BMW to offer adaptive cruise control on some models imminently

BMW is moving forwards with a plan to add adaptive cruise control (ACC) to its bikes after fitting a similar system to its cars for some time now.

The ACC system automatically adapts the bike’s speed and distance to a vehicle in front while travelling along the road.

If the vehicle in front, be it a car, bike or truck, slows down so does the bike fitted with the ACC. Likewise, if the vehicle in front speeds up, the bike with the ACC fitted also increases its speed, matching that of the target vehicle.

The system is tuned in such a way that it will recognise the vehicle in front, regardless of whether it is directly in front of the ACC-equipped bike or slightly to one side.

The ACC system can also adapt to different road conditions, automatically slowing the bike in corners to allow the rider to attain a comfortable and safe angle of lean. When cornering more aggressively, the ACC system will also adjust the engine and ABS, helping to make both acceleration and braking smoother for the rider and passenger.

BMW Adaptive Cruise Control demo

The distance from the vehicle in front can be altered in three stages through the bike’s existing cruise control buttons, allowing the rider to tailor the distance they wish to follow the vehicle in front.

While the system is claimed to recognise mobile objects on the road, it’s not developed as an automatic braking system, meaning static hazards in the rider’s path are effectively ignore. To that note, when the system is engaged it will still require the full attention of the rider on the road ahead.

BMW look to be the next manufacturer joining what is likely to be the big buzz word in the touring motorcycle world in 2021, as Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, Ducati and KTM all have either working prototypes or production ready bikes that feature a similar system.