Honda unveiled Honda SENSING RIDE at EICMA 2026 in Milan on November 3, 2026. The new motorcycle safety and rider-assistance system will make its first appearance on the 27YM Honda CRF1150L Africa Twin Adventure Sports, also introduced at the show. Honda says it plans to extend the system to a growing number of models.

The system builds on technology and expertise developed through Honda SENSING for the company’s automobiles, while adding functions tailored to motorcycles. A millimeter-wave radar unit is mounted at each end of the bike to monitor its surroundings. Honda SENSING RIDE then combines that environmental reading with an assessment of the rider and motorcycle, delivering notifications, warnings and assistance with selected operations. Collision-avoidance functions are part of the package as well.

Why DCT is central to the system

Honda places particular emphasis on the system’s pairing with its Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). The gearbox uses two clutches, automates clutch and shift operation, and changes gear smoothly without interrupting power delivery. Honda links the combination with lower rider stress and fatigue. The company’s internal research dates the first motorcycle application of DCT to June 2010.

Adaptive Cruise Control supports a preset speed and following distance from vehicles ahead. Its ACC with Stop & Go extension is intended for congested, stop-start traffic, reducing the rider’s need to keep accelerating and decelerating. Used with the DCT’s shifting operation, it supports an automatic stop followed by a smooth restart. Distance Assist adjusts the following distance when the motorcycle approaches the vehicle ahead under positive throttle input from the rider.

Assistance around the motorcycle

Group Ride Assist is designed for riding in a group. It helps riders preserve an appropriate distance and consistent positioning, including in a staggered formation in which motorcycles alternate from one side of the lane to the other. Blind Spot Information monitors the diagonal area behind the motorcycle and alerts the rider when another vehicle enters the blind spot by illuminating or flashing the indicator on the mirror.

Emergency Brake Assist provides braking support when the rider is braking and a collision with a vehicle ahead is at risk. Forward Collision Warning places an alert on the meter when a potential frontal collision is identified, while Brake Pulse works with that warning to increase the rider’s awareness. Behind the motorcycle, Rear Collision Warning flashes the indicators to warn following traffic of a possible collision. Rear Distance Information displays an alert on the meter when a vehicle approaches from behind.

Honda presents the system as part of its longer-term road-safety programme. Its target is to cut worldwide traffic-collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles by 50% by 2030, measured per 10,000 units sold against the 2020 level. Honda is also pursuing zero traffic-collision fatalities by 2050. The company stresses that each function has limits in recognition and control, and that road conditions, weather, vehicle condition and other factors can affect operation. The assistance therefore remains a support system, not a substitute for the rider’s constant attention.