The acronyms of the two-wheeledThe lexicon of all motorcyclists

aBS (anti-lock braking system) for motorcycles is designed to prevent the wheels from locking during sudden braking, particularly on slippery surfaces. Sensors continuously measure wheel speed. If one of them is in danger of locking, a processor controls a hydraulic modulator which instantly adjusts brake pressure, reducing it to allow the wheel to continue turning and then increasing it again. This cycle repeats itself several times a second, ensuring optimal braking while maintaining the bike's stability and control, even in emergency situations.

traditionally associated with Bosch, which began work on the system in 1936, ABS was first really developed in the 60s by Teldix (a partnership between Telefunken and Bendix).

the first tests to equip a motorcycle with ABS took place in 1977 on a Norton 850 Commando. But it wasn't until the BMW K1 in 1988 that ABS was fitted to a commercial motorcycle (as an option).

cornering ABS represents a major advance in motorcycle safety. Whereas conventional ABS prevents the wheels from locking in a straight line, Cornering ABS enables safe braking even when the motorcycle is leaning into a bend. This system uses an inertial measurement unit with a 6D sensor to precisely measure the angle of inclination of the motorcycle. Based on this angle, ABS adjusts braking pressure to prevent the front wheel losing grip, thus reducing the risk of a crash. This ensures that the rider maintains control and stability, even during emergency braking in curves.

Aprilia Cruise Control (ACC) is a cruise control system that automatically maintains the desired speed without having to touch the gas pedal. This speed stabilizer keeps the throttle in a fixed position, making riding easier, especially on long trips.

Aprilia Dynamic Damping (ADD) is an electronically controlled suspension system that automatically adjusts suspension stiffness, in real time, according to the rider's needs. Using motion sensors, it combines the benefits of a sporty, firmer setting with softer damping for comfort.

Automatic Fast Idle (AFI) is a system that automatically increases engine idle speed in response to certain triggers, such as a cold start. This system helps the engine reach optimum temperature quickly, supporting the motorcycle's electrical and mechanical systems. This improves performance and reduces emissions.

No need to switch manually from low to high beam, the Auto High Beam (AHB) system gives you the way. Using an integrated camera, AHB automatically adjusts the headlights to suit traffic conditions. It detects oncoming vehicles as well as those in front, to avoid dazzling other road users. In this way, it keeps high beams on longer for better night-time visibility, and makes it easier to detect pedestrians and obstacles.

Aprilia Launch Control (ALC) is a start-assist system that optimizes acceleration from a standing start, making it ideal for the track. Once the clutch is released, the electronics maintain the engine at optimum torque, guaranteeing rapid, controlled acceleration. In this case, adjusting the engine's power helps prevent rear-wheel spin and control wheeling.

Automatic Launch Position Finder (ALPF) is a system that automatically puts the motorcycle into first gear when it's at a standstill, such as at a red light. When activated, ALPF puts the transmission back into first gear as soon as the vehicle comes to a standstill, which is particularly useful in urban traffic. This simplifies starts and makes driving smoother in environments where stops are frequent.

Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) combines the advantages of manual and automatic transmissions. It allows you to shift gears automatically without using a clutch lever or foot shifter. Shifting gears is simply done with the thumb and forefinger. What's more, the rider can choose between two driving modes, switchable at any time via a dedicated button. This technology offers flexibility and ease of use.

Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) is a set of electronic assistants including an "AQS" fast shifter, "ATC" eight-step adjustable traction control, "AWC" adjustable anti-wheeling, and "ALC" optimized starting assistance. This system manages throttle opening to maximize acceleration, control and safety, whether for everyday riding or competition.

Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) allows you to change gear in no time at all without releasing the throttle or using the clutch, optimizing performance during sporty riding. The system uses sensors and software to briefly adjust the engine during gear changes. This motorcycle-integrated technology works equally well in both upshifts and downshifts, making for a smoother ride.

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) are driving assistance technologies designed, in essence, to enhance the safety and comfort of motorcyclists. These systems include features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically adjusts speed according to traffic conditions, and a Blind Spot Detection (BSD) system, which warns the rider of vehicles in low-visibility areas... To achieve this, radar sensors are used to monitor the environment around the motorcycle, helping to prevent accidents and make riding easier.

BMW's Automated Shift Assistant (ASA) makes it possible to shift gears without using a clutch lever. This system, translated as "Automatic Shift Assistant", adjusts gears in automatic mode (D) according to engine speed, throttle position and bike angle. In manual mode (M), the rider can change gears with the foot, while avoiding stalling thanks to automatic selection of a lower gear if required. Transitions are made fluid by a hydraulic master cylinder and electromechanical actuator.

BMW Motorrad's Automatic Stability Control 'ASC' limits engine torque according to road grip, preventing wheel spin and improving safety, especially in wet weather. The traction control system can be deactivated manually, even on the move, when not required, as on a race track.

Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) automatically adjusts engine torque to maximize grip according to wheel speed, throttle opening, engine speed and inclination. The system reduces throttle via Ride by Wire, and even adjusts ignition timing by retarding or advancing the spark in the cylinders to limit power. 8 levels of adjustment can be set from the handlebars, at any time, to suit different riding conditions.

On KTM motorcycles, the turn signals are automatically switched off after a predefined time or distance, so the rider doesn't have to turn them off manually. The turn signal remains active when the motorcycle is stationary, until the maneuver is completed.

Aprilia Wheelies Control (AWC) kicks in when the front wheel slows down relative to the rear wheel, without detecting excessive wheel slip. Aprilia Wheelies Control uses traction control and inertial sensor data to ensure better handling. The system offers three levels of intervention, selectable only when stationary.

Yamaha 's Brake Control (BC) system offers two ABS modes: 'BC1' with fixed sensitivity and 'BC2', which adjusts sensitivity according to inclination. In 'BC2' mode, the ABS intervenes more during cornering, enhancing control and confidence. Optimized by Yamaha's electronic throttle control (YCC-T®), this Brake Control system enhances the riding experience.

The BSD (Blind-Spot Detection) system monitors the motorcycle's blind spots. These are areas out of sight of the driver and mirrors, made perceptible by a rear radar that scans the side lanes. When a vehicle is detected, LED indicators in the mirrors light up. If the driver activates his turn signal while a vehicle is in the blind spot, the LEDs flash to warn of a potential hazard. Blind spots" and "BSD" are two terms generally used in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) jargon, but which have nothing to do here.

this feature applies braking force to both wheels when the rider uses the brake lever (front) or the brake pedal (rear). The Electronically Linked Braking System (ELB) offers greater responsiveness and more balanced braking at front and rear. The system offers more interconnection when the rider applies harder braking, and reduces or eliminates interconnection for light, low-speed braking.

when interconnected, if you operate only the front brake lever, the system also applies an amount of braking to the rear. If you only depress the brake pedal, the system will also apply a quantity of braking to the left front caliper. The interconnected Electronic Braking System is cornering enhanced (C-ELB) and takes into account the angle of inclination of the motorcycle, or lateral acceleration on a Trike model. C-ELB modifies the distribution of braking pressure between the front and rear brakes when braking in corners, to improve the bike's ability to maintain the rider's intended trajectory.

inspired by the automotive world, the gearbox is in fact made up of two half-boxes (and therefore two clutches), each handling a different ratio: one for even gears, the other for odd gears. This means that when one gear is engaged, the gears directly below and above it are already engaged in the other half. When a gear is shifted, all that remains is for the two clutches to work in reverse. With the gears already pre-engaged, shifting is quick and easy, with no jerking or loss of revs.

the Harley Owners Group or HOG is a club created by the company to bring together owners of Harley motorcycles. Each dealer has a chapter, a subdivision of the Harley Owners Group. There are over a million members worldwide.

the HSTC system controls the torque delivered by the motor in 2 ways: when the control unit detects acceleration of the rear wheel (and deceleration of the front wheel), it reduces the opening of the TBW - and therefore the power - allowing the front wheel to remain in contact with the ground. This makes it possible to open the throttle to the maximum, without the risk of pitching up (rear wheel).

the second method used by the HSTC detects the angle of inclination of the motorcycle. The inertial measurement unit (IMU) housed under the seat discerns the speed and acceleration of the chassis in yaw and roll, as well as in longitudinal, transverse and lateral directions. The IMU then deduces the angle of inclination to control engine torque and maintain rear-wheel traction at the right level.

the computer logic used by the IMU is based on the same detection technologies developed for the ASIMO humanoid robot, enabling the most precise calculations possible.

the HTSC offers 9 levels of intervention (+ deactivation) to suit the rider's preferences, while User Modes 1 and 2 enable specific settings, even while driving.

designed to help riders maximize acceleration during standing starts, the KLCM electronically regulates engine power to prevent the rear wheel from spinning at the start. The rider can select one of 3 modes, each offering a different degree of assistance. Each of the 3 modes allows the rider to start with the throttle wide open.when the clutch lever is pressed and the system is activated, engine speed is automatically limited as long as the throttle is engaged. As soon as the clutch is released, engine speed increases, but power is regulated to prevent the rear wheel from spinning and the front wheel from lifting (in mode 1, the least intrusive, the front wheel can lift slightly). The system deactivates automatically at 150 km/h or when the rider engages 3rd gear.

Credits : Kawasaki

kTRC has been designed to prevent rear-wheel spin, which could lead to loss of motorcycle control. The system uses sensors to constantly monitor the rotational speeds of the front and rear wheels. When wheelspin is detected, engine power is reduced so that the rear wheel can regain the grip necessary to keep the machine stable.
KTRC acts on 3 engine parameters to modulate power and enable the rear wheel to regain grip: the volume of air admitted (via the secondary butterflies), the quantity of fuel admitted and ignition. This is why the system is so unobtrusive, resulting in a very natural feel for power modulation. The rider is not even aware that the KTRC system is regulating power to allow the rear wheel to regain grip, even though it informs him of its operation by deliberately delaying its action for a few moments and lighting up the appropriate signal on the dashboard.

News credit: Kawasaki

LIFt control softens front-wheel load shedding when starting off or accelerating. It allows wheeling and its main purpose is to react to sudden front-wheel weight loss. This system offers several levels of adjustment and can also be disconnected.

tI-ISC (Throttle body Integrated Idle Speed Control) incorporates a Low RPM Assist function. When starting off or driving at low rpm, the ECM activates the ISC system. With ISC circuits open, engine speed increases slightly. Normally, when starting the motorcycle, engine speed drops when the clutch is engaged. Low-speed assistance helps the rider to start off smoothly, even at low engine speeds

developed jointly with Bosch, the MSC motorcycle stability control system, combined with ABS anti-lock braking and MTC traction control, supports the rider in a multitude of ways, within the limits of physics:
- mSC prevents the wheels from skidding when braking on an angle,
- reduces the righting moment when braking at an angle,
- prevents forward tilting during emergency braking,
- prevents the rear wheel from spinning when accelerating at an angle,
- prevents the front wheel from lifting off during acceleration.

Introduced in 2012 on MotoGP's YZR-M1, SCS controls the engine when slippage is detected, and works in conjunction with traction controlTCS, itself dependent on the bike's inclination. A certain level of slippage is useful to help the rider change direction when cornering. The control system intervenes only slightly if the slippage is progressive; but if it becomes excessive, it acts instantly to dampen its movement. The system offers several levels of adjustment and can also be disconnected.

SDMS optimizes the electronic throttle control system, offering a choice of modes with different power characteristics.

the camshaft has a different profile at different engine speeds. How is this achieved? By means of an ingenious system borrowed from MotoGP's GSX-RR. A special bell mounted on the ACT contains 12 balls running in oblique grooves. Centrifugal force pushes the balls towards the edge of the bell, shifting the cams. The VVT (Variable valve timing system) preserves power at low and medium revs, then boosts power at high revs.

with the Y-AMT, the speed, precision and fluidity of each gear change are claimed to be even more significant than with a latest-generation quickshifter. It offers a choice between digitally controlled manual shifting (MT) or a fully automatic two-mode transmission (AT).

with MT manual transmission, shifting gears is quick and precise at the touch of a button, without the need for a clutch lever. Gear changes are managed by the index finger and thumb, via a dual control: a + button for upshifting and a - button for downshifting.

the fully automatic AT transmission allows the rider to choose between two programs to suit different riding scenarios, easily switchable at any time by pressing a dedicated thumb-operated mode button.

the throttle no longer has cables, but becomes a position sensor, so that the ECU can use this information and other parameters to control injection much more precisely and rapidly, optimizing fuel consumption and the power demanded by the driver