PULL THE OTHER ONE!
Every year the automotive world likes to
try and pull one over on the general public
on April 1 with some wacky, yet sometimes
plausible, press releases hitting our inbox. But
BMW Motorrad’s effort this year was truly a
masterstroke.
Taking a leaf from the automotive sector,
where self-driving tech is all the rage,
Motorrad decided to try and pull the wool
over our eyes with the claim that the new
S1000RR has a self-riding mode that can put
less experienced riders on the podium.
“And with the iRace Kit, BMW Motorrad is
taking things a step further with this software
system for the S1000RR that allows less
experienced riders, and even those who have
just received their motorcycle licences, to
turn in an astounding performance on the
race track, with the assistance of a number of
autonomous riding programs.”
The system BMW – dubbed the iRace Kit –
was purportedly based on the technology
BMW employed last year to make an R1200GS
ride by itself, came with all the world’s most
famous racetracks and with three different
modes based on a rider’s experience would
assist the rider to ride up to the current lap
record.
Yep, it may have been too good to be
true but with the developments in self-
driving technology and vehicle to vehicle
communications, it could one day be a reality.
But then we need to ask ourselves wouldn’t
self-driving tech make riding a bike pointless?
ABS TO BECOME MANDATORY?
ABS could soon be a mandatory feature
on all new motorcycles in the near future.
According to the Motorcycle Safety
Advisory Council (AKA MSAC, or the guys
part of your bike’s rego cost pays), the
Government is looking at implementing a
similar law to that already in place in the
EU to make ABS mandatory on all new
motorcycles over 125cc.
If, like many Kiwi motorcyclists, you are
still on the fence about the benefits of
ABS there is still time to have your say
before the Government moves ahead.
“There is evidential proof that ABS is a
technology that helps save motorcyclists’
lives,” said MSAC Chair Mark Gilbert. “It’s
great to see the Government seriously
considering bringing this in to support
riders to be safer on our roads.”
If approved, the law change would apply
to all new-model new motorcycles over
125cc, entering the fleet from 1 November
2019. Current-model new motorcycles
and imported used motorcycles entering
the fleet would need to have ABS from 1
November 2021.
“Many countries already have, or are,
introducing compulsory fitting of ABS
on motorcycles, so these changes would
bring us in line with the rest of the world,”
Mr Gilbert said.
However, this would mean that older
models still sold in our market such as
the hugely popular Suzuki DR650SE would
likely be culled from the market as seen in
Europe.
While these future changes signalled the
Government’s focus on road safety, Mr
Gilbert said motorcyclists could prioritise
their own safety in a number of practical
ways.
“The best thing riders can do is commit
to continuously up-skilling by doing a Ride
Forever on-road coaching course, at least
once every year, and investing in good
quality rider gear is also a must,” he said.
Consultation on the mandating of ABS
closes at 5pm Friday 26 April 2019. For
more information, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/
light-vehicle-brakes-2019
KIWI RIDER 89