https://youtu.be/HVkjyyGsiuc
BMW Motorrad is the first manufacturer to introduced blind spot monitoring systems from cars to two wheels.
While it will never replace the shoulder check for vehicles in side lanes, it is designed to assist riders by providing an alert that there is a vehicle in there blind spot.
the technology has been around for about 10 years, starting Swedish safety-oriented car brand Volvo, and now spreading to many other brands and vehicles.
BMW will offer their Side View Assist (SVA) blind-spot monitoring system as an option in their C650 GT and Sport maxi-scooters.
The system uses four ultrasound sensors in the front trim and number plate carrier.
Within a speed range of 25 to 80km/h, SVA flashes warning triangles in the mirrors if there are other vehicles at a distance of up to 5m in the blind spots travelling at up to 10km/h faster or slower than the scooter.
The BMW press releases warns that riders should still d a shoulder check and not rely solely on SVA.
“This system is only designed to assist the rider: it is not a substitute for looking in the rear mirror or looking over one’s shoulder and under no circumstances releases the rider from their responsibility and obligations.”
While we applaud technology that assists riders such as traction control and ABS, it is a concern if riders learn to rely on safety technology rather than learning to ride safely.
And it won’t really help with lane filtering which is gradually being introduced throughout Australia and the US as you should already know that you have passed vehicles in either lane!
The scooters also come with traction control and ABS. There is no word yet from BMW Motorrad Australia about when the new models will arrive and how much SVA will cost.