Bosch develops powertrain systems for all two-wheeler classes, targets India

Bosch is betting big on the two-wheeler segment as one of the growth markets of the future. It expects worldwide sales of motorcycles to reach around 150 million units in 2020, more than the equivalent figure for cars. Just as it is for cars, Asia will be the driver of growth in the two-wheeler segment.

The German component major is now entering the global market for two-wheeler powertrains with its own range of complete systems. Bosch has developed an electronically controlled fuel injection system that can be adapted to any vehicle, which allows it to offer solutions ranging from the cheapest single-cylinder two-wheeler in Asia to high-performance bikes in Europe and North America.

“Bosch is known for the quality and efficiency of its automotive powertrain technology, and now we want to bring that same success to the two-wheeler,” says Dr Rolf Bulander, whose responsibilities as a member of the Robert Bosch GmbH board of management include powertrain technology. Until now, the company’s presence in the two-wheeler segment has revolved chiefly around automotive components modified for use in high-performance motorcycles.
Bosch says it plans to apply its unified systems approach to low-cost models in Asia, especially in India and Southeast Asia, where the two-wheeler market is experiencing double-digit annual growth. Also, the popularity of carburetor technology is waning in Asia as elsewhere. Bulander says: “No new car has a carburettor anymore – and soon that will be true of the two-wheeler as well.” In developing markets, Bosch is pinning its hopes on its electronically controlled injection systems, which are considerably more efficient. In technical terms, they are comparable with the port fuel injection systems for cars.

With its innovative developments and modifications, Bosch says it is in a position to offer its electronically controlled solution for single-cylinder engines at about the same price as a standard carburettor version. A compact engine control unit and injection valve with additional functions help keep the cost low. The component major can achieve further cost benefits by drawing on its extensive experience and expertise in combustion processes and engine dynamics, which allow it to develop functions and software in such a way as to eliminate the need for sensors.

Connecting two-wheelers with smartphones
The Bosch electronic fuel injection system also opens up a variety of opportunities for two-wheeler connectivity functions. For instance, riders can call up information about average fuel consumption or journey details on their smartphone. Smartphones can also be used to activate immobilisers by sending a signal to shut off the fuel supply. “In Asia, it is this smartphone connectivity that – perhaps even more than emissions regulations – provides the impetus for our electronic fuel injection systems,” says Bulander. In China, Bosch is focusing on zero-emission mobility with a range of electrically driven eScooters. The market for these electrically driven two-wheelers is expected to show particularly strong growth in China.