What Is Ride By Wire Technology In Bikes? How Does It Work?
Ride By Wire
The term ride by wire is similar to 'drive by wire' which is used in case of four-wheelers. 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 fuel-air supply going to the engine. Yamaha established the use of ride by wire technology in 2006 on YZF-R6.
Why ride by wire?
Earlier, companies used this technology only on large capacity motorcycle engines that are designed for race road use. However, now it finds application even in small capacity engines. This technology adds value in riding quality and efficiency in the age of stringent emission standards.
As emission standards are getting stricter, it is becoming challenging for motorcycle companies to employ higher capacity engines while maintaining emission limit. This is mainly because emissions from an engine generally increase with capacity and power. To pass rigorous emission norms without jeopardizing the performance, ride by wire technology plays a vital role.
How does this technology work? In earlier bikes having a carburetor, 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. It's not the same with ride by wire system as there is no cable connection between accelerator and throttle. In this system, when the rider twists the accelerator, actuators in the electronic throttle body sense this movement and change the throttle opening accordingly. The evolution of throttle alters air supply to the engine.
