Asahi Denso x Nagoya University of Arts RIDE ON THE MUSIC
The development concept was ” Riding like playing music !”
The coloring, materials, and finish, all of which have a luxurious feel, give the guitar a level of elegance comparable to that of guitars from long-established manufacturers.
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The meters and switches embedded in the main body are characterized by a construction and design that evokes the image of audio equipment.
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The grip, which is reminiscent of the strings of a guitar, has a smooth curve like a guitar body and is designed for ease of grip. The left grip is equipped with an electromagnetic clutch lever that can be operated with the index and middle fingers.
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The right grip is equipped with a thumb-operated lever throttle and an electromagnetic brake lever operated with the index and middle fingers.
With the theme of “New Interfaces for Motorcycles,” 12 students from the car design course at Nagoya University of Arts collaborated with Asahi Denso, a major electrical equipment manufacturer, to tackle the project from scratch.
In this project, the students each came up with ideas and created mockups for their final presentation. The bike handlebars pictured were the work that won the Motion Award from the judges at Asahi Denso in their final presentation.
Conventional motorcycle throttles require a mechanical action of “pulling a wire,” which means that the throttle must be rotated around the handlebar pipe. However, with the recent shift to electronic throttles, the need for rotational operation has diminished, greatly expanding the freedom of throttle operation methods.
The guitar-inspired motorcycle handlebars in the photo were born from Asahi Denso’s idea of ”creating new interfaces not just within companies and universities, but together with a wider audience.”
The grip has a smooth curve like a guitar body, making it easy to hold. The authentic color, materials, and finish all display a sophistication comparable to that of guitars from established manufacturers.
Image sketch during production.
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Various functions.
“Rotary APS” is a new operating method in which only the inside of the grip rotates.
The photo shows the “Rotary APS (Accelerator Position Sensor),” which separates the throttle operation section from the grip section, with only the inside of the grip rotating. The key point is that by pushing down the throttle operation lever with the thumb of the right hand (when the thumb is released, it returns to its original position with the force of a spring), it helps reduce fatigue in the right wrist and palm during long rides.
The “Rotary APS” is designed to allow the throttle lever’s operating range and operating load to be adjusted as desired, allowing the rider to change the feel to suit their preference.
There is ample space in the outer grip area, allowing for the addition of additional components and functions (such as vibration motors or LEDs, which could provide more information to the rider and help them enjoy a more comfortable ride).
The grips are ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in the rider’s hands.
The rotary APS is currently undergoing testing to see if it meets the current motorcycle safety standards in Japan, which state that throttle control requires rotation. If it does meet the standards, it could be the next generation of motorcycle throttle!
