Can ABS be installed on a motorcycle?

The old argument that motorcycle anti-lock systems (ABS) are too big and too heavy is no longer valid. “The new generation 9 from Bosch has a volume of only 0.4 liters and weighs 700 grams, that is, it measures and weighs almost half that of the previous generation, which has become the smallest universal ABS for motorcycles in the world.The company offers this modular design system in different models ranging from the basic variant to the top version with electronic combined braking system. In this way, there is a specific solution for each type of motorcycle, from the cheapest to the high-end sports bikes. Generation 9 has been in series production since 2010 and currently It is equipped in different models of Kawasaki, BMW, Ducati and KTM. In addition, it will be mandatory for motorcycles of at least 125 cc.

The importance of ABS

Today, if a motorcyclist has to brake as quickly as possible in a critical situation, they are faced with a difficult task. On most motorcycles, the first step is to separately control the pressure of the hand and foot brakes for the front and rear wheels. On the other hand, you have to avoid, however, that the wheels lock. That is why the results of a study carried out by Bosch on the basis of the German accident database GIDAS are not surprising: 47 per cent of motorcycle accidents are caused by incorrect or weak braking. The ABS system solves this problem and allows safe braking, as it prevents the wheels from locking during braking. This can prevent the fall and, on the other hand, considerably reduces the braking distance. But so far there are few motorcycles equipped with the ABS system. While all European passenger cars have been fitted as standard with this anti-lock system since 2004, in 2010 only 16 percent of new European motorcycles had ABS.


The Bosch compact system is available in three versions: motorcycle abs kits

What are the systems with which abs brakes can be installed on a motorcycle? Until now, ABS systems from all suppliers were based on passenger car technology, so they were quite large and heavy. On the bigger bikes they could be ridden, but on the smaller bikes it was almost impossible. But the engineers at the Bosch development center in Japan have developed, simultaneously with the new generation of brake control systems for passenger cars, a series of ABS specifically for motorcycles. The result: The 9th generation ABS is now only half the size and weight of previous models. In addition, it is designed in a modular way, so that different variants with a different range of functions can be manufactured and it is also quite cost-effective,


ABS 9

Despite its compact construction, even the basic ABS 9 base variant offers full anti-lock protection. Even a sudden change in road conditions, such as gravel or oil stains, is no longer a cause for alarm. Even less practiced riders will be able to perform safe braking maneuvers. The ABS 9 plus variant is designed for very powerful motorcycles. As the system is already effective during the generation of pressure during emergency braking, an additional pressure sensor can prevent the rear wheel from lifting up and thus causing the motorcycle to tip forward.


The most powerful variant, the ABS 9 enhanced also offers the so-called eCBS function. This is the abbreviation for “electronic Combined Brake System”, or in Spanish: Electronic Combined Brake System. In other words, Bosch has created an innovative combination of front and rear brake: In this integrated version, it is enough for the rider to apply one of the brakes - the front or the rear - so that the ABS 9 enhanced activates both brakes automatically, without the the rider may have to apply more pressure or change the braking force. In this way you can brake safely both on a wet road and on a dry one with good grip.


Already today, ABS 9 enhanced can help moderately stabilize the lean when cornering and the moment to straighten the motorcycle when braking with it leaning. But the Bosch ABS 9 with eCBS can still integrate more functions. Some versions are already being tested with success that modulate brake pressure in curves so effectively that the possibility of the typical accident caused by overbraking the rear wheel or the front wheel is almost eliminated. It is also possible to integrate the appropriate intervention of the engine management system. In this way you can take advantage of new functions such as traction control or an aid to start on hills.


ABS for all powered two-wheelers from 2017

In Europe alone, more than 5,000 motorists died in traffic accidents in 2009. According to the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the risk of a fatal accident is 18 times higher for motorcycle drivers than for car drivers traveling the same distance. According to several scientific studies, ABS is the system that offers the greatest safety potential on motorcycles. A study by the Swedish General Directorate of Traffic, 'Vägverket', which was presented in 2009, confirmed, for example, that with ABS, 38 per cent of accidents with personal injury and 48 per cent of accidents involving personal injury could be prevented. hundred with fatal consequences.


A study carried out by Bosch on the basis of the largest accident database in Germany, the GIDAS, concluded that 25 percent of accidents with fatalities and injuries could be prevented if ABS were fitted as standard on all motorcycles. Another third of the accidents with deaths and injuries could be mitigated with the anti-lock system. Convinced by the results of the various studies, the European Commission proposed in 2010 that it be mandatory to equip all motorcycles over 125 cubic centimeters with ABS from 2017. The study of benefits carried out by the European Commission in this regard, has demonstrated that in the next 10 years more than 5,000 lives could be saved if ABS for motorcycles were mandatory. But also for emerging markets in Asia and South America ABS promises a significant improvement in road safety. The precondition for being able to use the system is that the motorcycles have a hydraulic brake system. That standard is currently advancing in all markets.


New mandatory safety measures for motorcycles, such as ABS brakes for those over 125 cc

The goal is to achieve safer and more environmentally friendly motorcycles. For this reason, among the new safety measures that affect motorcycles is the installation of anti-lock brakes (ABS). It will be mandatory on all motorcycles of at least 125 cc .


Smaller displacement motorcycles, including scooters, may have ABS brakes or combined braking systems, at the manufacturer's choice.


Thus, the European Parliament will vote next Tuesday on new legislation that tightens the environmental and safety requirements imposed on motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, quads and SUVs. These vehicles represent only 2% of road traffic, but are responsible for 16% of fatal accidents on European roads. Parliament and the Council have agreed on the regulation, which will also benefit manufacturers, as it replaces the 15 existing directives.


Emissions reduction

The new regulations will also oblige manufacturers to install systems that prevent engine tampering to increase vehicle speed. Furthermore, at the proposal of the European Parliament, mopeds will have to comply with the Euro 3 standards for polluting gas emissions as of January 1, 2016. In the case of the heaviest motorcycles, the Euro 4 standards will apply from 2018 and the Euro 5 from 2020.


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