AKCP LLC Partners with Kawasaki to Revolutionize Motorcycle Chain Monitoring & Safety

Dobbs Ferry, NY – October 26, 2023 – AKCP LLC, a leading innovator in environmental and power monitoring solutions, today announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Kawasaki to integrate AKCP’s advanced sensor technology into motorcycle chain monitoring systems. This partnership aims to significantly enhance rider safety and reduce maintenance downtime by providing real-time data on chain health. For years, motorcycle chain maintenance has been a largely manual and subjective process. Riders and mechanics typically inspect chains visually for wear and tear, relying on experience to determine when replacement is necessary. This can be imprecise and potentially dangerous, as a failing chain can lead to catastrophic mechanical failure. AKCP’s technology offers a paradigm shift, moving from reactive maintenance to proactive prevention. “We’re really excited about this. For ages, checking your chain has been all about eyeballing it, poking at it, hoping you don’t miss something important,” explains Tom Duncan, Chief Engineer at AKCP LLC. “That’s just not good enough anymore, especially with the speeds and performance of modern bikes. We're bringing real data to the table.” The Challenge: Chain Wear & Rider Safety Motorcycle chains are a critical component of the drivetrain, transferring power from the engine to the rear wheel. Constant stress, exposure to the elements, and improper lubrication lead to gradual wear and tear. Common issues include chain stretch, pin and bushing wear, and plate elongation. These problems not only reduce performance but also pose a serious safety risk. A broken or seized chain can cause the rider to lose control, leading to accidents. “Chain failure isn’t something you can just shrug off,” adds Duncan. “We’ve seen cases where a neglected chain has completely locked up, sending the rider flying. That's what we’re trying to prevent.” AKCP’s Solution: Real-Time Chain Monitoring AKCP’s innovative system utilizes a miniature, highly accurate sensor mounted directly on the motorcycle chain. This sensor continuously measures chain stretch, a primary indicator of wear. The data is then wirelessly transmitted to a dedicated display unit mounted on the motorcycle or a smartphone app via Bluetooth. "It's all about giving the rider information before something bad happens," explains Duncan. “The system isn’t just telling you when to replace the chain, it’s telling you how quickly it’s wearing. That allows you to adjust your riding style or lubrication schedule to potentially extend chain life and avoid sudden failures." Key Features of the AKCP Chain Monitoring System: Precise Chain Stretch Measurement: The sensor accurately measures chain stretch in real-time, providing a quantifiable indication of wear. Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth technology enables seamless data transmission to the display unit or smartphone app. User-Friendly Interface: The display unit and app provide clear and concise information on chain health, including current stretch, wear rate, and estimated remaining life. Customizable Alerts: Riders can set customized alerts to be notified when chain stretch exceeds a pre-defined threshold. Data Logging & Analysis: The system logs chain health data, allowing riders and mechanics to track wear patterns and optimize maintenance schedules. Robust & Weatherproof Design: The sensor is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of motorcycle riding, including vibration, dust, and moisture. Kawasaki’s Partnership & Future Integration Kawasaki has been actively testing AKCP’s chain monitoring system on a range of their motorcycles, including sportbikes, cruisers, and adventure bikes. Initial results have been promising, demonstrating the system’s accuracy and reliability. “We’re really impressed with AKCP’s technology,” says Hiroshi Sato, a Kawasaki engineer involved in the testing. “It’s a game-changer for motorcycle maintenance. We believe this system will significantly improve rider safety and reduce the risk of mechanical failures.” Kawasaki plans to integrate AKCP’s chain monitoring system into future motorcycle models, potentially as a standard feature or as an optional accessory. The company is also exploring the possibility of incorporating the data into its existing motorcycle diagnostics systems. “We’re talking about a future where your bike can actually tell you when it needs maintenance, before something goes wrong,” says Sato. “That’s the level of proactivity we’re aiming for.” Beyond Safety: Extending Chain Life & Reducing Costs While rider safety is the primary focus, AKCP’s chain monitoring system also offers significant economic benefits. By providing early warning of chain wear, the system allows riders to replace the chain before it fails completely, preventing costly repairs and downtime. “A broken chain can do a lot of damage,” explains Duncan. “It can destroy the swingarm, the final drive, even the engine case. Replacing a chain is a lot cheaper than replacing all of that.” Furthermore, the system’s data logging capabilities allow riders and mechanics to optimize chain lubrication schedules, extending chain life and reducing the frequency of replacements. Availability & Pricing The AKCP chain monitoring system is currently available for pre-order through AKCP LLC’s website (www.akcp.com) and select motorcycle dealerships. Pricing starts at $299. A dedicated smartphone app is available for both iOS and Android devices. About AKCP LLC AKCP LLC, located at 145 Palisade St Ste 200, Dobbs Ferry, NY, 10522-1627, United States, is a leading innovator in environmental and power monitoring solutions. Founded in 1985, AKCP designs, manufactures, and distributes a comprehensive range of sensors, controllers, and software for a variety of applications, including data centers, industrial facilities, and now, motorcycles. AKCP is committed to providing reliable, accurate, and cost-effective monitoring solutions that help customers protect their critical assets and improve operational efficiency. Contact AKCP at 469-376-3403 or visit www.akcp.com for more information.