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

Dobbs Ferry, NY – October 26, 2023 – AKCP LLC, a leading innovator in intelligent systems and sensor solutions, today announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Kawasaki, focusing on significantly enhancing the performance and reliability of motorcycle chains. This partnership brings together AKCP’s expertise in real-time monitoring and Kawasaki’s renowned engineering in motorcycle manufacturing, resulting in a smarter, safer riding experience. For years, motorcycle chain maintenance has been a bit of a guessing game. Riders and mechanics rely on visual inspection and periodic adjustments, often discovering wear and tear after it's become a problem. This can lead to unexpected breakdowns, reduced performance, and even dangerous situations. AKCP and Kawasaki are changing that. “We’ve been looking at ways to bring proactive maintenance to the motorcycle world,” says Tom Chesbro, CEO of AKCP LLC. “Motorcycle chains are a critical safety component, and knowing exactly when maintenance is needed, rather than just guessing, is a huge deal. We're really excited to be working with Kawasaki on this.” The Problem with Traditional Chains Let’s face it – chains stretch, they wear out, and they need constant attention. Factors like riding style (aggressive or casual), road conditions (dirt, grime, salt), and even the weather play a role. Traditional maintenance involves regular cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment. But even with diligent care, internal wear can happen unseen. “Riders are often checking for visible slack, but that's just one piece of the puzzle,” explains David Miller, AKCP’s Lead Engineer on the project. “What’s happening inside the chain links – the friction, the stretching of pins and bushings – that’s where the real wear happens. And that’s what we’re focusing on.” AKCP's Smart Chain Solution: Bringing Data to the Ride AKCP has developed a miniature, robust sensor system that integrates directly into the Kawasaki motorcycle chain. This sensor doesn't just tell you the chain is loose; it provides a wealth of data in real-time, including: Chain Stretch: Precise measurement of chain elongation, alerting riders to gradual wear before it becomes critical. Pin & Bushing Wear: Monitors the friction and movement within the chain links, indicating internal wear and tear. This is a game-changer for predicting potential failures. Lubrication Levels: Determines the effectiveness of lubrication, letting riders know when it's time to reapply. No more guessing if that lube job really stuck! Load Stress: Measures the force the chain is experiencing during riding, indicating potential issues from aggressive riding or heavy loads. Temperature Monitoring: Tracks chain temperature, which can be an indicator of excessive friction or lubrication problems. How it Works: Seamless Integration & User-Friendly Data The AKCP sensor is designed to be discreet and minimally intrusive. It’s integrated into a custom-designed chain link, replacing one standard link without significantly altering the chain’s weight or balance. The sensor transmits data wirelessly via Bluetooth to a dedicated smartphone app (iOS and Android). The app presents the data in an easy-to-understand format, with: Real-time monitoring: See chain status updates as you ride. Historical data: Track chain performance over time. Predictive maintenance alerts: Receive notifications when maintenance is needed, before a problem occurs. The app will even suggest specific maintenance tasks (e.g., "Lubricate chain," "Adjust chain slack," "Replace chain"). Customizable alerts: Set your own thresholds for alerts, based on your riding style and preferences. Ride data logging: Track chain performance on each ride, allowing you to analyze how your riding affects chain wear. Kawasaki's Role & Future Developments Kawasaki is actively incorporating the AKCP smart chain technology into select motorcycle models. Initially, the technology will be available as an aftermarket upgrade kit for popular Kawasaki models, including the Ninja, Z series, and Versys. Plans are underway to integrate the technology directly into future Kawasaki motorcycle production. “We’re committed to providing our riders with the best possible experience,” says Hiroshi Tanaka, Kawasaki’s Head of Engineering. “The AKCP smart chain technology is a natural fit for our commitment to innovation and rider safety. We believe this technology will significantly enhance the reliability and performance of our motorcycles.” Benefits for Riders The AKCP/Kawasaki smart chain solution offers numerous benefits for riders: Increased Safety: Proactive maintenance reduces the risk of chain failure, which can lead to accidents. Reduced Downtime: Predictive maintenance allows riders to schedule maintenance at their convenience, minimizing unexpected breakdowns. Extended Chain Life: Optimized lubrication and timely adjustments can significantly extend the life of the chain. Improved Performance: A properly maintained chain ensures smooth power transfer and optimal motorcycle performance. Peace of Mind: Knowing your chain is being monitored in real-time provides peace of mind and allows you to focus on enjoying the ride. Availability & Pricing The AKCP smart chain kit will be available for purchase online and through select Kawasaki dealerships starting in November 2023. The initial kit will retail for $299, including the sensor, smartphone app access, and installation instructions. AKCP and Kawasaki are also exploring subscription options for advanced data analysis and remote monitoring services. About AKCP LLC AKCP LLC is a leading innovator in intelligent systems and sensor solutions. We specialize in developing and manufacturing real-time monitoring systems for a variety of applications, including data centers, industrial automation, and now, motorcycle performance. Our mission is to empower our customers with the data they need to make informed decisions and improve their operations. Located at 145 PALISADE ST STE 200, DOBBS FERRY, NY, 10522-1627, UNITED STATES, and reachable at 469-376-3403. About Kawasaki Kawasaki is a world-leading manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, jet skis, and other recreational vehicles. We are committed to providing our customers with innovative, high-quality products that deliver an exceptional riding experience.