Bosch regards the two-wheeler segment as one of the growth markets of the future and expects worldwide sales of motorcycles to reach around 150 million units in 2020, more than the equivalent figure for cars. Asia is a driver of growth.

Bosch is entering the global market for two-wheeler powertrains with its own range of complete systems. The company has developed an electronically controlled fuel injection system that can be adapted to any vehicle—allowing Bosch to offer solutions ranging from the cheapest single-cylinder two-wheeler in Asia to the high-performance bikes prevalent in Europe and North America.

Bosch regards the two-wheeler segment as one of the growth markets of the future and expects worldwide sales of motorcycles to reach around 150 million units in 2020, more than the equivalent figure for cars. Just as it is for cars, Asia is a driver of growth in the two-wheeler segment. Up to now, Bosch’s presence in the two-wheeler segment has revolved chiefly around automotive components modified for use in high-performance motorcycles.

Bosch intends to apply its unified systems approach to low-cost models in Asia. Especially in India and southeast Asia, the two-wheeler market is experiencing double-digit annual growth. Additionally, Bosch notes, the popularity of carburetor technology seems to be waning in Asia as elsewhere.

No new car has a carburetor anymore—and soon that will be true of the two-wheeler as well.

Bosch developed an electronically controlled fuel injection system that can be adapted to any vehicle, allowing Bosch to offer solutions ranging from the cheapest single-cylinder two-wheeler in Asia to the high-performance bikes prevalent in Europe and North America. Click to enlarge.

In developing markets, Bosch is pinning its hopes on its electronically controlled injection systems, which are considerably more efficient. In technical terms, they are comparable with the port fuel injection systems for cars that Bosch produces in the millions.

Bosch is in a position to offer its electronically controlled solution for single-cylinder engines at about the same price as a standard carburetor version. A compact engine control unit and injection valve with additional functions help keep the cost low. Bosch can achieve further cost benefits by drawing on its extensive experience and expertise in combustion processes and engine dynamics, which allow it to develop functions and software in such a way as to eliminate the need for sensors.

Smartphone connection. The Bosch electronic fuel injection system also opens up a variety of opportunities for two-wheeler connectivity functions. For example, riders can call up information about average fuel consumption or journey details on their smartphone. Smartphones can also be used to activate immobilizers by sending a signal to shut off the fuel supply.

In Asia, it is this smartphone connectivity that – perhaps even more than emissions regulations—provides the impetus for our electronic fuel injection systems.

In China, meanwhile, Bosch is focusing on zero-emission mobility with a range of electrically driven eScooters. The market for these electrically driven two-wheelers is expected to show particularly strong growth in China.

Aside from powertrain technology, Bosch has been offering a comprehensive range of motorcycle safety solutions for many years now. One of these is an affordable single-channel ABS system that improves the brake performance of low-cost two-wheelers. At the other end of the scale, there is the exclusive Bosch motorcycle stability control system—a sort of ESP for motorcycles.