Every broker and underwriter in the motorcycle sector knows from the claims data that riding in urban traffic, commuting or group rides, all carry a high risk profile.
Using tech to reduce the chances of riders colliding with other vehicles can only be a good thing, and hopefully factored into the future insurance groupings of bikes that have these ADAS packages. Several manufacturers already have radar front and rear, cornering traction control and automatic transmission, but this Honda system offers a more holistic, integrated approach.
IE especially likes the Group Ride assistance, as your editor has observed several incidents on group rides in his previous career as a bike journo. People take risks to overtake, make errors at junctions ( then try U-turns and rapid catch up) or get fixated on following faster riders in corners. The bigger the group, the greater the risk of an accident, so managing the bike spacing situation on the tour has to be a good thing. Hats off to Honda we say for understanding rider behaviour, automated radar/cruise, group ride risk and the convenience of tackling busy traffic without constant gear-changing.
Here’s the word;
Honda has today unveiled Honda SENSING RIDE, a new advanced rider-assistance system for motorcycles, at EICMA 2026 in Milan, Italy. Scheduled to debut on the 2027 CRF1150L Africa Twin Adventure Sports, the system marks the latest step in Honda’s long-term commitment to enhancing safety and supporting riders through advanced technology.
Honda SENSING RIDE utilizes radar units mounted at the front and rear of the motorcycle to detect surrounding vehicles and conditions. By comprehensively assessing rider operation and vehicle behaviour, the system provides alerts and rider support functions aimed at helping avoid accidents and enhancing riding safety.
Central to the system’s operation is Honda’s proprietary Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) technology, which enables the seamless integration of advanced rider-assistance functions while maintaining smooth and intuitive vehicle control. Introduced by Honda in 2010 as the world’s first dual-clutch transmission system for motorcycles, DCT has earned widespread acclaim for delivering control characteristics closely aligned with rider intent.
When combined with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) featuring Stop & Go capability, DCT enables exceptionally smooth speed and transmission management, including automatic stopping and launch assistance (rider input is required to resume riding).
Building on this foundation, the new system introduces additional motorcycle-specific functions, including Group Ride Assist for enhanced support during group riding and Blind Spot Information to help riders monitor areas that are difficult to see directly.
Honda SENSING RIDE Functions
1. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Automatically maintains a preset cruising speed and adjusts the distance to the vehicle ahead.
2. Group Ride Assist
An enhanced ACC function that automatically adjusts spacing between motorcycles during group riding, helping maintain safe and consistent following distances.
3. Distance Assist
When the rider is operating the throttle and approaching a preceding vehicle, the system automatically assists in maintaining an appropriate following distance.
4. Collision Mitigation Braking Assist
Provides braking assistance when a risk of collision with a vehicle ahead is detected and the rider initiates braking.
5. Forward Collision Warning
Displays a warning on the instrument panel when there is a potential risk of collision with a vehicle ahead.
6. Blind Spot Information
Works in conjunction with Forward Collision Warning to provide additional alerts by illuminating or flashing mirror indicators when another vehicle enters the rider’s blind-spot area.
7. Rear Collision Warning
Warns approaching vehicles behind by rapidly flashing the turn indicators when a rear-end collision risk is detected.
8. Rear Vehicle Notification
Notifies the rider through the meter display when a vehicle is rapidly approaching from behind.
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