OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) is a self-diagnostic system for vehicles that provides vehicle self-diagnosis and reporting capabilities for repair technicians. It is a standard protocol used across most light-duty vehicles to retrieve vehicle diagnostic information. OBD-II is the second generation of OBD or OBD I, which was initially externally connected to the console of a car, while the OBD-II is now integrated within the vehicle itself.
Motorcycles also have a similar protocol to OBD-II, but it is not as widespread. The use of such a protocol is not as common, but when they use it, it isnt OBD-II. The communication protocol used in motorcycles is different from OBD-II, and it is not as widely used. However, some diagnostic scanners are still compatible with bikes that aren’t OBD2-equipped.
Modern bikes rely on an ECU linked to a network of computers and sensors to keep things running, which is known as a CAN-bus system. OBD-II systems are essentially a kind of CAN-bus system, but while they’re similar, a CAN-bus motorcycle port isn’t an OBD-II port. However, some motorcycles do have an OBD-II port, and models by European or American brands manufactured onwards of 2016 generally are OBD2 compliant.
In summary, motorcycles have a similar protocol to OBD-II, but it is not as widespread, and the communication protocol used in motorcycles is different from OBD-II. Some diagnostic scanners are still compatible with bikes that aren’t OBD2-equipped. Some motorcycles do have an OBD-II port, and models by European or American brands manufactured onwards of 2016 generally are OBD2 compliant.
