Will Kawasaki's Next-Gen Concours 14 Get Night Vision, Heads Up Display, and Accident Avoidance?
There's no shortage of high-tech electronics aboard Kawasaki's 156 horsepower Concours 14, but if Gizmag.com's report is to be believed, the next-gen Connie could be getting night vision, a heads up display, and an accident avoidance system.
The system allegedly uses a pair of mirror-mounted longwave "far infrared" cameras to deliver a stereoscopic image to an onboard computer, which could be programmed to warn the rider of upcoming obstacles. An LCD screen might be used to display images of the road ahead, which could also be transmitted through a helmet visor. Designer Akira Nakaya says that “...the night vision system is equipped with a short-distance radio device according to a specification, for example Bluetooth to receive and send information between the CPU on the vehicle body side and the display device on the helmet side.”
The supposed patent application sketch seen here doesn't confirm or deny much of anything. But if this system does meet its anticipated debut at this Fall's Paris show in time for the 2010 model year, expect to see more competitive innovations from Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha in near future.
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Comments
I had a friend working on the next generation night vision for the military and was allowed to sign out a current generation, and I gotta tell you it is amazing technology. Bring it on.
Scottie,
There’s some amazing stuff coming up, and already stunning technology readily available.
I tested the new Mercedes E-Class, and not only did it have night vision, it also could recognize human shapes and highlight them on the screen. I’ve also driven cars that can read and recognize street signs, so I think we’ve got a long way to go with motorcycles!
Basem
This seems like the next logical step after most of this technology is on high end, limited production cars.
Air bags made the transition…why not the rest of it?
I don’t think it’ll show up quite as soon as we hope, or they intend…but, the sooner the better.
Pete,
I’m surprised airbag technology isn’t in more motorcycles– it’s likely a cost/complexity/liability issue.
All of these advances have gotten cheaper and cheaper, but I think motorcycle buyers are reluctant to embrace new technology than car buyers… even the KIPASS (keyless ignition) system on the Concours 14 had its share of critics.
Basem
Buddy of mine…lives about 3 doors up the street from me bought his Concours a year ago almost to the day…he has 25000km on it now. All he has done to it is maintenance and lots of tires.
I’m not a big ‘Green’ fan, but it’s very nice bike and he loves it. FAST for a big heavy bike too…suck the paint off an ST. No issues with the key system either.