Since the appearance of the first motorcycles in the 19th century, motorcycle technology has evolved a lot. Let’s review some innovations that have contributed to making the motorcyclists a safer group.

To address the evolution of technology in motorcycles, it is necessary to go back to the 19th century. A highly creative time that changed the world thanks to inventions such as the airplane, the telephone, the cinematograph, the light bulb, anesthesia or aspirin.

Who was the inventor of the motorcycle?

And to speak of the 19th century is also to speak of the origin of mobility as we conceive it today. But who was the inventor of the motorcycle?

Some attribute its creation to Sylvester Howard Roper. Between 1867 and 1869, this American developed a steam powered velocipede in Boston that some consider the first motorcycle in history.

However, Roper was not the only one who thought about how to move faster on a bike. In old Europe, the French Pierre Michaux and Louis-Guillaume Perreaux had the same idea and in 1868 they coupled a small commercial steam engine to a bicycle frame.

Two decades later, in 1885, the German Gottlieb Daimler patented a single-cylinder four-stroke engine that, months later, he mounted on the Reitwagen, a bicycle with a wooden frame and wheels.

And a decade later, Heinrich and Wilhelm Hildebrand, Alois Wolfmüller and Hans Geisenhof launched the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller. With a 1,489 cc engine that delivered 2.5 hp and allowed it to reach a top speed of 45 km/h, it became the first series-production motorcycle.

Debates on the sidelines about who was the inventor of the motorcycle, what is certain is that the technology in motorcycles like those of the 19th century was far from that used in current models. Especially when it comes to active safety.

Technology in motorcycles: electronics, protagonist

Active safety is an element of a motorcycle that has been developed to prevent traffic accidents. From the so-called triangle of road safety (tires, brakes and suspensions) to traction control, they are true guardian angels that can save our lives.

Active motorcycle safety, by the way, has evolved drastically in the last 20 years. And this has been so because the two-wheel sector has adapted innovations previously tested in automobiles, has invested in R & D & i and has made increasing use of electronics through solutions such as:

The electronic control unit (ECU): Also known as electronic control units, ECUs are little brains that, among other functions, control fuel flow in engines with injection systems or the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

The Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU): Using a series of sensors, this electronic device is responsible for evaluating the speed, orientation and gravitational forces of the motorcycle. In this way, you get accurate information in real time of what the chassis is doing.

The electronic throttle: Like the IMU, ride-by-wire technology comes from the circuitry. It makes it easy to get an immediate response from the engine when you open the throttle and set driving modes.

These are three significant contributions that are closely linked to the operation of some of the elements that we saw above.

Motorcycle intercom: These devices let riders talk to the passenger or other riders while riding, depending on their type. Motorcycle intercom systems not only allow you to communicate with others, but also have the GPS available, listen to music, answer the calls, etc. Keeping you focused on the road which potentially saves you from an accident all the time.