Honda’s Self-Balancing Motorcycle a Sign of Things to Come?

• Jason Unrau

• January 25, 2017

Cars aren’t the only vehicles getting the self-driving treatment. Self-balancing motorcycle technology is gaining steam, as seen at the recent Consumer Electronics Show.

Honda North America unveiled their version of a self-balancing motorcycle at the Las Vegas event earlier this month. It’s the latest announcement concerning the technology. Late last year, BMW unveiled a self-balancing motorcycle – the Motorrad Vision NEXT 100.

Some motorcycle riders find the concept blasphemous. I know. You’ve turned your nose up at the idea. You’ve spat on the ground in disrespect. The self-balancing motorcycle technology, however, isn’t meant as disrespect. Instead, it’s the newest consumer electronics integration into an automotive purpose.

What Is a Self-balancing Motorcycle?

The Honda self-balancing motorcycle is a prototype from the Japanese manufacturer. It rides like a regular motorcycle until you come to a stop or a slow crawl. That’s when a computer takes over, disengaging the handlebars from the front forks and incorporating its technology to balance the motorcycle independent of your input.

The self-balancing technology is the same used in the UNI-CUB. That’s Honda’s personal mobility device that lets a seated rider control their movement by shifting position, much like a Segway. Instead of using gyroscopes, which add weight, the motorcycle’s Riding Assist system compensates for a leaning vehicle.

Are Self-Balancing Motorcycles Just the Start?

The basic principle of a motorcycle has been largely unchanged for decades. Changes have come mainly in powertrain and performance capabilities, but the rider has always been in control. With the advent of self-balancing motorcycle technology, where is the industry heading?

Honda’s Riding Assist system does more than just balance the bike to prevent tipping over at a stop. It can also help the rider park,  but not like parking assist systems newer cars use. The Honda prototype can  “follow” its rider to a parking spot. Yes, you have a Honda puppy dog.

That’s just one paw print away from a self-driving motorcycle, isn’t it? And at that point, what is the purpose of a motorcycle? Riding a motorcycle is an intimate experience for most bikers.

Honda Riding Assist is a massive stretch for aficionados, and self-driving motorcycles is almost definitely pushing the line.