Contrary to what doom-sayers might say, technology can be your greatest ally on a motorcycle. The right tech will improve performance, increase safety, and let you enjoy a personalized riding experience. SF Moto has a huge variety of motorcycles for sale near Sunnyvale, and along with classic barebones bikes, we also offer motorcycles with the latest tech to assist you along the highways and byways of Silicon Valley.
The big question is which tech features you should prioritize. Dozens of possibilities are out there, and while nearly all of them are beneficial, some provide bigger benefits than others. You also must consider universal motorcycle tech that can help everyone versus niche tech that only certain riders will ever take advantage of. With that in mind, here are 10 motorcycle technologies we’re fans of and why they may be worth having on your next bike.
#1 - Anti-Lock Brakes
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is required on new cars in the United States, and they are becoming increasingly prevalent on motorcycles. These systems prevent wheel lockup while you’re braking, which improves stability, reduces stopping distance, and makes you less likely to fall off your bike. Studies consistently show motorcycle ABS significantly lowers accident, injury, and fatality rates. Although weight was a concern on early ABS units, modern systems are as little as 1.5 lbs, which is a small trade-off for safety. If this feature is important to you, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) publishes a comprehensive list of motorcycles with ABS.
#2 - Ride Modes
Do you want more control over how you cruise down Highway 82 or get through rush-hour Sunnyvale traffic? Consider a motorcycle with ride modes. Much like drive modes in a car, these modes change the parameters of the ECU to impact power delivery, shift points, traction control, and more. With the touch of a button, you can change how the motorcycle behaves for different riding situations. For example, many bikes offer a combination of ride modes that can allow for sporty acceleration on dry pavement, fuel-efficient cruising for long rides, less wheel spin on wet pavement, and more.
#3 - IMU
To help ride modes, ABS, and other tech features perform at their best, you need a way to collect and interpret the data you generate with every throttle squeeze or handlebar turn. An internal measurement unit (IMU) is a recently developed technology that can measure up to nine axes of motion. This paints a picture of how your bike moves down to the smallest detail, from how it’s oriented to the impact of gravity. Many motorcycle makers are now incorporating IMUs, including Suzuki, Honda, and Kawasaki.
#4 - Adaptive Headlights
Every motorcycle has headlights—but do they adapt to the world around you? Adaptive headlights adjust the amount of light and the beam spread based on factors like surrounding traffic, ambient light, and whether you’re turning or going up and down hills. Some smart headlights can even change the beam throw to account for the ride height changing from hitting a bump or carrying full saddlebags. BMW was the first brand to introduce adaptive headlights in 2010, and more brands have followed in their lead, allowing Sunnyvale riders to experience added visibility for nighttime riding.
#5 - Tire Pressure Monitoring System
This is another technology that isn’t required but is smart for any rider to have. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) uses sensors to tell you the PSI of each tire in real-time. This lets you know whether a tire is underinflated or overinflated, letting you adjust the pressure at the next opportunity for optimal handling and fuel mileage. TPMS can also give you an early indication a tire is going flat. Many bikes already come with a TPMS, and there are aftermarket systems you or an SF Moto technician can install on older bikes.
#6 - Bluetooth Connectivity
Wirelessly connecting your smartphone isn’t just for cars and trucks. A motorcycle with Bluetooth (or even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on some models) allows you to link up and open a new world of communication. By combining Bluetooth with an in-helmet mic and speaker system, you can talk to fellow riders without needing to shout and use hand signals, or you can listen to your favorite music while cruising through Sunnyvale and across the Dumbarton Bridge. With more capable systems, you can bring up maps so you have step-by-step instructions for unfamiliar destinations. If a bike doesn’t come with built-in Bluetooth, you may be able to add an adapter.
#7 - On-Display Navigation
We mentioned smartphone integration as an option for motorcycle navigation, but if you’re a serious traveler and explorer, you may want to bring up directions without the extra step of connecting your phone, trying to mount an aftermarket GPS on the handlebars, or stopping to pull out a map and compass. A GPS navigation system integrated with the in-dash display is a simple, effective solution. You receive all the information you need with fewer distractions, so you stay focused. Some systems can even learn popular routes and share them with friends. From Harley-Davidson to Triumph, top motorcycle manufacturers are now offering built-in navigation.
#8 - Semi-Active Suspension
Despite the remarkable performance of active suspension, as seen in Formula 1 in the 1980s and early 1990s, it remains too expensive and too heavy for practical road applications. Conversely, adjustable suspension is common and lets you adjust how your bike handles, but it can't be changed on the fly. Semi-active suspension is the happy medium. You start with a baseline setup, and the ECU then adjusts the shocks and dampers based on feedback from various sensors. Some semi-active suspensions can update in tenths or even thousandths of a second. Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki are a few notable names embracing semi-active suspension designs.
#9 - Automated Transmissions
Are you tired of jerky shifting that doesn’t let you get on the throttle or causes a commotion pulling away from a traffic light? A motorcycle with an automated clutch smooths things out and transforms the riding experience. They use electromechanical actuators to regulate the clutch, meaning seamless gear transitions with one less lever to grab. Examples of this technology include the Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT) and the BMW Automated Shift Assistant (ASA). Honda's E-Clutch is possibly the best of these systems as it keeps the clutch lever and lets you operate the bike manually when you want full control.
#10 - HUDs and AR
Do you think head-up displays (HUDs) and augmented reality (AR) only work on four-wheeled rides? Think again. Multiple companies have developed ways to project information like speed, navigation directions, engine alerts, and the current time. Instead of the data going to the windshield fairing, they beam it onto the rider’s visor, which accounts for how you regularly turn your head to check your surroundings. This tech takes a while to properly set up, but Sunnyvale enthusiasts who want everything in their line of sight will find it worthwhile.
Visit SF Moto to Find a Tech-Friendly Motorcycle
The motorcycle tech world offers many ways to enhance your ride, whether the journey takes you to work or just a long cruise along the bay. At SF Moto, we help riders discover motorcycles with the exact tech they’re looking for. We are one of the leading motorcycle dealers near Sunnyvale with standard motorcycles, sport bikes, adventure bikes, cruisers, and other steeds that have practical technology for performance and safety. You’ll also find a large selection of gear and accessories to upgrade the tech on your current bike. Contact us or stop by to learn more.
