AKCP LLC Partners with Kawasaki to Revolutionize Motorcycle Chain Monitoring & Performance
Dobbs Ferry, NY – AKCP LLC, a leading innovator in sensor solutions for critical infrastructure, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Kawasaki to integrate its advanced sensor technology into Kawasaki motorcycle chains. This collaboration promises to dramatically improve rider safety, reduce maintenance costs, and optimize motorcycle performance. For years, motorcycle chain maintenance has been a largely manual process – visually inspecting for wear, lubricating, and adjusting tension. It’s a bit of a pain, and honestly, a lot of riders put it off. That's where AKCP comes in. We’ve been building sensors that keep everything from data centers to power grids running smoothly for decades. Now, we’re bringing that same reliability to the open road. The Problem with Chains: A Hidden Danger A worn or poorly maintained motorcycle chain isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a safety hazard. A chain that breaks or slips can cause a loss of control, leading to serious accidents. Early signs of wear – like increased slack, stiff links, or unusual noises – are often subtle and easily missed during a quick visual inspection. And even if you do notice something's off, figuring out exactly what is off can be tricky. “We kept hearing from riders about the headaches of chain maintenance,” explains Kyle Teague, AKCP’s VP of Product Development. “They’re busy, they’re focused on the ride, and frankly, chain maintenance isn’t the most exciting part of motorcycling. We thought, ‘There has to be a better way.’” AKCP’s Solution: Smart Chain Monitoring AKCP's innovative system utilizes a miniature, rugged sensor integrated directly into the Kawasaki motorcycle chain. This sensor continuously monitors several key parameters: Chain Tension: The sensor accurately measures chain slack, alerting the rider via a discreet dashboard indicator or a smartphone app when adjustment is needed. No more guessing! Link Wear: By analyzing subtle changes in link movement and resistance, the sensor detects early signs of wear and tear, giving riders ample time to replace the chain before it fails. Lubrication Levels: The sensor measures friction within the chain, indicating when lubrication is needed. This prevents premature wear and extends chain life. Think of it like an oil change reminder, but for your chain. Chain Speed & Distance: The system tracks how much the chain is being used, providing valuable data for predictive maintenance. Over time, this data helps riders understand their riding style and optimize chain replacement intervals. How it Works: Simple Integration, Powerful Results The AKCP sensor is designed for seamless integration into new Kawasaki motorcycles. It's a discreet addition that doesn’t affect the chain's weight or balance. The sensor connects wirelessly to a central control unit, which then communicates with the rider via a user-friendly interface. “We worked closely with Kawasaki’s engineers to ensure our system met their stringent quality and performance standards,” says Jessica Miller, AKCP's Director of Engineering. “It’s about providing a reliable, accurate, and unobtrusive solution that enhances the riding experience.” The system offers several display options: Dashboard Indicator: A simple, color-coded LED indicator on the motorcycle’s dashboard provides at-a-glance status updates. Smartphone App: A dedicated smartphone app provides detailed data, historical trends, and proactive maintenance alerts. The app also allows riders to set custom alerts and track their chain's performance over time. Kawasaki’s Rideology App Integration: AKCP is working with Kawasaki to integrate the chain monitoring data directly into Kawasaki’s existing Rideology app, providing a unified rider experience. Benefits for Riders: Safety, Savings, and Peace of Mind The AKCP-Kawasaki smart chain monitoring system offers a wide range of benefits for riders: Enhanced Safety: Early detection of chain wear and tension issues significantly reduces the risk of chain failure and accidents. Reduced Maintenance Costs: Proactive maintenance alerts help riders address issues before they become major problems, saving money on repairs and replacements. Extended Chain Life: Optimal lubrication and tension management extend chain life, reducing the frequency of replacements. Improved Performance: A properly maintained chain ensures smooth power transfer and optimal motorcycle performance. Peace of Mind: Riders can enjoy their ride with the confidence that their chain is being monitored and maintained. A Partnership Built on Innovation “Kawasaki is committed to providing riders with the best possible experience,” says Kenichi Sato, Head of Research and Development at Kawasaki. “We believe AKCP’s innovative sensor technology is a game-changer for motorcycle chain maintenance. It's a perfect example of how technology can enhance safety, performance, and rider enjoyment.” AKCP and Kawasaki are currently conducting final testing and validation of the system. The smart chain monitoring system is expected to be available on select Kawasaki models in late 2024. About AKCP LLC: AKCP LLC is a leading innovator in sensor solutions for critical infrastructure. Founded in 1985, AKCP provides reliable and cost-effective monitoring solutions for data centers, power grids, industrial facilities, and now, motorcycles. AKCP is dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology that improves safety, efficiency, and reliability. Contact: David Lee Marketing Manager AKCP LLC 145 PALISADE ST STE 200, DOBBS FERRY, NY, 10522-1627, UNITED STATES 469-376-3403 [email protected] www.akcp.com