Honda Introduces the Self-Balancing Motorcycle

Driving a motorcycle without bothering to balance oneself may seem like a work of fiction for some, but it's now possible with the unveiling of the new Honda CES2017 prototype at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas this January.

And if this doesn't sound unbelievable enough, Honda's prototype not only can balance on its own, but it can also drive without a rider and a remote control, as well.

How does it work?

Balancing a motorcycle is easy if you're moving at high speeds. However, this becomes more difficult once you slow down to a stop. When this happens, gravity tends to take over, and balancing your bike becomes more challenging.

Thanks to its new Riding Assist Technology, this prototype defies gravity by using artificial intelligence that Honda originally created for their UNI-CUB mobility device and the balancing systems found in the Asimo Robot. Both technologies keep the motorcycle upright even at rest.

“This would be for those who want to relax a little bit and not stress out about falling over, if they’re older or a little shorter in stature or the bike is heavier,” Honda’s Lee Edmunds stated. “This takes away that anxiety.”

The Honda Riding Assist Technology also has a neat function for someone too lazy to move their bike around: it follows you anywhere. Just tap the front fender of the bike and it will follow you like a happy puppy.

Which is better: Honda or BMW?

BMW came out with the same intelligent (and more "virtual reality" type) concept earlier than Honda, but we think Honda's prototype is much more 'attainable' compared to BMW's Motorrad Vision Next 100 concept motorcycle. In our opinion, BMW's model is way too cool and expensive for the average person to even utilize on a practical level. On the other hand, Honda's motorcycle is more down-to-earth and approachable to the masses. We can actually see ourselves driving this bike on Metro roads -- even during heavy traffic.

Like many of the advanced gadgets introduced to the public, there's no time period when the Riding Assist feature will be made available in the market. But considering how far technology has been, we're not going to be surprised if they are up for sale within a decade or so. Until, then, we can't wait to see how far Honda's new technology will be further developed and improved in years to come.