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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Technology

Motorcycle esports gets a realistic boost with new haptic simulator

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • A new motorcycle simulator, motosimX, has been launched, offering a realistic riding experience with lean, brake, and throttle controls.
  • It is the world's first desktop-style, haptic-feedback, split-body motorcycle simulator.
  • The technology aims to bridge the gap in motorcycle esports and is also being explored for training purposes.

The world of esports is getting a significant upgrade for motorcycle enthusiasts with the launch of motosimX, the first desktop-style, haptic-feedback, split-body motorcycle simulator. Developed by Yรนtรญng Technology, this innovative device aims to replicate the nuanced physical sensations of riding a motorcycle, a feat largely missing in current esports setups.

Unlike car racing simulators, which have well-established haptic feedback systems, motorcycle esports have often relied on standard game controllers. This has limited the ability for players to truly feel the dynamics of leaning into turns, braking, and throttle control. MotosimX addresses this by using a tilting structure combined with physical handlebars, throttle, and brake controls. This allows users to simulate the feeling of leaning into corners, providing a much closer experience to actual motorcycle riding, even in limited spaces.

The simulator boasts an open architecture, enabling it to integrate with mainstream direct-drive motor platforms, such as the MOZA system showcased at its debut. This means players who already own racing simulation equipment can upgrade to a platform capable of both car and motorcycle simulation by purchasing a dedicated kit, lowering the barrier to entry for this new experience.

Motorcycle esports simulators have always lacked a real sense of physical feedback. Even in the official MotoGP esports events, players mostly use controllers, making it difficult to compare with the real motorcycle riding experience.

โ€” Yรนtรญng TechnologyExplaining the need for and innovation behind the motosimX simulator.

To ensure authenticity, motosimX was developed and tested with input from three-time Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) winner Mike Jones. He assisted in fine-tuning the throttle, brake, and body lean responses. The simulator has already garnered significant attention at the International Heavy Motorcycle Exhibition, with over 500 people experiencing and challenging the simulation in its first two days, many reporting it as their first "real" motorcycle riding sensation.

Beyond gaming, Yรนtรญng Technology sees potential for motosimX in professional training. The company is exploring its use in driving schools and professional riding courses. It offers a risk-free environment for new riders to practice emergency braking, line control, and cornering techniques, potentially becoming a new platform for combining esports, track training, and road safety education.

This is the first time I've truly felt like I was riding a motorcycle.

โ€” PlayerA participant's reaction after trying the motosimX simulator at the exhibition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.