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Anti-Lock Braking System in Bikes: How Does It Work?

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Published on July 14, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

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 has ABS was 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 on all bikes 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.

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

The following are some of the perks of having an anti-lock braking system on your bike.

1. Better control.

2. The system allows riders to use brakes more efficiently and offer much better control of the bike.

3. Better safety.

4. ABS enhances bike safety to a greater extent. Since it avoids the locking of wheels, it ensures that accidents and skidding do not occur.

5. Better braking distance.

6. In a normal scenario, where you are not applying brakes with all your might, a bike with ABS will offer better braking distance.

7. Better confidence levels.

8. Knowing that your bike has ABS, will allow you to apply brakes a lot more confidently. You can even enjoy riding the bike without worrying about skidding.

Components of ABS

If you want to understand ABS a bit more in-depth, here are the different components that make an ABS system.

1. ECU

The electronic control unit plays a crucial role in ABS. It receives data from the sensors and controls the brake pressure on the wheels and prevents the infamous lock-ups.

2. Sensors

Another crucial ingredient of the system is the sensors. The sensors are installed on the wheels, and they detect the speed of the wheel. If the wheels are about to lock up, they send a signal to the ECU.

3. Actuator

Actuators are controlled by ECU, and they physically modulate the pressure on brakes to avoid lock-ups.

4. Valves

Bikes have these valves at the brake callipers, which aim at controlling the brake pressure.

5. Dashboard Indicator

Modern bikes usually have an indicator for ABS on the dashboard, whether it is operating properly or not.

6. Pump

Certain bikes come with a pump that enhances the brake pressure, to make it easier to apply the brakes under hard braking.

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.

Conclusion

A short ride with a bike that has ABS will convince you of the importance of the braking that it offers. Anti-lock braking system will almost certainly enhance your riding experience. If you are planning to buy a bike with ABS, do not forget to opt for at least third party bike insurance , as it is mandated by the law.

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

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