Adaptive Headlight technology – lighting the way

Adaptive
Headlight
technology
–
lighting
the
way
Ask
any
owner
of
a
BMW
touring
motorcycle
why
they
chose
their
particular
machine
and
the
responses
will
vary
significantly,
from
engine
configuration
to
wind
and
weather
protection,
ergonomics,
comfort
and
special
equipment.
Owners
are
dedicated
and
knowledgeable,
and
ride
their
machines
serious
distances,
usually
with
a
pillion
and
often
as
part
of
their
annual
holidays.
The
introduction
of
a
new
model
series
such
as
the
K
1600
GT
and
K
1600
GTL
into
such
an
established
market
is
always
exciting,
especially
one
that
promises
so
many
new
innovations
in
the
class.
In
a
series
of
articles,
we
profile
some
of
the
innovative
technical
features
–
starting
with
adaptive
headlight
technology
–
that
will
help
keep
the
K
1600
Series
machines
ahead
of
their
rivals.
Riding
in
the
hours
of
darkness
has
its
advantages,
such
as
lower
traffic
levels
and
cooler
temperatures
(in
warmer
climates)
but
many
riders
choose
not
to
do
it
because
they
just
don’t
feel
safe
enough.
This
has
a
lot
to
do
with
the
simple
fact
that
basic
motorcycle
headlights
are
not
good
enough
to
illuminate
the
road
ahead
to
match
the
speed
the
rider
wants
to
travel
at.
Furthermore,
a
lack
of
adjustment
often
means
that
the
headlight
cannot
compensate
for
changes
to
riding
and
load
conditions,
and
ends
up
shining
straight
towards
oncoming
traffic
rather
than
assisting
the
rider’s
vision.
Another
key
drawback
for
many
motorcyclists
is
that,
quite
simply,
they
cannot
see
far
enough
into
corners,
as
conventional
fixed
headlights
cast
their
beam
straight
ahead
only.
As
well
as
blinding
other
road
users
in
bends,
this
also
leaves
the
rider’s
area
of
the
road
in
darkness,
which
can
compromise
safety.
Imagine
if
you
could
use
new
adaptive
headlight
technology
to
‘see’
around
corners
and
ensure
that
you
have
the
best
possible
view
of
the
road
ahead?
The
concept
is
simple:
as
you
enter
a
bend,
the
headlight
beam
turns
to
follow
the
direction
of
the
road,
so
you
always
know
what’s
in
front.
The
BMW
K
1600
GT
and
K
1600
GTL
are
the
first
motorcycle
models
in
the
world
to
offer
an
adaptive
xenon
headlight
for
even
greater
safety
at
night,
and
here’s
how
it
works…
BMW’s
car
division
has
been
using
adaptive
headlight
technology
in
various
models
for
some
time,
with
a
dynamic
headlamp
control
system
using
sensors
to
measure
speed,
steering
angle
and
yaw
(degree
of
rotation
around
the
vertical
axis),
with
small
electric
motors
turning
the
cars
headlights
and
guiding
the
driver
into
bends.
However,
motorcycles
are
not
‘steered’
in
the
same
way,
as
riders
lean
their
machines
when
cornering,
so
a
new
system
has
been
developed
as
a
supplement
to
the
standard
xenon
headlamp,
not
only
increasing
safety,
but
solving
one
of
the
age‐old
problems
of
riding
at
night.
The
K
1600
models
already
feature
ride
height
sensors
in
the
front
and
rear
axles
that
provide
data
for
permanent
headlamp
levelling,
regardless
of
riding
and
load
conditions,
but
the
optional
adaptive
headlight
actually
tilts
the
headlight
according
to
your
lean
angle,
allowing
you
to
see
around
a
corner
as
you
turn,
instead
of
having
to
ride
into
darkness.
It’s
a
simple
idea
with
a
clever
solution
that
features
a
servomotor
which
turns
the
standard
static
reflector
mirror
into
a
swivel
mirror.
When
the
lean
angle
of
the
motorcycle
changes,
the
mirror
turns
on
an
axis
to
compensate
for
this,
and
the
low
beam
light
is
balanced
in
relation
to
the
actual
angle
of
lean.
These
two
movements
are
superimposed,
resulting
in
significantly
improved
illumination
being
directed
into
the
bend
and
a
subsequent
increase
in
active
riding
safety.
The
calculation
of
the
motorcycle’s
lean
angle
is
made
by
means
of
a
sensor
box,
as
used
in
the
S
1000
RR,
which
also
distributes
information
used
by
the
Dynamic
Traction
Control
and
ABS,
via
the
Can
bus
system.
The
result
is
a
significant
safety
benefit
–
especially
when
taking
bends
at
night
or
whenever
visibility
is
poor,
quite
simply
because
the
road
ahead
is
better
illuminated
and
obstacles
become
visible
sooner.
With
the
high‐beam
circular
headlamps
positioned
to
the
right
and
left
of
the
standard
xenon
lights
with
fibre
optic
rings,
there’s
no
doubt
that
the
striking
‘face’
of
the
K1600
GT
and
GTL
will
be
immediately
recognisable
as
it
briefly
fills
the
rear
view
mirrors
of
motorists,
before
disappearing
off
into
the
distance
and
lighting
the
way
for
others
to
follow.
To
see
some
video
footage
of
how
the
BMW
Adaptive
Headlight
technology
works,
please
visit:
http://www.bmw‐motorrad.com/com/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmw‐
motorrad.com/com/en/bikes/tour/k1600/k1600.html&notrack=1