What Is Ride By Wire Technology In Bikes? How It Works?

ride by wire

What Is Ride By Wire?

The term ‘ride by wire’ is analogous to ‘drive-by-wire,’ which the four-wheelers use. In simple terms, it refers to the absence of mechanical linkage between accelerator and throttle. Instead, various sensors and actuators (connected by wires) control the air-fuel supply going to the engine. Yamaha pioneered ride by wire technology in 2006 on the YZF-R6.

Why Ride By Wire?

Earlier, manufacturers used this technology only on large-capacity motorcycle engines designed for race track use. However, now it finds application even in smaller capacity engines. Moreover, this technology adds value to riding quality. Besides, it improves efficiency in the age of stringent emission standards.

The emission standards are getting stricter. Hence, it is becoming challenging for motorcycle manufacturers to employ higher-capacity engines while maintaining emission limits. It is because emissions from an engine generally increase with capacity and power. To pass stringent emission norms without compromising on performance, ride by wire technology plays a key role.

How Does It Work?

electronic throttle body for two wheelers
Electronic Throttle Body (Courtesy: Bosch)

In earlier bikes having a carburetor, the accelerator had a direct cable connection with the butterfly valve in the carburetor body. Thus, in such engines, a twist of the accelerator would directly control the supply of fuel-air mixture to the engine. However, this is not the case with ride by wire system.

There is no cable connection between the accelerator and throttle. In this system, the rider twists the accelerator. The actuators in the electronic throttle body sense this movement and change the throttle opening accordingly. As a result, the throttle’s movement alters the engine’s air supply.

throttle position sensor
Throttle position sensor (Courtesy: Bosch)

Afterward, the throttle position sensor recognizes this change and sends a signal to ECM. Based on this signal, ECM calculates the exact amount of fuel required. Then it orders the fuel injection system to supply it. Hence, the engine receives the correct air-fuel mixture in every situation.

Advantages Of Ride By Wire Technology:

This technology offers several advantages. Firstly, it ensures precise control of the air-fuel mixture going in the engine. Thus, it enhances engine efficiency. It ultimately results in emission reduction. In addition, ride by wire technology allows the setting up of various riding modes such as cruise mode or sport mode. It is due to the predictable throttle response.

Alongwith other systems such as ABS and traction control, ride by wire enhances the capability to control the motorcycle in various riding modes and terrains.

KTM, Triumph, Honda, and Kawasaki use ride by wire technology in their motorcycles.

Read More: What Is Drive-By-Wire Technology?>>

Home » Technical Anatomy » What Is Ride By Wire Technology In Bikes? How It Works?
Sushant Bal Avatar
Sushant is an entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and an auto-enthusiastic blogger. He regularly publishes specific articles on the latest happenings in automotive technology. When not writing a blog, he engages in his other ventures or goes on long-distance motorcycle rides. Follow me on Twitter.