Enhancing Motorcycle Safety with Telemetry: Monitoring Lean Angle, Speed, and More

Youth motorcycling is an exciting form of outdoor activity and transport that comes with the feeling associated with the sport. But it also poses certain threats as well. The NHTSA claimed that those who ride bikes are at least twenty-six times more likely to crash than car owners. This is because of complications relating to the stability of the two-wheel business, unfavorable conditions, including weather, and other habits of the rider.

Over time, the technology applied to finding solutions to motorcycle safety is becoming more evolved as well. One such solution is telemetry – or the measurement and relay of information from remote locations. Another component of telemetry and technologies used is the electronic analysis of different variables such as lean angle, speed, and others that are important at the time when the bike is being ridden. Such systems assist the rider and manufacturers to gain valuable and most often - safer data. In this blog let us see how telemetry increases the safety parameters regarding motorcycles while observing different parameters at a particular moment in time.
What is telemetry, and how does it operate?
Telemetry in relation to motorcycles is the use of sensors and devices that feed data from the motorcycle to a system on the bike or a center that monitors it. These systems monitor several performance characteristics, including speed, lean angle, throttle position, RPM, braking force, and even tire pressure. The data is then displayed in the rider’s dashboard or in a mobile application where the rider can then change the riding behavior or maintenance schedule.
Lean Angle: A Critical Factor in Motorcycle Safety

The most critical component of safety on a motorcycle is called lean angle, which is the degree to which the rider tilts the bike during the cornering. The lean angle refers to the angle at which a motorcycle leans when in turns and corners or making turns in general. The steeper the lean angle, the more problematic it is for the rider to control the vehicle, especially when the area is wet or slippery.

It is quite possible to measure lean angles with very high accuracy, leaving riders with immediate feedback on their riding behavior. One especially useful parameter is lean angle because this way riders will know whether they are on the edge of bike performance; for example on a slippery surface, the bicycle could slide out from under the rider. This data means that better decisions can be made when riding, especially when taking sharp turns or riding in areas containing winding roads.

For instance, if the telemetry system ‘‘sees’’ that the lean angle is beyond safe limits, it will send a command to the rider, suggesting that he or she should ease up on the throttle or change lean. Such real-time warnings assist in avoiding crashes, particularly where the risk of an occurrence is high such as in high-speed corners.
speed: Understanding Its Role in Safety

There is another parameter that is usually measured by telemetry systems: speed. One has heard countless of times that this is one of the major causes of motorcycle accidents; reckless speeding. With telemetry, one is able to get results in terms of speed in relation to the road, the ability of the bike, and the traffic situation prevailing at that particular time.

Some of the unique features of most modern telemetry systems are; Geofencing; where specific speed limits are triggered depending on the geographical position of the rider. For example, the system could decrease the speed at which the rider is traveling when he is riding through a residential area or a curve ahead. Besides these local alarms, it is also possible to monitor long-term speed trends, and such signals can be employed to assist riders in getting a sense of their habits.

In the case of motorcycle manufacturers, telemetry offers information on the performance of bikes at different speeds in different scenarios. This feedback is also beneficial to engineers when designing the next models to incorporate safety features, stability, and handling characteristics. The manufacturer can then refine its motorcycles in response to real-world data regarding riders' safety and performance.
Other Critical Metrics in Telemetry Systems

Beyond lean angle and speed, modern motorcycle telemetry systems also monitor several other key parameters that contribute to overall safety:

1. Braking force and brake pressure are two terms most commonly associated with braking systems, and here we discuss both Terms in detail.
   Subsystems can measure how much load the rider puts the brakes through and can help him get the best out of the brakes. Applying the brakes too frequently or applying them in a wrong manner /modulating them may lead to brake fade; that is, the ability to stop is slowly lost or at times, a driver may lose control altogether. Real-time information may assist a rider in avoiding dangerous moments by changing their manner of braking.

2. Throttle Position
   Engine control is important to allow stable speed to be attained and low speed to be reduced. Sensors monitor how much throttle is demanded, so riders don’t get carried away and twist the throttle lever with a heavy hand on tricky road conditions such as wet or corners. Gradual control of the throttle makes the bike more stable and prevents the wheel from spinning or losing its traction.

3. Tire Pressure and Temperature
   To this effect, tire condition was found to be an important factor that helped define the levels of safety that motorcycle users enjoyed. Real-time monitoring of tire pressure and temperature can be done, and should a deviation occur, the rider will be informed. For instance, low pressure of tires will lead to poor road holding capacity, in other words, chances of an accident at high speed will be very high. A tire condition check ensures that each rider is riding at the standard levels of safety.

4. Engine Health and Efficiency
   A telemetry system can observe the engine parameters of the motorcycle, such as the fuel gauge, exhaust temperature or even the rpm gauge. Riders are able to identify early signs of problems before they cause bodged engine breaks that may leave a bike stranded or lead to an accident.

5. GPS and Location Tracking
   Included in most modern telemetry systems is GPS which offers the rider navigation by giving details on the current location. This data can be rather helpful in an emergency because after entering the address or phone number of the rider, first responders will be able to identify the rider’s location with precision. In addition, the GPS assists the riders in managing new and complex routes more safely and avoid certain dangerous zones.

How Telemetry Can Help Riders Improve Their Skills
Although telemetry serves a very important scope in safety, it also serves to improve performance by the side of the rider. Riders can use their feedback when dismounted to determine what needs to be corrected like the lean angle when negotiating corners, how to brake, and speed. Some systems have even added performance tracking that enables the rider to track data from the previous ride or the other riders. It could be used to motivate to enhance riding skills and increase the rider’s self-confidence of riding safely.
Conclusion

Motorcycle telemetry is transforming rider-bike interactions by monitoring key parameters like lean angle, speed, and braking force, providing real-time insights to enhance safety. Manufacturers also use this data to improve bike design. As telemetry tech advances, motorcycling becomes safer, letting riders push limits with less risk. For those intrigued by this tech, a data science course in Chennai can teach valuable analytics skills to interpret such data, highlighting how data science boosts safety and performance in motorcycling.