'Virtual bike' improves safety

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The simulator is based in Nottingham

A motorcycle simulator has been unveiled by researchers in the UK.

Its creators say the machine will be used to monitor rider behaviour, leading to advances in road safety and bike design.

The project has been led by Dr Alex Stedmon, at the University of Nottingham.

He said the machine was the first of its kind, combining elements not seen in previous simulators.

Dr Stedmon said: "It is going to be a fanatastic research facility for us.

The bike was donated by Triumph

"It's the first full-sized, moveable simulator that's linked to a projection screen and reconfigurable software.

"On the simulator we don't have to worry about the safety of riders or the weather (because it is indoors)."

The bike - built with the chassis of a real Triumph Daytona - is linked to software previously used for car simulators.

A team of four students worked on the project, integrating the bike and software.

The bike leans left and right, pushed by four pneumatic actuators.

A road environment, including traffic, is projected onto a large screen in front of the bike.

Dr Stedmon said subsequent student groups will make further additions, making it more realistic.