Complete Learning Module

Motorcycle Adaptations

ISO 26262-12: Functional safety for single-track vehicles with unique dynamics and rider exposure

13
In-depth chapters
ISO 26262-12
Standard coverage
18x
Higher rider fatality risk
2-wheel
Single-track dynamics

What You'll Learn

Build complete competency in motorcycle adaptations through structured, progressive learning.

Apply Part 12 adaptations

Correctly apply ISO 26262-12 modifications to HARA, ASIL determination, and safety mechanism selection for motorcycles

Assess rider vulnerability

Quantify the elevated risk exposure of motorcyclists and translate it into appropriate severity and controllability ratings

Design lean-aware systems

Develop electronic safety systems that account for motorcycle lean angles, weight distribution, and single-track instability

Classify motorcycle hazards

Identify and classify hazardous events specific to two-wheeled vehicles not present in passenger car analysis

Plan validation campaigns

Design comprehensive test and validation plans for motorcycle safety systems including simulation and track testing

Comply with Part 12

Build a compliant safety case for motorcycle electronic systems referencing all relevant Part 12 requirements

13 Comprehensive Chapters

Each chapter builds your motorcycle adaptations expertise systematically from foundations to advanced application.

1

ISO 26262-12 Overview

Introduce Part 12 of ISO 26262, its scope, normative references, and the rationale for motorcycle-specific adaptations.

Part 12 scopeNormative vs. informativeRelationship to Part 1-11Key definitions
2

Key Differences from Passenger Vehicles

Systematically identify where Part 12 deviates from the main standard and why these deviations are justified by vehicle physics and rider exposure.

Process differencesMethod adaptationsASIL table changesScope exclusions
3

Single-Track Dynamics

Understand the physics of two-wheeled vehicle dynamics including roll balance, steering geometry, and gyroscopic effects that drive unique safety challenges.

Roll balanceHandlebar countersteeringGyroscopic effectsTire contact patch
4

Rider Exposure & Vulnerability

Analyze the significantly higher vulnerability of motorcycle riders compared to passenger car occupants and how this affects safety goal severity ratings.

Exposure statisticsInjury biomechanicsSeverity escalationPopulation exposure
5

Motorcycle-Specific Hazards

Catalog hazardous events unique to or amplified in motorcycle operation, including low-speed tip-over, tank-slapper, and electronic throttle failure modes.

High-side fallTank-slapper wobbleLow-speed instabilityBrake lockup hazards
6

Controllability Classification

Apply the adapted controllability classification for motorcycles, recognizing that rider skill variance is wider and average controllability is lower.

C0-C3 for motorcyclesRider skill distributionControllability statisticsClassification examples
7

ASIL Determination Adaptations

Work through the modified ASIL determination table from Part 12 and understand how severity, exposure, and controllability parameter values differ for motorcycles.

Modified ASIL tableSeverity recalibrationExposure parametersWorked examples
8

Safety Mechanisms for Motorcycles

Review safety mechanisms specifically applicable to motorcycles, including lean-angle-aware intervention strategies and rider-centric warning systems.

Lean-angle sensingGraduated interventionRider warning systemsFail-safe to stable
9

ABS & Traction Control

Deep-dive into motorcycle ABS and traction control systems, their ISO 26262-12 requirements, and unique calibration challenges for two-wheelers.

Cornering ABSRear wheel lift mitigationTraction control tuningASIL requirements
10

Electronic Suspension

Examine electronically controlled suspension systems for motorcycles and the safety requirements arising from real-time damping adjustments.

Semi-active dampingFailure mode analysisSafe-state definitionRider feedback
11

System Architecture

Design safety-compliant system architectures for motorcycle electronic systems including CAN/LIN topology, power domains, and sensor redundancy.

Network architecturePower domain splitSensor redundancyECU partitioning
12

Validation & Testing

Plan and execute validation activities for motorcycle safety systems including test track scenarios, simulation, and rider acceptance testing.

Test scenario designHIL/SIL testingTrack validationRider acceptance criteria
13

Best Practices

Synthesize industry best practices for motorcycle functional safety development, including collaboration with motorcycle OEM safety teams.

OEM collaboration modelLessons learnedAssessment preparationFuture standards evolution
ISO 26262-12

6 Motorcycle Safety Diagrams

Experiment with visual tools that bring motorcycle adaptations concepts to life.

Single-Track Stability Envelope

Diagram showing the stability operating envelope of a motorcycle as a function of speed, lean angle, and electronic system intervention boundaries

ASIL Determination Table (Part 12)

Modified ASIL lookup table from ISO 26262-12 with annotations showing differences from the passenger vehicle table in Part 3

Cornering ABS State Machine

State machine diagram for a lean-angle-aware ABS controller showing transitions between normal, intervention, and fade-out states

Hazard Scenario Mapping

Matrix mapping motorcycle-specific hazards to severity, exposure, and controllability ratings with ASIL outcome

Electronic Safety Architecture

Motorcycle system architecture diagram showing ECU topology, sensor inputs, actuator outputs, and safety partitioning boundaries

Validation Test Coverage

V-model diagram showing how simulation, HIL, and track test activities cover the safety requirements for motorcycle safety systems

Motorcycle OEM Case

Cornering ABS System for Sport Motorcycle

A motorcycle OEM applied ISO 26262-12 to develop a cornering-capable ABS system for a 1000cc sport motorcycle. The ASIL determination using Part 12 tables revealed one additional ASIL B requirement not visible using the standard Part 3 table.

  • Identified 8 motorcycle-specific hazards absent from the passenger car HARA
  • Lean angle sensor qualified as ASIL C SEooC with dedicated Safety Manual
  • Cornering ABS intervention logic verified with 1,400 test runs on proving ground
  • System achieved ISO 26262-12 compliance confirmed by third-party assessor

Motorcycle HARA Template

HE-01: Unintended front wheel lock during cornering at highway speed
15 additional motorcycle hazard scenarios (unlock Advanced plan)

Master Motorcycle Functional Safety

Learn how ISO 26262-12 adapts automotive functional safety requirements for the unique challenges of two-wheeled vehicles

Start Learning Now
13 chapters6 technical diagramsMotorcycle-specific HARA