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ABS in Bikes: What is It and How Does it Work?

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

ABS in bikes is a piece of critical safety equipment as the rider and pillion rider are always exposed to potential road hazards. ABS can save you from potential falls that may occur due to skidding or slippery road surfaces. So, what is ABS in bikes, and how does it work? Read on to find out more about this crucial safety feature in bikes.

Contents

What is ABS in bikes?
How Does ABS Work in Bikes?
Advantages of ABS in Bikes
Importance of ABS in Bikes
What is Dual Channel ABS in Bikes?
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): Key Components
Common Misconceptions About ABS in Bikes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ABS in bikes?

ABS refers to Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS full form in bikes). It is a safety feature in bikes that prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking. When the scooter or the motorcycle’s wheel locks up, the rider loses control of the bike. It may end up skidding, resulting in a possible mishap. ABS is an essential safety feature in bikes that prevents the skidding of two-wheelers.

How Does ABS Work in Bikes?

ABS meaning in bikes is nothing but a safety feature that prevents skidding. The following points will give a clear picture of how ABS works on bikes.

ABS has three main components: wheel speed sensor, ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and disc brakes.
The wheel speed sensor constantly monitors the rotation of the wheel and sends a signal to the ECU if it detects a wheel lock-up.
The ECU modulates the brakes to prevent locking up. In simple words, it applies and releases the brakes constantly until the wheel gains traction. It all happens within milliseconds.
ABS ensures the wheels have enough traction and keep rotating despite heavy or sudden braking.
It allows for a more controlled and smoother stop, reducing the possibility of an accident and enhancing the experience of riding a two-wheeler.

Most major bike manufacturers offer bikes with ABS as a standard fitment or optional equipment. Riders can ride bikes with an anti-lock braking system without worrying about skidding or losing control during hard braking and avoid life-threatening situations.

Advantages of ABS in Bikes

ABS in motorcycles and scooters have become a standard safety feature in recent years, offering a host of benefits to the rider. Here are a few advantages of ABS in bikes.

Improved safety: It prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking, enabling the rider to control the steering in slippery conditions. It can help mitigate the possibility of a mishap.
Shorter stopping distances: It reduces the stopping distances, helping the rider react quickly in an emergency braking situation.
Greater control: It helps the rider brake more effectively and take control of the situation.
Lower wear and tear: Without an anti-lock braking system, the rider would have to manually release the brake to reduce the chances of the wheels locking up. It can cause uneven tyre wear and increased stress on the brakes. ABS mitigates this wear and tear by automatically detecting the lock-up and modulating the brake pressure.
Higher rider confidence: It gives the rider the required confidence to stop quickly and safely, resulting in a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Importance of ABS in Bikes

There was a time when ABS was limited to bigger vehicles like cars, buses, etc. However, with the increasing number of bike accidents, the manufacturers have started offering ABS as a standard feature to improve road safety and provide more control to the rider, irrespective of the road surface.

In India, ABS is mandatory for bikes with an engine capacity of 150cc or above. ABS does come with an additional cost, but it is worth the money as it can save you from a potential crash. Hence, ABS is one of the essential safety equipment for a bike.

What is Dual Channel ABS in Bikes?

Dual channel ABS works similarly to single-channel ABS. However, in a dual-channel model, there are two independent brake channels, one for the front wheel and the other for the rear wheel, resulting in an increase in the bike’s braking efficiency. It is considered an advanced version of the single-channel ABS.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): Key Components

Here are the main parts of ABS in bikes.

1. Sensors

They are located on the bike wheels and are designed to detect wheel speed. They send signals to the anti-lock braking system control unit when the wheel is about to lock up.

2. Toothed disc

It helps the sensors to sense the speed of the wheel. It is typically located within the disc brake.

3. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

It receives signals from the ABS sensors, controls brake pressure, and prevents wheel lock-up. It is usually located under the motorcycle seat.

4. Valves

They are usually located at the brake callipers, designed to control the brake pressure.

5. Pump

Some ABS units are designed with a pump to increase the brake pressure quickly in case of sudden braking.

6. Actuator

The actuator physically modulates the brake pressure and works with valves to prevent wheel lock-up. The ECU primarily controls it.

7. Warning light

A warning light on the bike’s dashboard indicates whether the ABS is working correctly.

Common Misconceptions About ABS in Bikes

Despite being tested and proven, ABS is still debated about its effectiveness. Here are some misconceptions about ABS in two-wheelers.

ABS makes brakes less effective: An anti-lock braking system does not reduce the effectiveness of brakes. It increases the stopping power and reduces the stopping distance.
ABS is beneficial only on wet surfaces: ABS in motorcycles and scooters can be effective in various road conditions, including wet, dry and uneven terrain. Regardless of the type of terrain, ABS is found to be more effective than bikes without ABS.
ABS is unnecessary as I know how to brake properly: ABS is designed to offer an extra layer of safety and protection during hard braking. Even experienced riders can encounter unexpected situations or make mistakes, and ABS can help mitigate the consequences.
ABS is only for beginners: ABS offers enough confidence to riders since it helps mitigate the chances of slipping due to hard braking. Be it an experienced or a beginner, ABS is an important safety feature for all riders.

ABS increases the bike’s weight: The weight of an anti-lock braking system is negligent and would not impact the overall bike’s stability and control

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to some of the common questions about ABS in bikes.

Which is better ABS or non ABS?

ABS is always better as it prevents the wheels from locking up and helps the rider to stay in control at all times.

Is ABS safe in bike?

ABS is safe in bike. In fact, it is the essential safety feature in a two-wheeler.

What is the use of ABS?

The objective of the ABS is to prevent skidding due to wheels locking up due to sudden braking.

Is ABS mandatory for all bikes in India?

No, an anti-lock braking system is not mandatory for all motorcycles and scooters in India. It is only mandatory for bikes with an engine capacity of 150cc or above.

How often do I have to service my bike’s ABS?

The service intervals for ABS in motorcycles or scooters depend on the manufacturer and model. Please check the owner’s manual or the manufacturer for the recommended service intervals.

Which is the ideal bike insurance for bikes with ABS?

It is recommended to opt for a Comprehensive Bike Insurance Policy since it covers damages to the bike and third-party liabilities. Please read the inclusions and exclusions to understand if an anti-lock braking system is covered under the respective policy.

Is ABS mandatory for all bikes in India?

No, an anti-lock braking system is not mandatory for all motorcycles and scooters in India. However, it is increasingly becoming an essential part of rider safety, and manufacturers are offering products with ABS in modern two-wheelers.

How often do I have to service my bike’s ABS?

The service intervals for ABS in motorcycles or scooters depend on the manufacturer and model. Please check the owner’s manual or the manufacturer for the recommended service intervals.

Which is the ideal bike insurance for bikes with ABS?

It is recommended to opt for Comprehensive Bike Insurance Policy since it covers damages to the bike and third-party liabilities. Please read the inclusions and exclusions to understand if an anti-lock braking system is covered under the respective policy.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes.