Astemo’s Wild Africa Twin ADAS: Eyes on the Road, Not Just Beeps
Let’s be real: advanced rider assistance systems (ADAS) are still a bit of a wild card. They’re not perfect, they’ve got room to grow, but they’re popping up on our bikes faster than ever. And honestly, they’re changing the game.
Right now, Bosch is the big dog, supplying radar-based ADAS to just about everyone: Ducati, KTM, Kawasaki, Yamaha… you name it. Even Piaggio’s in the mix, but they’re doing their own thing, developing their system in-house. Meanwhile, Honda, the global giant, the guys who build self-balancing bikes and some of the most insane touring machines out there… they’re sitting this one out. Weird, right?
But don’t panic! Honda’s been working behind the scenes with Astemo (their 40% owned partner, who control Showa, Nissin, and Keihin – the top-shelf names in suspension, brakes, and fuel injection). And here’s the kicker: they’ve ditched the radar and slapped two cameras on an Africa Twin.
The idea? To see the road like we do, not just as blips on a screen. Anticipate potholes, read road signs, and even adjust the suspension in real-time. That’s next-level stuff!
The catch? Cameras aren’t bionic eyes. Night, fog, rain… they struggle. Radars, on the other hand, see everything, no matter the conditions.
So, the solution? A hybrid, of course! The best of both worlds. Imagine: cameras for precision, radars for safety. We’d have a bike that sees everything, feels everything, and keeps us safer than ever.
That’s the future, folks. And it’s gonna be one hell of a ride!
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