An Analysis of EDR Data in Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and ZX-10R Motorcycles Equipped with ABS (KIBS) and Traction Control (KTRC)

Electronic control units (ECU) from Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and ZX-10R motorcycles were tested in order to examine the capabilities and behavior of the event data recorders (EDR). All relevant hexadecimal data was downloaded from the ECU and translated using known and historically proven applications. The hexadecimal translations were then confirmed using data acquisition systems as well as the Kawasaki Diagnostic Software (KDS)¹. Numerous tests were performed to establish the algorithms which cause the EDR to record data. Issues of sensor and power loss were analyzed and discussed. Additionally, data sets were studied that involved maximum deceleration from ABS brakes. Similarly, data sets that involved traction control intervention were studied and analyzed.

It was determined that the EDR recording ‘trigger’ was caused by the activation of the tip-over sensor, which in turn shuts the engine off. However, specific conditions must be met with regards to the rear wheel rotation prior to engine shut-down. An EDR event was only recorded if the motorcycle was commanded to shut-down by the tip-over sensor, and either had rear wheel movement at the time of shut-down or the rear wheel experienced a certain amount of deceleration in the several seconds prior to shut-down. The ‘time zero’ data element was synchronous with the tip-over commanded shut-down signal. Various data elements were stored at either 10 Hz or 2 Hz for a total of 8 seconds of data prior to the commanded engine shut-down. It was determined that ABS and traction control intervention at the rear wheel could still create a sudden deceleration significant enough to trigger an EDR event after tip-over.