Like Yamaha and its Motobot, Honda has just revealed a motorcycle with the ability to self-drive at slow speeds, and even self-balance. One more technical step towards a possible completely autonomous racing motorcycle…
The machine appears to be a modified NC750S, basically a twin-cylinder using a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
To keep thebalance, even when stationary, Honda has chosen the electronic route and has freed itself from the usual large gyroscopes.
“This rider assist does not use large gyroscopes, which would add a lot of weight and limit the motorcycle's maneuvering ability. It leverages Honda robotics technology originally developed forUNI-CUB« says Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, the director of the R&D department at Honda.
From what we can see, balance appears to be primarily accomplished by turning the front wheel, an effect that is enhanced by tilting the fork, using a mechanical offset at the lower triple clamp.
The motorcycle can therefore remain balanced when stationary, or even, thanks to its automatic transmission, follow you everywhere like a puppy... Impressive!
And we shudder to think of what could have happened in MotoGP, if unique electronics had not been imposed…
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