The motorcycle industry continues to evolve as manufacturers look for new ways to improve their hardware. Many of these updates make riding safer and more enjoyable, while others aim to decrease the number of carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.
5 Motorcycle Tech Trends
Learn about the biggest motorcycle tech trends coming your way in 2022 and beyond.
1. DMC Headsets
If you like to listen to music or communicate with your fellow riders on the road, you’re going to need a set of Bluetooth motorcycle speakers. They let you wirelessly connect to your phone, GPS, or motorcycle radio so you can quickly coordinate with your group without taking your hands off the wheel.
Bluetooth communication is nothing new. Many riders have been using this technology for years, but Bluetooth has only gotten better over time. The problem with conventional Bluetooth speakers is that they form a direct line of communication between you and the next closest rider. That rider then connects to the next closest rider and so on until the entire chain is complete. If one member breaks off from the group, the entire chain will break apart, which means you will need to refresh your Bluetooth device and start the process over again from scratch.
That’s why more riders have upgraded to what’s known as dynamic mesh communication (DMC). These devices use Bluetooth to establish connections, but instead of creating a single chain, every rider has a direct line of communication with every other rider. If one member leaves the group, the chain will remain intact so you don’t have to worry about refreshing the connection. Use a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet with DMC to stay connected as a group.
2. The Green Revolution
Motorcycles are major emitters of hydrocarbons that contribute to climate change. In fact, motorcycles collectively emit 16 times more hydrocarbons, three times more carbon monoxide and a “disproportionately high” amount of other air pollutants compared to passenger cars.
Manufacturers and consumers are starting to shift away from gas-guzzling bikes that harm the environment, which is driving the electric motorcycle industry to new heights. Electric motorcycles are getting faster, safer and easier to use, which makes them more appealing to drivers. They are starting to give traditional gas-powered motorcycles a run for their money, giving riders more options on the road. The days of making fun of electric bikes are coming to an end. As climate change legislation continues to take effect, gas-guzzlers could soon go the way of the dinosaur. The electric motorcycle industry is expected to double in market value from 2020 to 2030.
3. Improved Illumination
Riding a motorcycle can increase your chances of getting into an accident. Visibility continues to be a problem for riders. These bikes don’t take up as much room on the road as passenger vehicles, which makes them harder to see – especially in low-visibility situations. Manufacturers are addressing these complaints by adding better lighting options to their vehicles. The LED lights are now brighter than ever before to increase your chances of being seen. They can even enhance the appearance of your bike for the ultimate street racer look. The lights can also be used for traffic signals so you don’t have to use your hands. Even better, you can control the brightness level on your phone. If you forget to turn your lights off or need some extra light when parking in a dark area, just pull up the app to access the controls.
4. Smart Helmets
Your helmet is your first line of defense when riding a motorcycle, but this equipment can do more than just protect your head. The helmet industry is getting a technical makeover. You can now count your helmet among the Internet of Things (IoT). Many makes and models can now connect to the internet for seamless communication. They also feature noise-canceling technology to help you hear what your fellow riders are saying. When it comes to safety, you can also find helmets with built-in mirrors and cameras that help you see more of your surroundings. If you need to check the map, your helmet will even show a view of your route on the visor so you don’t have to look down at your phone. The latest helmets also come with built-in defoggers to help you see clearly in the rain or snow.
5. Situational Awareness
Motorcycles are finally getting some of the same safety features that you’d find in a modern passenger vehicle, such as stability control, anti-lock braking systems and side-view assist. They are also making it easier to navigate traffic and dodge potential obstacles, especially when riding off-road. Some bikes now come with automatic sensors that approximate your distance to surrounding dangers. You will hear an alert if you get too close to another car or a tree. Things can change quickly on the road and having another form of protection just might save your life.
Final Words
The motorcycle industry is heading in new directions that will shape the way we ride for years to come. Take advantage of these tech trends to give yourself some more peace of mind on the road.
