Bosch enters two-wheeler market with customised powertrain systems

Bosch is entering the global market for two-wheeler powertrains with a range of complete systems. The company has developed an electronically controlled fuel injection system that can be adapted to any vehicle – allowing Bosch to offer solutions ranging from the cheapest single-cylinder two-wheeler in Asia to the high-performance bikes used in Europe and North America.

''Bosch is known for the quality and efficiency of its automotive powertrain technology, and now we want to bring that same success to the two-wheeler,'' said Rolf Bulander, member of the Robert Bosch GmbH board responsible for powertrain technology.

While Bosch's automotive powertrain technology has been the driving force for several four-wheeler vehicles, the company's presence in the two-wheeler segment has revolved chiefly around automotive components modified for use in high-performance motorcycles.

According to Bosh, its new power train will offer matching benefits in areas such as fuel consumption, reduction of CO2 emissions, and engine performance.

''Bosch also intends to apply its unified systems approach to low-cost models in Asia. Especially in India and southeast Asia, the two-wheeler market is experiencing double-digit annual growth.''

With the popularity of carburetor technology waning in Asia as elsewhere'', Bulander said, ''No new car has a carburetor anymore – and soon that will be true of the two-wheeler as well.''

In developing markets, Bosch is pinning its hopes on its electronically controlled injection systems, which are considerably more efficient. Technically, these are comparable with the port fuel injection systems for cars that Bosch produces.

Bosch said innovative developments and modifications have made it possible to offer its electronically controlled solution for single-cylinder engines at about the same price as a standard carburetor version. A compact engine control unit and injection valve with additional functions help keep the cost low, it added.

Bosch expects to achieve further cost benefits by drawing on its extensive experience and expertise in combustion processes and engine dynamics, which allow it to develop functions and software in such a way as to eliminate the need for sensors.