Are these Kymco Radar Sensor Patent Images a Glimpse of Future Bikes?

Are these Kymco Radar Sensor Patent Images a Glimpse of Future Bikes?

Over the years, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have become common in modern cars, and they have also made their way into the world of two-wheeled vehicles. Radar-assisted cruise control and blind spot detection systems are now being incorporated into flagship adventure and sport touring motorcycles.

OEMs like Ducati, BMW, and Yamaha are collaborating with established companies such as Bosch and Continental to develop these systems and address placement issues for the components.

The Chinese Patent Office recently published a patent application filed by Kymco, a major Taiwanese OEM known for its scooters but also involved in motorcycle and electric vehicle development.

In the patent, Kymco explores the placement of rear-facing radar units in various potential motorbike designs. Among the drawings are configurations that resemble a café racer design and an adventure bike.

Kymco’s design goals for these configurations include protecting the radar unit from the weather and other obstructions, such as rain, mud, and snow. The unit is positioned between the taillight unit and the license plate unit, set back to offer some shelter from the elements. This design also aims to deter theft by integrating the radar unit into the rear portion of the motorbike.

These patent drawings indicate that Kymco is planning ahead for future motorbike models. Considering their partnership with LiveWire for the production of lightweight electric motorbikes, it is possible that the unseen tail configurations could be part of upcoming LiveWire models.

However, this speculation is purely based on the patent filing and partnership, and there is no concrete evidence to confirm or deny these assumptions. It is common for people to connect dots and create their own narratives, even when there is limited information available.

What are your thoughts and speculations on these images? Share your opinions in the comments section.