The self driving motorcycle

The self drive motorcycle is a thing, and as we move toward the use of autonomous vehicles on the UK’s roads soon, we could see them appear.

BMW actually created a self driving motorcycle. This project has been in the works for a couple of years, we understand. It follows the trend of autonomous vehicles which are set to be tested on the roads in Britain in the very near future.

The self driving motorcycle can apparently start, brake and lean to turn all by themselves. However, BMW say that the plan isn’t actually to sell self driving motorcycle, but rather to use some of the technology to create safer riding. Could this really work?

The self driving motorcycle – a nightmare?

The idea of a self driving motorcycle seems like a nightmare to me. Bikers are often having to dodge accidents from car drivers. How can the reaction of a person be truly matched by that of a computer?

With bikers already far more likely to be seriously hurt or killed in a road accident, the argument for safety is key. There are already worries over the safety of the self driving cars and lorries that may be on the roads in the coming years. At least anyone in those has the protection of the vehicle itself.

Riders on self driving motorcycles remain at risk of serious injury.

Could the combined technology of a self driving motorcycle work?

We referenced that BMW say that their self driving motorcycle technology could be combined to allow for safer riding. You could argue that early warning braking systems that work autonomously could avoid an impact a rider may not see quickly enough.

But how else could it be employed? I couldn’t imagine self driving motorcycle technology allowing for a bike to lean by itself to avoid an accident. The rider’s natural instincts would surely kick in and could make things worse. You could end up with a panic situation where a lean is fought to be corrected.

Ultimately, we remain sceptical, and we fear that more riders will be injured in accidents. That being said, I think the biggest worry for most is self driving cars and lorries hitting ordinary riders in the near future…