Bosch is celebrating three decades of advancing motorcycle safety with its pioneering Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a forward-looking showcase of connected, electrified technologies at EICMA 2025 in Milan.
Highlights
- Bosch introduced the first motorcycle ABS-equipped model, the Kawasaki GPZ1100, in 1995.
- The company’s Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) can prevent or mitigate over 30% of injury-related crashes.
- Bosch is unveiling innovations such as the Digital Battery Passport, Battery in the Cloud, and Connectivity Cluster 4.2” Round at EICMA 2025.
- The firm continues driving electrified two-wheeler solutions, including integrated 3 kW and 6 kW drive control units.
Three Decades of ABS Evolution
Bosch began developing motorcycle ABS in 1986, adapting the technology from passenger cars. The first production motorcycle equipped with Bosch ABS—the Kawasaki GPZ1100 ABS—launched in 1995, marking a breakthrough in rider safety. Over the following years, Bosch established a global center of competence in Japan (2007) and introduced successive innovations such as:
- ABS 9 (2009): Compact, high-performance system for premium motorcycles.
- ABS 10 light/base (2016): Tailored for smaller and emerging market applications.
- ABS 10 enhanced (2018): Designed for high-performance motorcycles.
In 2013, Bosch launched Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), incorporating an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to manage braking and traction while cornering. MSC evaluates dynamics up to 100 times per second, reducing risk during lean and acceleration. Bosch’s research shows MSC-equipped systems could prevent or mitigate 30% of injury-causing crashes in Germany.
Global safety regulations have since mirrored this progress: the EU mandated ABS for motorcycles over 125 cc in 2016, India in 2018, and Singapore will extend this to all motorcycles, including sub-125 cc, from April 2027.
Connected and Intelligent Technologies at EICMA 2025
At its EICMA 2025 booth (hall 18, stand E66), Bosch is showcasing innovations that merge safety, connectivity, and sustainability.
Digital Battery Passport: Ahead of the EU’s 2027 requirement for digital battery documentation, Bosch offers a secure, data-driven platform that provides complete lifecycle transparency. This supports OEMs, dealers, and riders with real-time battery insights and compliance management.
Battery in the Cloud: Using AI-based modeling, this system creates a digital twin of each battery, enabling predictive health monitoring and early anomaly detection. It reduces battery failures and extends lifespan while offering tamper-proof condition certificates for resale valuation.
Connectivity Cluster 4.2” Round: Designed to integrate seamlessly with a rider’s smartphone, the cluster enables navigation, music, telephony, and on-screen display of key ride data—eliminating the need for a separate navigation device.
Electrified Drive Systems for Global Markets
Addressing the electrification trend across two-wheeler segments, Bosch is presenting modular drive systems:
- 6 kW integrated electric drive with vehicle control unit for mid-sized motorcycles.
- 3 kW in-hub drive control unit for compact urban vehicles popular in Asia.
The 3 kW system integrates inverter, engine management, and control functions, offering cruise control, regenerative braking (up to 8% range gain), and electric traction control. Built with IP67 protection and high vibration tolerance, Bosch’s new systems ensure reliable operation across diverse climates and terrains.
Subscribe Today!
Sign up for our weekly eNewsletter and get a free copy of our quarterly digital magazine.
