6 innovations that are changing biking for everyone
6 innovations that are changing biking for everyone
Published on March 1, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes
![6 innovations that are changing biking for everyone 6 innovations that are changing biking for everyone](/images/default-source/car-insurance/two-wheelerf686a577f1264d05bd1385d04b5794d5.jpg?sfvrsn=10050dc5_2)
“The only constant in life is change” – this adage is so true when it comes to automobile technology. Especially, bikes and their associated technologies need to get better and better with every passing year if they need to keep up with changing rider demands. Hence, innovation is the watchword for the bike industry. Here is a look at a few of the latest innovations that you cannot miss. But remember that no matter how perfect your dream bike seems, having bike insurance is a must as you can never predict accidents, calamities or thefts.
1. Usage of Lighter and Sturdier Materials for the Body:
For years and years, motorcycle bodies and frames have been made of iron and steel. While these metals are sturdy and durable, they are also extremely heavy and prone to rust. Being rather rigid also means that they are restrictive when it comes to achieving more aerodynamic designs. The introduction of new age materials like carbon fibre, aviation grade aluminium, and titanium for making the body and panels of the bike has led to massive improvements. These materials are rust proof, much lighter and can be made into finer shapes while maintaining and improving upon the required sturdiness and rigidity.
2. MultiPoint Fuel Injection Systems for Cleaner Engines:
Ever since the evolution of motorcycles with internal combustion engines, they have used carburettor-based engines. However, with the introduction of stricter and stricter emission norms, the traditional carburettor system has reached its end of life. This is the reason why most new two-wheelers are supposed to be equipped with a MultiPoint Fuel Injection system. The MPFI systems are designed from the ground up to be much more efficient and burn fuel with the optimum mixture of air, fuel and engine oil. As time passes, the research and development on these MPFI systems will improve both fuel efficiency and quality of emissions.
3. Connected Mobility and Internet of Things:
One innovation that has made riding a bike safer and more enjoyable in the new digital age is connected mobility. The evolution of high-speed data networks has powered the transition of your motorcycle from a simple vehicle that allows you to go from one place to another to a connected mobility solution based on the Internet of Things technologies. Coupled with sensor fusion and electronics miniaturisation, your bike is now a very intelligent machine that can “talk” to you. With this technology, the options are simply unlimited. Here are a few common use cases:
a. You can track where your bike is at any time
b. You can carry documents like license, PUC and bike insurance in digital mode
c. You can check its fuel levels remotely from an app
d. You get turn by turn navigation in the instrument cluster of your bike
e. You can check service schedule of your bike from a smartphone app
f. You can geofence your bike if it goes out of set area or exceeds a set speed limit
g. With GPS tracking, your bike insurance emergency roadside assistance team can reach you faster
4. Anti-lock Brakes Make Rides Safer:
Traditional bike brakes had the wheel locking problem, where if brakes are not applied in a smooth and gradual manner, bike wheels lock up and the bike slips, causing injuries to riders and other people nearby. Bike manufacturers have now introduced anti-lock brakes which distribute the brake force in such a manner that even if the brake is applied suddenly, the wheels do not lock and the rider is able to maintain their control over it, preventing any skids or accident risk.
5. Continuous Variable Transmission Systems:
The traditional bike transmission has served well but its very nature has limited it particularly in terms of available speed ratios. With a continuously variable transmission system, this problem has been eliminated since a CVT system has practically infinite speed ratios. Plus, the base technology of a CVT system is such that you do not need a clutch to be engaged to change gear. This means manually shifting gears will soon be a thing of the past and throttle input will be able to regulate power generation by engine in a much more precise manner.
6. Evolution of Electric Drivetrains:
Electric drivetrains are the actual motive system of modern electric bikes. These e-bikes use an electric motor powered by a battery instead of an engine powered by petrol. Almost all other systems in e-bikes, like the braking and lighting systems, are carried forward from traditionally powered bikes. The introduction of electric drivetrains can be regarded as the single most important innovation in almost the entire two-wheeler market. It will almost erase the problem of road pollution as engines will be replaced. One more advantage of electric drivetrain is that since almost all the torque is available in it from the start, it eliminates the need of a transmission system, making riding a bike safer, simpler and more enjoyable. The instant torque availability also improves the acceleration by a considerable margin when compared to internal combustion engine bikes.
Both in terms of design and in terms of technology, the world has changed considerably and so has the world of two-wheelers. As a result, the entire support system has also started to evolve. For example, you can now buy bike insurance in a matter of minutes online as opposed to running around from agents to offices. All in all, an exciting world is waiting out there for the modern bike rider.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
RELATED ARTICLES
Simple tips to ensure long life of your motorcycle battery!
Hacks to Make Your Bike Smart and Sustainable
It's Time To Charge Your Electric Scooter With Two-wheeler Insurance