BMW builds self-driving bike

In something akin to scene from a gloriously cheesy ‘80s sci-fi action films, BMW Motorrad has release a video showing a self-driving R1200GS motorbike that can ride, negotiate turns and park itself without the need of a rider.

Thanks to intelligent software, the self-driving prototype of the R1200GS is able to start its own engine, speed up in traffic and come to a complete stop on its kickstand, all eerily sans rider.

After two years in development and hundreds of hours in testing, BMW Motorrad has finally unveiled this new technology, but shot down any Robo-cycle rumours by stating that the technology was aimed at making their motorcycles safer in future.

“With this prototype, our aim was not to create a fully automated vehicle, but rather to improve motorcycle safety,” said Stefan Hans of BMW Motorradsicherheit in Munich.

“The development of this technology helps to better understand the riding dynamics of the motorcycle, to classify the rider’s behaviour and determine whether a future situation will become dangerous or not.

“If so, we can inform, warn or intervene directly,” he added.

In the video, the motorcycle can be seen starting remotely, accelerating and negotiating corners on a racetrack before bringing itself to a stop.

BMW claims the bike was not built for consumers but instead to provide support for inattentive drivers and more stability in emergency situations.