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Harley-Davidson Video Showcases Reflex Defensive Rider Systems

Harley-Davidson Video Showcases Reflex Defensive Rider Systems 4 photos
Photo: Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Video Showcases Reflex Defensive Rider SystemsHarley-Davidson Video Showcases Reflex Defensive Rider SystemsHarley-Davidson Video Showcases Reflex Defensive Rider Systems
Riding a motorcycle is supposed to be about being present in the moment and feeling alive. However, there are plenty of things on the road that are trying to ruin your day, so Harley-Davidson is moving the game forwards with more safety tech.
Harley bikes already had ABS linked to the brakes. However, the RDRS or Reflex Defensive Rider Systems is a more well-rounded defensive package. This adjusts the bike's performance according to the available traction conditions.

The RDRS features come standard on all 2020 Harley CVO models, the 2020 LiveWire electric motorcycle, plus both of the super-stable trikes, the 2020 Tri-Glide Ultra and 2020 Freewheeler. Equally important is the introduction of Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), which applies just enough brake to stop you from rolling backward. The police bikes are also going to get great value out of this.

RDRS makes small changes to the way the bike behaves when accelerating or slowing down. However, probably the most important aspect is found when riding in the rain.

The Cornering-Enhanced Anti-Lock Braking System will automatically deliver the maximum amount of braking with available traction, while the Cornering-Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking automatically adjusts the amount of brake pressure individually on the front and rear wheels.

Harley even thinks of those dangerous bad down-shifts with the Drag-Torque Slip-Control System that ensures the rear wheel doesn't spin... unless you want to. When DSCS detects excessive rear wheel slip under deceleration it will adjust engine torque delivery to better match rear-wheel speed.

There's also a nice Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) on these 2020 bikes. It automatically alerts the driver of low tire pressure. However, you can also go into the Boom! Box GTS screen and get a live reading. Maybe you want those bad boys to lay down some smoke and need to check how low you can go.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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