN standard (ITS G5) is used as the basis for the exchange of data between motorcycles and cars.

Connecting bikes and cars ensures motorcycles’ digital visibility. Photo courtesy of Bosch

Transmission times of just a few milliseconds between transmitter and receiver mean that participating road users can generate and transmit important information relating to the traffic situation.


Integrated connectivity cluster:

The integrated connectivity cluster is an all-in-one rider information and communication system developed especially for motorcycles and powersport vehicles.

It allows riders to connect their bike to their smartphone via Bluetooth.

Connecting bikes and cars ensures motorcycles’ digital visibility. Photo courtesy of Bosch

The integrated connectivity cluster went into production in the BMW R 1200 GS in 2017.

In cooperation with BMW, a newly added navigation function is available for riders.

Especially in urban areas, this new feature enhances riders’ convenience as well as their safety.

Connecting bikes and cars ensures motorcycles’ digital visibility. Photo courtesy of Bosch

In addition to the navigation feature, BMW’s integrated connectivity cluster offers two functions that make riding more convenient and enjoyable.

It enables riders not only to receive calls, but also to make them, and allows them to easily access their contact lists and recent calls.

Moreover, riders can use the ergonomically designed controls on the handlebar to effortlessly access their music favorites stored on their smartphones.

Bosch is taking the motorcycle into the future. Photo courtesy of Bosch

The integrated connectivity cluster’s intuitive interface and innovative technology make it easy to read in all situations, and allows riders to focus on enjoying their ride.


mySPIN – smartphone integration solution:

mySPIN enables riders to transfer the content of their smartphones to their motorcycle, scooter, or powersport vehicle.

In 2017, mySPIN went into production for the first time in BRP’s on-road Can-Am Spyder trike.

Milan – Whether smart assistance systems, connectivity solutions, or new energy for the powertrain: Bosch has the right solutions for the motorcycles and powersport vehicles of the future. Photo courtesy of Bosch

mySPIN  will be featured in more and more popular  powersport vehicles.

The reasons for selecting mySPIN are the way it allows the expertise of key third-party apps to be leveraged, its simplicity of use, and its capacity to minimize distractions compared with the other solutions in the market (smartphone cradles, touchscreens).


Lean connectivity unit:

The lean connectivity unit is an optimized connectivity solution enhancing the safety and convenience of motorcycle riders.

It was designed especially for the emerging markets.

Milan – Whether smart assistance systems, connectivity solutions, or new energy for the powertrain: Bosch has the right solutions for the motorcycles and powersport vehicles of the future. Photo courtesy of Bosch

If the rider has an accident, the device automatically detects the accident and uses the lean connectivity unit app to send an emergency message containing the rider’s location information to the emergency contacts stored on the rider’s smartphone.

In situations in which the rider feels insecure, the handlebar remote control can be used to send an emergency message with location information to the same emergency contacts.

Furthermore, the system also protects vehicles against theft by using the smartphone as an additional key.

the AIMA eScooter Photo courtesy of Bosch

Telephone functions are available as well, allowing the rider to answer or reject incoming calls directly via the handlebar remote control.

When riding with friends, the lean connectivity unit permits the riders to track their location or estimated arrival time.

Thanks to CAN communication, it is possible for motorcycle manufacturers to realize additional value-added functions such as remote diagnostics that increase riders’ convenience.


Assistance systems: greater safety without compromising on riding enjoyment

Motorcycle ABS:

Since 1984, Bosch has been continuously perfecting motorcycle ABS technology.

The Bosch eBike ABS Photo courtesy of Bosch

Its smaller, lighter design with enhanced performance increases riding safety for riders worldwide.

According to a study by Bosch accident research, around one-quarter of all powered two-wheeler accidents in Germany and India could have been prevented by ABS.

the AIMA eScooters in Asia Photo courtesy of Bosch

Worldwide, an increasing number of countries, such as the European Union, Japan, Taiwan, and Brazil are or will soon be mandating motorcycle ABS.

In the middle of 2018, motorcycle ABS will be mandatory in India for all new vehicle types with an engine displacement above 125 cc.

This Indian legislation many possibly influence other emerging markets, such as Indonesia and Thailand, where small two-wheelers are also the most important means of transportation.

the Govecs eSchwalbe Photo courtesy of Bosch

Bosch’s smaller and lighter ABS 10 is designed specifically to meet the requirements for two-wheelers in emerging markets such as India, Indonesia, and Thailand.


Motorcycle stability control (MSC):

MSC motorcycle stability control is the world’s first all-in-one safety system for two-wheelers.

By monitoring two-wheeler parameters such as lean angle, the system can instantaneously adjust its electronic braking and acceleration interventions to suit the current riding status.

In this way, the Bosch system can prevent motorcycles lowsiding or righting themselves when braking in bends, which is the cause of the majority of motorcycle accidents.

mySPIN – smartphone integration solution Photo courtesy of Bosch

The new Bosch 6D sensor, which features benchmark signal performance, and vibration robustness, will be integrated in the MSC system in the near future.

It will go into production in 2018.

This sensor unit is the smallest and lightest design on the market.

Capable of handling any sensor orientation in the vehicle, it significantly improves mounting flexibility.


Value-added functions:

Bosch is using its motorcycle ABS and motorcycle stability control (MSC) as the basis for realizing value added functions.

These are programmed into the ABS and MSC units by means of smart algorithms.

mySPIN – smartphone integration solution Photo courtesy of Bosch

The latest example of a value-added function for motorcycles to emerge from Bosch is its “side-slip angle control,” which enhances the performance of dynamic vehicle control in all riding situations.

By analyzing two-wheeler-specific key data such as lean-angle, vehicle side-slip angle, and deceleration, the system adjusts brake pressure to increase vehicle stability and braking performance.

A “dynamic slide control,” which uses the vehicle’s side-slip angle information, is used to allow and control a certain rear wheel slide during hard braking.

The function is designed especially for race-track use, and will go into production with the new Ducati Panigale V4 in 2018.


Safety systems for eBikes:

Pedelec biking is about to become safer than ever.

Bosch is now about to launch the market’s first commercial antilock braking system for eBikes.

The Bosch eBike Photo courtesy of Bosch

Thanks to an intelligent and innovative system, this new development will make it possible to prevent the pedelec’s front wheel from locking up, and also to limit the lifting of the rear wheel.

In this way, braking distance can be shortened and the risk of flipping over the handlebars reduced.

According to a study by Bosch accident research, around one-fourth of pedelec accidents could be reduced if all bikes were equipped with the ABS system.

The Bosch eBike Photo courtesy of Bosch

The Bosch eBike ABS will be available from autumn 2017 onward – initially for selected fleet partners.

Production for trekking and city eBikes furnished with the Bosch drive system is planned to start in autumn 2018.


Powertrain systems and electrification: greater efficiency and a more enjoyable ride

Engine management systems:

Electronic engine management systems are the core element of efficient and economical technology.

They allow two-wheelers to fulfill future emissions regulations such as Euro 5 and BS 6 (Bharat stage), including OBD l/ll.

The Bosch eBike Photo courtesy of Bosch

In combination with advanced sensor technology, engine management systems are considerably more efficient than conventional carburetor systems, and can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 16 percent, depending on the situation.

The control unit is the main component of these new engine management systems.

This small computer analyzes all the data from the powertrain sensors, and adjusts parameters such as ignition and the amount of fuel on the basis of this data.

The Bosch eBike ABS Photo courtesy of Bosch

Bosch has the portfolio to deliver optimized solutions across the entire range of vehicles, from single-cylinder, low displacement vehicles to high-performance two-wheelers and powersport vehicles.


Powertrain systems for light electric vehicles:

With its integrated systems for light electric vehicles, Bosch creates the technological basis for urban mobility solutions.

Depending on the customer’s needs, two powertrain versions are available: an in-hub system for the power range up to 3 kilowatts and a central drive system for power ranges between 4 and 20 kilowatts.

The Bosch eBike Photo courtesy of Bosch

Motor, control unit, battery, charger, display, and connectivity box and app are perfectly harmonized to enable the electrification of light electric vehicles on two, three, and four wheels.

Two examples of two-wheelers that are electrified with Bosch powertrain solutions can be seen at the Bosch booth: the Aima eScooter with its in-hub system and the Elmoto HR-8 sportsbike with its central drive system.


At the EICMA 2017, Bosch will be presenting its latest solutions in each of these three spheres at booth G62 in hall 13.

More information:

http://www.bosch-mobility-solutions.com/en/company/trade-fairs-and-events/eicma  


Contact persons for press inquiries:

Germany:
Inga Ehret
E-mail Inga.Ehret@de.bosch.com  
phone +49 711 811-16476

Italy:
Marco Gardenale
phone +39 02 36962511


Mobility Solutions, Bosch Group

Mobility Solutions is the largest Bosch Group business sector.

In 2016, its sales came to 43.9 billion euros, or 60 percent of total group sales.

This makes the Bosch Group one of the leading automotive suppliers.

The Mobility Solutions business sector combines the group’s expertise in three mobility domains – automation, electrification, and connectivity – and offers its customers integrated mobility solutions.

Its main areas of activity are injection technology and powertrain peripherals for internal-combustion engines, diverse solutions for powertrain electrification, vehicle safety systems, driver-assistance and automated functions, technology for user-friendly infotainment as well as vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, repair-shop concepts, and technology and services for the automotive aftermarket.

Bosch is synonymous with important automotive innovations, such as electronic engine management, the ESP anti-skid system, and common-rail diesel technology.


The Bosch Group

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services.

It employs roughly 390,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2016).

The company generated sales of 73.1 billion euros in 2016.

Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology.

As a leading IoT company, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, smart cities, connected mobility, and connected manufacturing. It uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source.

The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to deliver innovations for a connected life.

Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm.

In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.”

The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries.

Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing and sales network covers nearly every country in the world.

The basis for the company’s future growth is its innovative strength.

At 120 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 59,000 associates in research and development.


Contact

Inga Ehret
Spokesperson for Mobility Solutions
(commercial vehicles, two-wheeler, mobility-start-ups)
+49 711 - 811 - 16476
Inga.Ehret@de.bosch.com  

Corporate Communications and Brand Management
Senior Vice President: Dr. Christoph Zemelka
www.bosch-press.com  

Robert Bosch GmbH
Postfach 10 60 50
D-70049 Stuttgart,
Germany


Additional information is available online at

www.bosch.com  

www.iot.bosch.com  

www.bosch-press.com  

www.twitter.com/BoschPresse