[tomcooks]

Why buy a self-driving motorcycle?

I understand self-driving cars, some people really enjoy the idea of doing things in a moving pod (trains and buses are too lower class for them?), but a BMW motorcycle is something you buy because you like the idea of piloting an engine while being exposed to air and the elements, battling physics and -unless you bought a BMW because you want to show off- owning a vehicle that can be very reliable on extremely rough terrain.

[Balero]

Trains and buses do have their flaws.

Both have a defined start and end time, and place that they pick up and drop off. Additionally both don't have the best coverage, especially outside of large cities, and then not all of them either. Also Trains can be more expensive than driving.

Completely agree with you about the reasons to buy a motorbike. I'm not convinced that people would pay for this. I would certainly be concerned if I was on a bike that started to do stuff without me. Riding a motorbike is more interactive than driving a car.

I could see them displaying more info for a rider, maybe some sort of HUD in the helmet. Like, a red light to a side that a vehicle is on as a warning not to overtake. Though I'm not convinced this would be better than just being aware of your surroundings.

[goobynight]

I'll address the lower class question. While I love using trains, buses, my 100+ mpg motorcycle, and other cheap forms of transportation, let's not pretend that trains and buses are a perfect replacement.

If they are even available in your area, they have set pickup points, don't leave when you want them to (could be a 30min wait), could involve transferring, could be overcrowded, don't allow music played through speakers (hopefully), and sometimes go out of service at night.

I only put up with this since, in the end, it is not that bad compared to the cost of owning a vehicle + having to drive and park it, given my current finances and goals. Once I achieve my goals? Private pod 9/10 times!

[toddh]

I wouldn't, but I would buy a motorcycle that could detect a low siding event and take evasive action, like a better ABS.

Oh, another scenario is taking pictures. It would be nice to be able to take pictures while driving.

[Shivetya]

Well the story confirms what was posted elsewhere, that this one done to accelerate testing of safety systems for all motorcycles. plus I can imagine the benefit of testing any changes to a motorcycle including more radical geometry changes.

Now if we go the idea of self driving why does it have to be a traditional motorcycle. How about a two wheel pod complete with stability wheels when stopped? Need a ride, hail a service using these and it can be done very cheaply. the self driving self service revolution need not be confined to four wheeled vehicles

[leowoo91]

Same argument can be made for automatic transmission on a bike. People dont like it but rather than enjoying the ride, there is also joy of commuting easily. So, while this doesnt make sense now, someone will want it.

[icc97]

Near the end of the video they explain. It's not meant to be a fully autonomous motorcycle. It's a passive system so that the motorcycle can take over if it needs to.

[mantas]

It will make price so much bigger. And introduce a lot of unnecessary tech. One of the beauties of motorcycle is that it's simple and relatively cheap.

[icc97]

They won't be able to sell the bikes if the price is that much higher.

The 'unnecessary' tech is designed to lower the very high death rate of motorcyclists.

It will indeed make the bike more complex, but if you don't want the tech you don't need to buy the bike, it will be purely for those who prefer the extra safety (assuming that the safety is indeed improved by these changes).

[vertex-four]

Some modern motorcycles are not simple in the slightest, unfortunately - we’re at the point where you can’t maintain some higher-end bikes entirely yourself. Some people appear to like the technology.

[agumonkey]

Shared space will always be "lesser good" than private space. You don't behave, feel, enjoy things the same way in a shared space.