Bosch bags award for MSC motorcycle stability control

The innovative Bosch MSC motorcycle stability control has been ranked the second most innovative technology in the ‘safety’ category. By constantly adapting the rider’s braking and acceleration commands to the actual road surface and lean angle, MSC offers motorcyclists the best possible support.

Summing up the benefits of the system at the award ceremony in Brussels on October 7, 2014, Gerhard Steiger, the president of the Bosch Chassis Systems Control division, said: “For motorcyclists, the result is an unprecedented combination of dynamism and safety.”

The judges – renowned automotive experts – were especially impressed by the comprehensive support that the system provides in nearly every riding situation. “MSC offers the same degree of sensitivity as ESP does in the car,” Steiger said. “The system counteracts any risk of wheel slip or wheel spin in the bud.” MSC improves safety when braking and accelerating, even if the rider is leaning into a bend. The system computes the optimum distribution of braking force between the two wheels. Moreover, many other functions can be added to it, such as drag torque control and a hill hold control.

MSC is based on the antilock braking system, and features an additional lean-angle sensor. In production bikes, the system first featured in KTM’s 1190 Adventure and Adventure R models at the end of 2013. And only recently, at the end of September, it was confirmed that the system would be installed in the new KTM 1290 Super Adventure. According to analyses of the GIDAS accident database, MSC motorcycle stability control can help in two-thirds of motorcycle accidents occurring in bends due to rider error.

At the annual so-called “Dinner for Winner” event, awards for innovative technologies are presented in three categories. The awards are presented by the German trade journal Automobil Produktion, the German association of the automotive industry (VDA), and the European association of automotive suppliers (CLEPA).

Photograph: The Bosch MSC motorcycle stability control system assists riders in all driving situations. Its features include an anti-lock system and a traction control system and additionally factors in the current lean of the motorcycle. This allows riders to reach their destination as safely and with as little stress as possible.