The popularity of Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) has been growing rapidly, possibly because trucks and cars come standard with the systems. While many motorcycle riders are very eager to try the capabilities of ABS, some believe that the system is unnecessary. But like other motorcycle systems, antilock brakes have their benefits and drawbacks. Below are the pros and cons of ABS. But first here is a brief introduction to the braking system.
What is ABS and What Does it Do?
Most new motorcyclists fear using the front brakes and that is for a good reason. While the front brake is the best way of slowing down the motorcycle, too much pressure can easily lock the front tire and cause a painful crush. Well, Antilock Braking System or ABS exists to prevent that. The system regulates the amount of braking pressure to maintain it below the point where the tire could lock and skid. The brake system also stops the motorcycle faster than the traditional brakes.
The concept behind ABS units is very simple. A motorcycle ABS has three main parts, which include the Wheel Speed Sensors, Brakes, and the ECU kit. The wheel speed sensors are usually installed on the motorbike’s rear and front wheels and are mapped uniquely so that they can monitor possible wheel lock-up. Therefore, the sensors have to be connected to the ABS Electronic Control Unit, which facilitates locking of the wheels in regular intervals and rolling for a set distance before stopping.
After applying the rear and front brakes, the sensors situated on both the rear and front wheels will detect wheel lock. If a wheel lock occurs, the sensors will send signals to the ECU and ask it to release pressure on the motorcycle brake calipers so that the wheel can start spinning again. The cycle happens many times every second until the motorcycle comes to a complete stop.
ABS technology has been around since the early 1980s and it has been improved steadily. It allows passionate motorcyclists to ride in almost every condition. You will get it fitted on motorcycles with disc brakes but it is also compatible with drum brakes.
Pros of ABS on Motorcycles
The primary benefit of ABS units is that they prevent the skidding or falling of a biker. Some passionate bikers, especially those who do stunting as a profession, benefit more from the system. The ABS will come into play whenever they do a stunt, such as a stoppie. Here are other benefits that ABS offer for motorcycle riders.
Reduces the Stopping Distance
Another big benefit of ABS is that it reduces the stopping distance significantly. With this system, you will not have to module the brake pressure.
Some skilled motorcyclists claim that they can bring a bike without an ABS to a stop faster than they would do for one with ABS. That might be true but they will not tell you that they cannot do it consistently.
In event of a panic situation, you will have the peace of mind you need to apply the brakes. You will be aware that the ABS will prevent a lockup, which can lead to skidding or falling off the bike. Throw in the thoughts of dirty road surfaces or wet weather, and the chances of braking better and consistently will be higher.
Boosts Your Riding Confidence
Braking in a corner, particularly when the road has debris, can be terrifying. You will be running the risk of overloading your bike’s front tire and crashing. While technologies like lean-sensitive ABS, also known as cornering ABS, exist, the fear is still there. IMU technology, which is usually fitted on bikes with ABS units, detects the motorcycle’s yaw, pitch, and roll. If it is equipped with C-ABS, it will analyze the data and tell the ECU the amount of pressure to apply at every point of lean.
Better Control of the Motorcycle
The freedom and adrenaline rush people enjoy when riding a motorbike is unmatched. Unfortunately, riding a motorbike can be dangerous if you are not prepared. Skidding occurs when the tires lose traction and the brake effect is reduced making it hard to control the motorcycle.
ABS prevents the locking up of the wheels during braking, therefore, maintaining traction with the road surface and allowing the rider to maintain control over the bike. ABS systems function at a faster rate than most riders could manage. It improves the steering when the rider has to make evasive or emergency maneuvers.
ABS Makes Every Ride Safer
Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that fatal crashes involving motorcycles equipped with ABS systems are 30 percent lower compared to those involving bikes without ABS. Furthermore, the institute released data showing that non-ABS motorcycles with engines exceeding 250cc are 37 percent more likely to cause fatal accidents.
Cons of ABS
ABS systems are designed to make motorcycle riders feel safer and shorten the stopping distance. They will give you the peace of mind you need when riding on roads with loose surfaces and in extreme weather. However, the systems also come with drawbacks. Here are the main disadvantages to expect.
More Weight and Expenses
ABS systems are heavy and expensive to install on your bike. They are also more expensive to maintain. The sensors can cost you hundreds of dollars to fix if they develop problems or get out of calibration. However, most riders believe that systems’ benefits may outweigh the drawbacks.
While the components required to run the antilock brake system will add weight to your motorcycle, the weight is as low as 10 pounds in most cases. That means that the weight is negligible, particularly for street bikes. Also, ABS makes motorcycles more expensive than the non-ABS versions. The difference can be as high as $1,000 but in our opinion the benefits that ABS offers outweigh the price penalty.
Inconsistent stop Times
Anti-lock brakes offer surer braking on slippery roads. However, some riders claim that the ABS lengthens the stopping distances for regular road conditions. That may happen due to errors in the system or because the noise that the ABS produces may cause the rider to brake at different rates.
Delicate Systems
You can cause problems on the ABS if you mess around with the brakes. Some of the common problems include system disorientation, where the sensors cause the motorcycle to make a loud noise.
Why Is ABS Not Very Common?
ABS offers very many benefits. It helps riders maintain stability when braking, decreases the stopping distance, and offers more traction, including on the low friction road surfaces like gravel and wet pavements. So, you might ask, why is it uncommon? Here are the three main reasons.
The Motorbike Size Matters
Size has been dictating the motorcycles that should have ABS. For instance, in 2012, the European Commission passed legislation mandating that every new motorcycle above 125cc and produced after January 1 2016 be equipped with ABS. That means they left out all the motorcycles below 125cc.
Small motorcycles do not have sufficient speed or mass to warrant the installation of antilock brakes. Further, they are usually designed as scooters, off-road bikes, mopeds, or lightweight inexpensive machines where the cost and weight of ABS may outweigh the benefits.
The Purpose of the Motorbike
The purpose of the motorbike and where it is intended to be used also play a role. Riding surfaces are not equal and the ABS can be a hindrance in some. For example, ABS would be a hindrance to good control when installed on bikes designed for off-road use. Off-road riders will want their bikes to skid because tire skidding creates friction for fast stopping. Skidding allows the dirt to grip the tire.
The Looks, Cost, and Weight of the Bike
Another big reason ABS is uncommon is the price. While the system is not as expensive as it was after its introduction, it means that you will require you to spend a lot of money. The system also adds a lot of weight thanks to the many ABS components. Further, it clutters the aesthetics of some motorcycles.
The Price of Motorcycle ABS
A motorcycle ABS will cost you an amount between $320 and $1000. The price is not driven by the labor costs, which are around $80-$120. It highly depends on the cost of the ABS and the skills needed to secure it. The price of the unit can be as low as $200 and as high as $1000.
FAQS
Q: Is a Motorcycle Antilock Brake System Worth It?
A: Yes, ABS will prevent uncontrolled skidding and help reduce the stopping distance. That means you can hit the brakes harder to avoid danger ahead. The ABS will step in every time and stop the brakes and motorcycle wheels from locking
Q: Can I Install ABS on any Motorcycle?
A: Yes, it is possible to install antilock brakes on a motorcycle that does not have them already. Even more, you can do it without the need for professional help if you are mechanically minded. However, taking the bike to a shop for installation is important. You will be sure that the system is installed properly.
Q: How DO I Know Whether My Motorbike has ABS?
A: Manufacturers fit ABS on top-of-the-line models. You will see all the information on the motorbike’s multifunction instrument panel.
Q: Is ABS Better than Non-ABS?
Antilock braking systems are designed to help riders to control their bikes properly during adverse weather conditions and avoid dangers associated with panic braking. When riding without an ABS, an emergency would force you to pump your motorcycle brakes aggressively, something that may lead to motorcycle skidding and crash.
Conclusion
An ABS offers many benefits. It calculates the rotation speed of your motorcycle wheels and avoids braking to prevent sudden stops, such as one requiring the motorcycle to switch from 60kmph to 0kmph. Therefore, this mechanism will help you control your bike and prevent crashing. With antilock brakes, you can ride without worries regardless of the road or weather condition. Unfortunately, antilock brake systems are expensive to install and maintain.