Bosch upbeat on two-wheeler business

It is barely a year since the Bosch two-wheeler and powersports unit was founded in Japan and sales of motorcycle technology are already up by over 20 per cent.

“In 2020, we want to achieve sales of one billion euros in motorcycle technology,” said Bosch management board member, Dirk Hoheisel in a press release. In the future, the company will generate more than half these sales in Asia with India expected to be the biggest growth engine.

The two-wheeler and powersports unit is the leading supplier of motorcycle safety technology and its side view assist is the world’s first assistance system for bikes. In addition, the unit supplies efficient injection technology as well as smart connectivity solutions and modern display instruments.

Around the world, the unit’s 130 associates (three times as many as a year ago) can draw on a worldwide network of several thousand engineers. Studies indicate that by 2021, the annual global production of two-wheelers should surpass 160 million. Almost 90 per cent of these will be built in China, India and Southeast Asia.

“In emerging markets, motorised two-wheelers are often the least expensive way to get around,” Hoheisel said. At the same time, these vehicles also face the challenge posed by stricter emissions legislation.

In Asia, many two-wheelers with internal-combustion engines are still equipped with outdated carburettor technology. In contrast, Bosch offers its electronically controlled fuel-injection system, which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 16 percent depending on the situation.

Demand for increased motorcycle safety is also growing in emerging markets. According to the press release, antilock braking systems can prevent one-quarter of all motorcycle accidents that result in casualties. ABS stops the wheels from locking up which means the rider remains in control of the motorcycle while braking and can react quickly in a tricky situation.

Throughout the EU, all newly sold motorised two-wheelers with more than 125cc displacement must be fitted with ABS as of 2017. Starting in October 2018, Japan will be mandating ABS for new type approvals for motorcycles with more than 125cc. Brazil and Taiwan have already passed laws mandating ABS with India and the US also due to follow suit.

Since 1995, Bosch has manufactured more than two million motorcycle ABS units. This year it is releasing ABS 10, a variant designed specifically to meet the requirements of emerging markets. Weighing just 450 grams, this system is easier for manufacturers to integrate into bikes for price-sensitive customers.

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