Honda unveils Moto Riding Assist at CES Vegas show

It is a known fact that motorcycles can’t stand upright on their own, needing the rider at all times when the stand is up and the bike is at rest. Recognising this, Honda has premiered its Riding Assist motorcycle, that reduces the possibility of falling over at zero forward speed.

Shown during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA, Honda’s Moto Riding Assist is part of its “Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem” that also includes the NeuV – new electric urban vehicle – automated vehicle concept. Technology for Riding Assist is derived from Honda’s UNI-CUB, a self-balancing personal mobility device.

Eschewing the use of gyroscopes for balance – which add weight and complexity to a machine – Riding Assist lowers the angle of the front fork when the bike is moving at less than five km/h. A servo makes minute adjustments to the handlebars to ensure the bike always stays upright, with or without the rider.

While it is doubtful that Riding Assist will make its way to the mainstream – part of the reason why motorcycles are motorcycles is the amount of rider involvement – such technology could play a part in the development of future robotics. In the meantime, watch the video below for the weirdness of a motorcycle following someone along like a puppy.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.