ABS on Motorcycle-EXPLAINED

ABS on motorcycles

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) means precise braking even when the bike is speeding up, without any wheel lock-ups. This ensures a confidence-inspiring ride and lets the rider enjoy the ride to the fullest.

On a motorcycle, an anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels of a powered two-wheeler from locking during braking situations. Based on information from wheel speed sensors the ABS unit adjusts the pressure of the brake fluid in order to keep traction during deceleration to avoid accidents. Motorcycle ABS helps the rider to maintain stability during braking and to decrease the stopping distance. It provides traction even on low friction surfaces. 

Basic principle

Wheel speed sensors mounted on the front and rear wheel constantly measures the rotational speed of each wheel and deliver this information to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The ECU detects two things: 

1) if the deceleration of one wheel exceeds a fixed threshold 

2) whether the brake slip, calculated based on information of both wheels, rises above a certain percentage and enters an unstable zone. These are indicators for a high possibility of a locking wheel. To countermeasure these irregularities the ECU signals the hydraulic unit to hold or to release pressure. After signals show the return to the stable zone, the pressure is increased again.