Honda Rider Trainer

Honda is always coming up with new technology, especially for safety. Just a little while ago they introduced the first motorcycle airbag system and now we have this rider training system. It comes bundled with 2 beginner courses and 14 more advanced hazard courses plus you get to choose day, night or fog. Of course some smart hacker has to get this thing to play something a bit more exciting not to mention they need to work out some multi player capabilities. Of course if safety regulations get too stringent, this may be the future of motorcycling.

From the Honda press release:

Honda Europe Motorcycle announced, the upcoming release of the Riding Trainer, an easy-to-use, popular version of the Riding Simulator already in use for traffic training at rider training centers, mainly in Japan. Sales of the Riding Trainer will begin in late 2005 primarily targeting Honda motorcycle dealerships in Europe. Annual sales in the European region are projected to reach 1,000 units.

Designed on the basis of expertise gained in the development of the Riding Simulator, the Riding Trainer is intended to enhance rider safety training programs at Honda motorcycle dealerships and at other training centers and locations. The simple design includes motorcycle handlebar and pedal operation components, a seat, and a video monitor, along with a lightweight frame. The total weight is just 29kg1, and the device is compact: overall length is 1,575mm; overall width 568mm; and overall height 923mm. Small spaces can accommodate the installation of the Riding Trainer, designed to help trainees learn to control and to develop the ability to foresee and avoid hazardous situations. By connecting the device to a PC2 and installing the bundled software, the training facility can offer the beginner valuable training and the opportunity to virtually experience dangerous situations. Hazardous situations riders are likely to face when sharing busy roads with other motorcycles, cars and pedestrian can be examined from various perspectives using automatic replay , and after each session the trainee is offered printable on-screen assessment, and guidance for safer riding based on the individual’s actual performance (Riding Evaluation).

The Riding Trainer will also be introduced in Australia at around the same time, and Honda also plans to release the new product in Asia and elsewhere.

As part of Honda’s effort to promote safety, the release of the Riding Trainer reinforces the company’s traffic safety education programs at dealership and in other locations worldwide.
1 Deluxe type (PC or monitor not included)
2 Windows-compatible PC with a specified minimal screen resolution

Bundled Software:

• Training for Beginners: 2 courses
1.Clutch Operation practice mode
2.City Riding practice mode

• Hazard Prediction: 14 courses
1.City Riding practice mode: 10 courses
2.Touring practice mode: 4 courses
• The Riding Evaluation is available for City Riding mode only.
• All courses can simulate either manual or automatic transmission.
• Background visuals can be switched (day/night/fog).
• On-screen visuals and audio guidance are available in 8 European languages.