Qianjiang Motorcycle Group – known to us as QJ Motor – is one of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in China, and offers a number of models, all of which look somewhat similar to something you may be familiar with.
Now, I’m not necessarily trying to throw shade at QJ Motor Crew, but it’s worth noting that the brand has a history of emulating its competition. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?
So, it’s no surprise to see that QJ Motor has filed a patent for an IMU-controlled active winglet system for sport bikes, which resembles the set of active aero winglets CFMoto recently introduced on its new V4 superbike…
The bike seen in the patent appears to be either the SRK 800 RR or the SRK 921 RR. according to team wizarddown. Both of those bikes already have fixed winglets that help direct airflow, but this new patent suggests that the winglets will be connected to the motorcycle’s IMU system, allowing them to move independently and change the machine’s aerodynamics in real time.
This system will adjust individually to affect airflow, changing how fast the bike can go into a corner, how it reacts under heavy braking, and generally adjust airflow like how ailerons work on an airplane.
Photo by: Wiserdown
This technology has been common in Formula 1 for years, namely front and rear wings that extend straight downwards to reduce drag and increase overall speed. And, in fact, it has been going on for decades on road-going supercars and even economy cars, although the latter is used to make the cars more slippery to achieve better fuel economy. But we’ve never seen anything like this on a bike before, especially a production model meant for the masses.
As mentioned above, CFMoto is also working on something similar, having developed a system for their flagship superbike, the V4 SR-RR. Like the patent submitted by QJ Motor, instead of conventional fixed winglets, the V4 SR-RR has electronically controlled winglets on the front fairing that adjust the angle of attack in real time.
Are these IMU controlled ailerons on the front fairing just unnecessary technology to help sell the new superbike? Or, could they be game-changing pieces of aero equipment that help riders achieve greater cornering speeds, better braking stability and additional velocity while moving down the front straight?
Although it may be surprising, one thing is for sure… Active Aero is coming to the motorcycle industry, whether we asked for it or not.
