Ride-By-Wire technology was introduced in 2006 by Yamaha in their YZF-R6 bike. By taking a computer and placing it between a motorcycle's throttle and accelerator, a lot of inner workings in the motorcycle were smoothed out and made more effective, practical, and efficient. In doing so, the systems became more emissions compliant and able to perform multiple tasks that were previously considered contradictory. This new system relies on sensors and wires feeding information to the aforementioned computer, and it builds on the systems that preceded it.

Read on to find out more about the history, quirks, workings, and benefits of ride-by-wire technology.

Related: Sam Bird Leads Wire-to-Wire To Win New York City E-Prix 2

The Powerful Predecessors To The Technology

This technology is a bit more novel and innovative, but it takes root in several forms of technology that preceded it. Before ride-by-wire technology became more widespread, early carburetors instead relied upon a butterfly valve for airflow control via passive fuel delivery.

When the grip was twisted, a larger volume of air was admitted into the engine that allowed more fuel to be drawn into the cylinder, being ultimately fed into the engine when low pressure in the throat of the carburetor caused fuel to be drawn from the bowl. While this design had evolved from its earlier form that was just described, the design was still a butterfly valve. It was merely adapted to fit more powerful, more dynamic engines.

After the butterfly valve came the slide-throttle design, where twisting the group pulled a cable that, when attached to other parts, became somewhat of a throttle. After that came a constant-velocity carburetor that allowed the rider to control the butterfly while managing air regulation via an intake vacuum on the side valve. This design gained popularity thanks to its ability to efficiently regulate emissions, which had been quite difficult to precisely regulate and accurately modify up to that point.

It All Began With Yamaha

Yamaha was the first company to officially implement Ride-By-Wire technology in its bikes. Come 2006, Yamaha decided to debut this new technology in their 2006 YZF-R6 bike. This new technology shined, as it was able to give gaping intakes for power without sacrificing predictable power delivery from fuel injection and smaller carburetors.

Basically, a computer was placed in between the rider's right wrist and the throttle plates for regulation purposes, so when the rider twists the throttle, the computer calculates engine speed, vehicle speed, gear selection, and other factors, and uses that information to decide how much the throttle should be opened.

As a result, power is delivered much more smoothly than it had been before, and the computer acts as an intermediary between the grip and throttle plates, depriving them of their formerly-direct relationship. The mechanical connection between accelerator and throttle is now severed and replaced by sensors and wires that link to the computer. Fuel power also never reaches the rear wheel in the lower gears, as the lower gear power is now automatically tailored thanks to the computer.

Various fuel and ignition maps were previously responsible for this task; ride-by-wire technology has now made them redundant. The computer now allows the amount of fuel it chooses to enter the motorcycle's engine. The sensors allow this mix into the engine after they detect the position of the accelerator, with its actuators modifying the position of the throttle accordingly.

Oddly enough, the introduction of this new technology has altered some naming conventions for adjacent parts. Throttle is now Electronic Throttle Control, brakes are now Brake-By-Wire, and steering is now Steer-By-Wire, all a nod to ride-by-wire technology.

Related: 10 Production Cars You Didn't Know Used Formula One Technology

Multiple Aspects Proven Beneficial

Ride-By-Wire technology has several features that have shown themselves to be practical, effective, and efficient. This technology has allowed peak performance to advance because all the parts are now regulated in tandem without sacrificing the bike's rideability. The response can be further modified to create different modes of riding, specially crafted for specific purposes.

The computer inserted between accelerator and throttle also allows cruise control and traction control to be more directly accessed and modified. In regards to emissions control, ride-by-wire took the aforementioned constant-velocity carburetor and took it to its logical conclusion by being able to prevent excess emissions without compromising throttle response or power.

Ride-By-Wire technology can also be programmed to certain levels of HP to comply with a country's specific regulations, as opposed to having to craft multiple engines that would each be regulated to specific power output levels. The catch? A ride-by-wire system is incredibly difficult to construct, and should something break, the repair will be detailed, time-consuming, and expensive.

There Are Safeguards Installed

Should the technology start to become problematic, there are several safeguards to keep it from crossing a line. An important part of ride-by-wire technology is the dual sensors stationed at the throttle tube or wherever the rider’s commands can be received. A discrepancy between rider and computer signals will be noted, and if the parts aren't complying as commanded, a “limp home” mode will be enabled as a fail-safe.

Further, Yahama can force throttles closed via extra mechanical linkage should any electronic aspect stop working. In this situation, the bike will have a fixed amount of reduced power to allow the rider to return home safely.

Sources: motorcyclistonline.com, drivespark.com, drivetribe.com, bikedekho.com,