Motorcycles

Smart Turn System senses correct time to cancel motorcycle turn signals

View 4 Images
The Smart Turn System can determine when is the correct time to cancel the motorcycle's indicators
The Smart Turn System constantly monitors the motorcycle's trajectory, inclination, acceleration and vibrations via motion sensor technology
ABCS Sistem
The Smart Turn System can be placed anywhere on the motorcycle
ABCS Sistem
The Smart Turn System can determine when is the correct time to cancel the motorcycle's indicators
The Smart Turn System is applicable to most motorcycles and is claimed to be easy to install
ABCS Sistem
View gallery - 4 images

By transmitting misleading information to other road users, forgetting to cancel a turn indicator can be potentially dangerous. The Smart Turn System is a self-canceling device for motorcycles, designed to accurately determine when a maneuver has been completed before switching off the indicators.

Self-cancelling turn signal systems are standard in almost every modern car, but they are not so common in motorcycles. Most available systems on the market, including the OEM systems on offer by Harley-Davidson, BMW and Triumph, operate with a simple timer relay, while some after-market solutions add an adjustable timer.

The Smart Turn System (STS) differs with an innovative setup that monitors the motorcycle's motion and determines the correct time to cancel the indicators. It has been designed by ABCS Sistem, a Slovenian start-up founded in 2014 in the country's capital, Ljubljana, by Miha Kovač and Rok Upelj, with the goal of bringing motorcycle automation to the next level.

"I was riding around with turn signals left on after a completion of a maneuver and a very attentive car driver cut me off from the side road," says Miha Kovač. "His assumption of me intending to make a right turn at the crossroad was soundly based on what he was able to see: a blinking turn signal. There is always a risk of something going wrong on the road. One false indication and it is all over. Nothing is more valuable than life itself – this is why we have to reduce this risk as much as possible."

The Smart Turn System constantly monitors the motorcycle's trajectory, inclination, acceleration and vibrations via motion sensor technology
ABCS Sistem

The STS uses motion sensor technology to collect hundreds of data elements that quantify the bike's trajectory, inclination, acceleration and vibrations. These are compiled in order to determine whether the rider has completed a turn, changed a lane or exited a roundabout burn automatically canceling the turn signal.

After an extensive period of in-house testing on various motorcycles by several riders, the next step is to offer it for beta testing sometime in March or April – interested parties can apply at the STS website. At the same time the company will start collecting pre-orders at a discounted price and, should everything go as planned, shipping will start by July.

The device is applicable to most motorcycles and is claimed to be easy to install. It will be offered with all the model-specific connection cables, including a power line to the motorcycle's battery. Planning includes two different versions of the STS: a plug 'n' play for those motorcycles that have a central turn signal connector and a slightly more complicated one that will require connecting separately to the left and right indicator cables.

The Smart Turn System is applicable to most motorcycles and is claimed to be easy to install
ABCS Sistem

The STS is waterproof and can be placed anywhere on the motorcycle, provided that this location will be permanent as the module will have to be calibrated before it is fully functional as intended.

The planned price of the STS is €149 (aaprox. US$160), although there may be some small variations from one motorcycle model to another.

Gizmag has arranged for a hands-on review of the STS when the final version will be available. Until then, you can see it in action below in the first promotional video that has just been released.

Source: ABCS Sistem

View gallery - 4 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
7 comments
gizmowiz
Why not just use GPS?
WilliamLambWiegmann
Apparently the author of this article doesn't realize that most bikes have had self cancelling turn signals for years...My 1981 Yamaha had them among many others...only some of the lower priced bikes don't have them.
possum1
My 1979 Yamaha XS1100 had that feature, I think there was a mercury bubble floating around in a micro-switch that reacted to the lean angles. Lean to corner, straighten up and become vertical, indicators off.
Billy Sharpstick
A high tech solution to a low tech problem. I installed an annoying radio shack buzzer in parallel with my turn signals on my Yamaha in 1973. It was so annoying, I never forget to turn off my turn signal. All vehicles should have the annoying buzzer on turn signals.
ChgoSTrider
The GoldWing 1800 has it. Dual mode. Works off of handlebars when they are returned to straight ahead and the odometer after 100meters.
You don't need it if you pay attention to what you are doing. If you can't pay enough attention to turn off your turn signals, you have no business on a motorcycle.
pmshah
@ChgoSTrider
How can you pay attention to such minor detail if you are texting at the same time ?!?!?!?
KevinCarroll
I am not convinced I have not been scammed! Still waiting for delivery of mine!!!