BMW R 1250GS - Motorbike / Motorcycle 6-Axis IMU “Inertial Measurement Unit” explained. The six degrees of freedom or also called The six degrees of movement.

What does an IMU do ?

What does an IMU measure ?

In this episode we explore Roll, Pitch and Yaw, plus Thrust, Heave and Sway. I use the BMW R 1250GS as an example in this episode to help you understand the 3-axis that the Gyroscope measures - Roll, Pitch and Yaw, and the 3-axis the Accelerometer measures - forward-backward, up-down and right-left directions, which is sometimes called Thrust, Heave and Sway. However, a lot of what I share will apply to many different motorcycles from a wide range of brands. BMW S1000RR or the Ducati Panigale for example.

It’s important to understand that some manufactures only use a limited selection of the sensor systems they install on a motorbike to control its movement. Just because a manufacturer has a 6-axis IMU doesn’t mean they all provide the same level of performance or control… There is in fact a huge difference between them and the safety features they offer.

For some of you that have been following the channel since it started (Thank-you), you will recall I explained the basics of the IMU back in episode 12B, but due to the number of questions I still get asked I decided to make one video that explained things in a simpler way including some examples of how the software development engineers can use the data received from these sensors.

My hope is that you will have a better understanding of the 6-axis IMU from this video.

If you have any questions, just leave me a comment and I will reply…

BUT:

If you would like a much more in-depth understanding, and if enough subscribers ask for it, I will make a longer video to help viewers understand more of the systems and the algorithms that the software designers use to help control our motorbikes and create the increasing number of ride modes and track modes.

Hopefully you enjoy the content I create, so by Subscribing you are letting me know, that you appreciate the effort and time I invest in creating these episodes, and it also helps to grow and develop the channel.

Best Wishes, Carl

00:00 Start
00:40 Ride Mode Chart
01:05 The IMU
01:56 3-Axis Accelerometer
02:56 3-Axis Gyroscope
05:51 The Speed of movement
08:22 The 4 Classes of IMU
10:41 Rode Mode
11:52 Dynamic Mode
12:45 Dyna-Pro Mode