ABS technology in bikes and its relevance in Indian conditions

Motorcycles are now par cars when it comes to safety. Did you know why? It is for the reason that today’s motorcycles are launched with Anti-lock braking system technology, the technology that was originally a proprietary right of four wheelers has come down to scooters too.

What the heck is ABS technology?
Anti-lock braking system technology is a facility that provides maximum braking effect in the vehicles by preventing locking of the wheels in all weather situations.

Simplified…..when brakes are applied, the wheels will not get locked up, therefore two-wheeler skids and falls and/or crashes are reduced significantly. There are some studies that report a decreasing trend of head-on, rear-end and pedestrian crashes in those vehicles fitted with ABS technology as compared to vehicles minus the ABS technology.

Furthermore, through ABS technology there will be increased control of the bike and it would give increased on-road stability; whether on race tracks or on the highways.

Indian road conditions are generally prone to skids and crashes, and to prevent bikes from crashing, ABS technology has proved to be of great success. It also gives the rider, enhanced control of the vehicles as the wheels don’t get locked upon brake application under emergent situation.

By now, it has become an established fact that anti-lock braking system serves two-fold purposes. One on application of brakes, the technology allows the driver to maintain the steering control and second to shorten the breaking distance so that the driver is not afraid of skidding on application of brakes in any emergent situation.

Anti-lock braking system was first developed for aircrafts. The first ABS fitted ground vehicle was a car; Ford Granada Mk3. Anti lock braking technology is one that’s worked over and over since the 1930s. A typical ABS will consist of an electronic unit, four-speed sensors, hydraulic valves (either two or more) on the brake circuit. It is the electronic unit that monitors the wheel rotation and senses whether any wheels is rotating slower.

On high traction surfaces, ABS equipped motorcycles will benefit from shorter braking distance. In gravel and snow bikes with ABS technology reduces the possibility of loss of control of the vehicle and can assist to lock multiple wheels at a time.

In India, TVS Motor Company has manufactured indigenous ABS technology for its two wheelers and has applied for the patent of the same.