Anti-Lock Braking System in Bikes: Working & Benefits

Posted on: Jul 14, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Anti-Lock Braking System in Bikes: Working & Benefits

As the number of vehicles increases in India, so does the concern for bike safety. Fortunately, if you are planning to buy a new bike, there are a few new features that aim to enhance your riding experience and make bike riding safe as well. One such safety feature is an ABS or anti-lock braking system.

The Anti-lock braking system isn’t new and has been around for a while. In fact, the first bike that had ABS was the BMW K100, back in 1988. However, over the past few years, more and more manufacturers have started offering them mass-market bikes. It is no wonder then, that you keep hearing the term ABS almost everywhere. Another prominent reason is that the Indian government has mandated ABS system in bike with an engine capacity of 150cc or more.

What is ABS?

People who ride bikes or scooters are aware of the skidding of tyres, under harsh braking. It usually happens because the wheels lock up, resulting in lower grip and skidding. And at times, it can get quite dangerous. However, the ABS system aims to prevent the locking of wheels, which in turn will eliminate losing control due to such occurrences. Having ABS systems in bikes can mean higher third party bike insurance, but it is totally worth the investment. Moreover, it guarantees safety and a lesser risk of accidents.

The workings of ABS in motorcycles and scooters

Simply put, the system keeps an eye on the wheels and their rotations and changes the braking pressure on the wheels accordingly. This allows the wheels to continue rotating and provide you with adequate grip, even when you brake hard. The system not only increases your confidence levels but also reduces the chances of accidents due to the skidding of tyres.

The system usually has three major components, the ECU, wheel speed sensors and brakes. The speed sensors are calibrated in a way that they look for possible lock-ups. The sensor is connected to the ECU, which then allows the wheels to roll for a while and lock at regular intervals.

What does a dual-channel ABS mean?

The channel refers to the brake channels present in a bike. A single-channel ABS refers to the bike having only one brake channel, usually at the rear tyre. A dual-channel anti-lock braking system is a more advanced system, where the bike has two brake channels. One for each wheel. This system is more potent when it comes to braking efficiency than a single-channel ABS system. Despite the presence of the system, it is strongly advised to have a bike insurance policy in place. The plan will safeguard you against any unforeseen events.

Perks of having ABS on a bike

Having ABS on a bike can prove to be extremely beneficial. Some of the major perks are as follows:

1. Better Vehicle Control:

Through ABS, you get to maintain wheel rotation, which is crucial for riders, especially during any emergency braking. Moreover, it also prevents the risk of losing traction or skidding, when you are riding on uneven roads.

2. Improves Stability:

ABS helps in shortening the distance as it allows the riders to apply maximum braking force. Therefore, there won't be any requirement of the wheels locking up which can help with efficient braking across different surfaces.

3. Prevents Wheel Lockup:

ABS can play an important role in preventing wheel lockup by constantly monitoring the speed of the wheels. It also allows adjusting the pressure so as to prevent constant locking up. Therefore, you wouldn't have to apply hard braking across slippery surfaces.

4. Lowers Stopping Distance:

ABS allows the riders to apply maximum brake forcing without the risk of wheels locking up or skidding for shorter distances. This can be efficient for better braking across different surfaces.

5. Reduces the Risk of Accidents:

ABS helps in maintaining stability and offering efficiency. As a result, the overall risk of accidents can lower significantly. This can be useful across emergency situations.

Having ABS control in a bike will improve the confidence of riders to apply optimal braking across various critical situations. Therefore, the riders can get better confidence in riding across various surfaces such as wet roads, rain and even on gravel roads.

Advantages of ABS in Bikes

If you want to improve your two wheeler riding experience, it is extremely important to get ABS. A better ABS control of the bike can have a positive impact on your two wheeler insurance, because it would mean fewer accidents and eventually fewer claims.

Here are some of the main advantages of ABS in bikes:

1. Sudden Brakes are Less Risky

Sudden brakes can happen in any emergency situation and pose a threat when you don't have ABS on bikes. However, when you have ABS on bikes, sudden brakes are less scary, especially in crowded situations like traffic. With ABS you have better control of your vehicle preventing the risk of skidding and locking.

2. Mishaps Are Avoided

When you're riding on slippery surfaces, you can easily avoid significant risks with better ABS control of your bike. Drum brakes can cause you to lose control and eventually lead to accidents. However, when your bike has ABS and you ride on slippery surfaces, the braking force is distributed equally on both wheels. Therefore, you get better control of your vehicle letting you stop in a straight line.

3. Maintain Safe Distance

Two-wheelers having drum brakes do not stop for a short distance when the brake is applied. On the other hand, ABS reduces brake force allowing a slow and steady deceleration of the vehicle. The stopping distance eventually reduces to a shorter distance preventing the risk of unwanted accidents. As the risk of accidents reduces you will have to file fewer claims for your two wheeler insurance policy in future.

Importance of ABS in Bikes

ABS was initially introduced for bigger vehicles like cars or buses. However, it has now been introduced for bikes as well to offer stability. The increasing number of bike accidents paved the way for the introduction of ABS in bikes. It offers more control to the rider increasing road safety. Therefore, irrespective of the road surface, you can ride smoothly as long as you have ABS in your bike.

In India, it has been made mandatory for bikes of 1500 cc or above to have ABS. Although you will have to pay some extra amount to get it, an ABS is totally worth the investment as it protects your vehicle against unwanted crashes. Therefore, it is one essential riding safety equipment for your two wheeler.

ABS related fallacies

The ABS has proven its importance in bikes for some time now and is widely considered a prudent solution to enhance bike safety. Yet, there are a few fallacies about ABS.

1. Makes the bike bulky

The ABS system does not add much weight to the overall weight of the bike. In fact, the weight of the system is quite negligible.

2. Reduces the effectiveness of brakes

This is contrary to reality. ABS makes braking a bit easier and reduces the stopping distance as well.

3. Meant for beginners

Though it can be quite helpful for beginners, it is not limited to them only. Even experienced riders will enjoy the safety of ABS on the bike.

4. Limited usage

Unlike the common notion, bikes equipped with ABS tend to perform better on different terrains and weather conditions. This is in comparison to non-ABS-based bikes.

5. I don’t need ABS

Even if you are an experienced rider and have a ton of experience under your belt, a mistake or unknown element can put you in danger. ABS offers an additional level of safety for all types of riders.

Opting for a bike that has ABS and choosing comprehensive bike insurance is one of the better combinations. While the former ensures that your braking performance is enhanced, the latter has your back for unanticipated moments. It is advisable to get a third party bike insurance for your bike to get protection against unwanted expenses.

Disclaimer The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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