Tokyo Motor Show 2017: The Honda Riding Assist e might just change the way you ride!
Apart from the Sport EV concept, Honda also showcased its Riding Assist e concept motorcycle at the Tokyo Motor Show 2017. The Riding Assist e can balance itself without the need for any external support and also mitigate the risk of a fall when manoeuvring the motorcycle at low speeds or when coming to a full stop. Honda says it has used its propriety balance control technologies to develop the concept, basis its research in robotics over the years. Of course, that includes the ASIMO, Honda's humanoid robot that is capable of walking and jogging like human beings.
Honda has not given out any technical details whatsoever at the moment, though judging by the small €˜e€™ suffix the Riding Assist e clearly is a fully-electric motorcycle, powered by a rechargeable battery pack. The Riding Assist e uses a shaft drive system along with a single-sided swingarm to send power to the rear wheel. The chassis used looks similar to Honda€™s NC750€™s, a motorcycle Honda sells internationally, and also the motorcycle that Honda€™s previously showcased Riding Assist Concept is based on.
On stage, the Riding Assist e balanced itself without the rider even touching it, making tiny steering adjustments by itself to stay upright, similar to the movements trials riders make. The system can be turned off though, and once turned off, the bike will tip over and fall to its side like any conventional motorcycle. The headstock is adjustable, allowing side to side movements which help in keeping the centre of gravity right above the front contact patch. The self-steering system is a bigger highlight though, as the Riding Assist e is capable of moving around even without a rider onboard. Honda mentioned that the idea behind the concept is to make motorcycles easier and more stress-free to ride, allowing riders to enjoy their time in the saddle better. We think the Riding Assist e could also probably help Honda develop semi-autonomous technologies for its future motorcycles.