Understanding the Combi Brake System in Bikes

Posted on: Dec 10, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Understanding the Combi Brake System in Bikes

The combi brake system (CBS) has become an essential safety feature in modern bikes. It simplifies braking and reduces accident risks. It distributes braking force evenly between the front and rear wheels, ensuring stability and safety. Pairing a CBS-equipped two-wheeler with insurance for the bike ensures maximum protection on the road, financially safeguarding both the rider and their vehicle during unexpected mishaps.

What Does a Combi Brake System Mean?

The combi brake system is a braking mechanism that ensures braking force is distributed between the front and rear wheels, regardless of which brake lever is pressed. For instance, if a rider presses only the rear brake, CBS automatically engages the front brake as well, ensuring better stability and stopping power.

This feature particularly benefits beginners who may not always remember to use both brakes effectively. By reducing the chances of skidding or fishtailing, CBS makes riding safer for everyone. It is now a standard feature in most entry-level bikes due to its simplicity and effectiveness.

How Does a Combi Brake System Work?

The combi brake system (CBS) is designed to enhance safety and simplify braking by automatically engaging both the front and rear brakes when the rider operates just one lever. Here’s how it functions:

1. Brake Lever Engagement

When a rider presses either the front or rear brake lever, CBS ensures that both brakes are activated simultaneously. This eliminates the need for the rider to manually engage both brakes, which can be challenging for less experienced riders.

2. Equaliser Mechanism

The heart of CBS is the equaliser, a device that ensures the braking force is evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels. For example, when the rider applies pressure to the rear brake lever, the system might apply 70% of the braking force to the rear wheel and 30% to the front wheel, depending on the bike’s design and the force applied. This balanced distribution helps prevent uneven braking and loss of control.

3. Enhanced Stability

By distributing the braking force between the two wheels, CBS ensures that the rear wheel doesn’t lock up or lift off the ground, which could lead to dangerous situations like skidding or fishtailing. This system promotes smoother, more stable braking, which is especially valuable in emergencies or when riding on slippery surfaces. As a result, the rider benefits from better overall control, even in high-stress braking moments.

What are the Advantages of the Combi Brake System?

The combi brake system (CBS) offers several advantages that enhance both safety and performance, making it a popular choice for two-wheelers:

1. Improved Safety

CBS reduces the risk of skidding and fishtailing by distributing braking force evenly between both wheels. This ensures better control, especially on wet, uneven, or slippery surfaces, helping prevent accidents.

2. Shorter Stopping Distances

By engaging both the front and rear brakes automatically, CBS shortens stopping distances, making braking quicker and more effective. This is particularly valuable in emergencies.

3. Beginner-Friendly

For new riders, coordinating the front and rear brakes can be challenging. CBS simplifies this process by automating the action, making it easier for beginners to ride confidently and safely without worrying about complex braking techniques.

4. Better Performance in Adverse Conditions

CBS improves bike performance in adverse conditions like rain or gravel roads, where controlling braking force might be difficult. The system ensures better grip and stability, significantly reducing the chances of accidents.

5. Regulatory Compliance

In India, CBS is mandatory for all two-wheelers with engine capacities of 125cc or less. This regulation ensures that the majority of bikes on the road are equipped with this safety feature, promoting road safety on a larger scale.

6. Affordable Maintenance

Compared to advanced systems like ABS, CBS is more cost-effective to maintain. This makes it accessible to a wider audience, offering safety benefits without the high costs associated with more complex braking technologies.

What are the Disadvantages of the Combi Brake System?

While CBS offers significant benefits, it also has limitations:

1. Not Suitable for High-Performance Bikes

CBS is not designed for sports bikes or vehicles with higher engine capacities. In such bikes, independent braking control is essential for precision.

2. Interference with Stunt Riding

For riders who perform stunts or aggressive manoeuvres, CBS can hinder their ability to control braking as needed.

3. Over-Reliance on the System

Riders may become overly dependent on CBS, neglecting the importance of mastering manual braking techniques.

4. Limited Application

CBS is primarily designed for urban and commuter bikes. It does not cater to off-road or specialised vehicles where advanced braking systems are required.

5. Maintenance Requirements

Though affordable, CBS still requires regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning. Neglecting this can lead to uneven braking or reduced efficiency.

Despite these drawbacks, CBS remains an excellent safety feature for the majority of two-wheelers, providing an added layer of protection for everyday riders.

CBS and Insurance: The Perfect Pair

While CBS enhances physical safety, it’s equally important to secure financial protection through the right insurance plan. Comprehensive bike insurance not only covers damages to your bike and theft, it also compensates for third-part liabilites.

On the other hand, third-party bike insurance ensures compliance with legal requirements and covers injuries caused to others and damages to their properties during accidents.

Conclusion

The combi brake system has transformed two-wheeler safety by simplifying braking and reducing accident risks. Its ability to balance braking force ensures better control and shorter stopping distances, making it an essential feature for modern bikes. Pairing CBS with the right insurance plan guarantees a safer and more secure riding experience.

FAQs About Combi Brake System in Bikes

1. Is CBS mandatory for all bikes?

CBS is mandatory in India for bikes and scooters with engine capacities of 125cc or less, as per government regulations.

2. How does CBS differ from ABS?

CBS simplifies braking by engaging both brakes simultaneously, while ABS prevents wheel lock during hard braking. ABS is more advanced but also more expensive.

3. Can CBS-equipped bikes be used for stunts?

CBS is not ideal for stunt riding, as it limits independent braking control, which is essential for such activities.

4. Does CBS require frequent maintenance?

While CBS is low-maintenance, regular servicing ensures it functions correctly and efficiently.

5. Is CBS suitable for wet roads?

Yes, CBS provides better grip and stability on slippery surfaces, reducing accident risks.

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

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