What is ABS in a Bike and How Does it Work?

Each year, new car models are launched with some brand-new features or an old feature getting revamped. A few years ago, this norm was limited to just four-wheelers. In recent years, even the two-wheeler industry has been revolutionised with features that have brought it on par with four-wheelers. One such feature is the introduction of anti-lock braking system (ABS). This has probably changed the experience of bike riding for almost each owner. What is ABS? How does it make your bike safer? Here’s what you need to know about this feature.

What is ABS in bikes?

In older models of two-wheelers, the braking system was quite basic. They were fitted with something known as drum brakes. The working principle of drum brakes was simple. There was a component known as a brake shoe. When brakes were applied, this brake shoe used to expand and come into contact with the drum lining. The friction created due this contact used to stop the two-wheeler. But there was major flaw with drum brakes. When the brakes were applied, the two-wheeler used to skid. This skidding is a major cause of two-wheelers on Indian roads, especially on jam-packed roads or during wet conditions where the road has a sludge, a mix of water and mud. So, how is ABS an improvement? Drum brakes operated on the ‘wheel locking principle’. When the brakes were applied, the wheels used to get ‘locked’, i.e., they used to stop rotating abruptly. While the wheels were locked, the two-wheeler often used to skid a little, making the rider lose control and crash into another vehicle or structure. This led to severe injuries and damage to private and public property. Not having a bike insurance policy can be a disadvantage in such situations. As the name suggests, the anti-locking system in ABS is focused on reducing this locking. This helps in lowering the chances of any mishap taking place.

How Does ABS Work in Bikes?

The ABS is made up of the following parts:

- Electronic Speed Sensor

Located on the wheel hub, this sensor is used to measure the velocity of the wheel, and the acceleration of the vehicle.

- Toothed Disc

It works together with the speed sensor for measuring the wheel’s speed. This is located in the brake disc

- Electronic Control Unit

This is a micro processing unit and is the main component of the ABS, as it has pre-written commands which help the ABS operate efficiently. It is generally located under the seat of the two-wheeler.

- Controller Valve

This electric valve assists in controlling the pressure applied in a brake cylinder. As it is electrically operated, it is also placed along with the ECU. The speed sensors which are located on the wheel constantly keep a track of the speed of the wheel and compare it with the speed that the ECU predicts. If brakes are applied the and the braking force causes the speed of the wheel to be greater than that predicted by the ECU, the controller valve immediately takes over, reducing this force while maintaining an optimum deceleration level. This prevents locking of the wheel and furthermore prevents any skidding which might take place. This makes ABS more beneficial during situations where the brakes could kick in suddenly. In drum brakes, there is the ECU or wheel sensors to monitor the wheel speed and compare it with any other predicted speed limit. When brakes are applied, the force generally tends to be greater. As the braking force brings the speed of the wheels to zero immediately, and with no deceleration, the wheels get locked which leads to skidding.

Advantages of ABS in Bikes

Having ABS in your two-wheeler can make the experience of riding smoother and safer in the following ways:

- Safe distance is maintained

A major concern during the braking of a two-wheeler is the distance that it covers after the brakes have been applied. For two-wheelers with drum brakes, the wheel locking which causes the vehicle to skid takes it a bit further than intended. This is due to a lack of friction between the wheels and the roads after braking. If in any unfortunate circumstance, there is a vehicle or person in front of the vehicle, it can get disastrous. As the ABS reduces the brake force and allows the vehicle to safely decelerate, the stopping distance gets reduced by a huge margin, thus avoiding any unnecessary incidents. An indirect supplementary advantage, is that in the future, the probability of accidents get reduced, saving you the need to go through any bike insurance claim process and cover damages.

- Sudden Braking Becomes Less Risky

The principle mentioned above is applied in situations where sudden braking is inevitable. This can be in traffic or other situations. The ABS ensures that you can control the vehicle, since the chances of locking and skidding get reduced.

- Mishaps Are Averted On Slippery Surfaces

On slippery surfaces (wet surface or a surface containing sludge and potholes), in comparison to drum brakes that can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, ABS tries to distribute the braking force equally on both the wheels, making it easier for you to control the vehicle. This also allows you to stop the vehicle in a straight line.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): Key Components

1. Wheel Speed Sensors

These sensors monitor the rotational speed of each wheel, providing real-time data to the ECU. If a wheel is about to lock up, the system detects a drastic change in speed and adjusts braking pressure to prevent it.

2. Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)

The HCU is responsible for regulating brake fluid pressure during an ABS intervention. It modulates the pressure to prevent the wheels from locking up, ensuring the vehicle maintains stability and control while braking.

3. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

The ECU processes input from the wheel speed sensors and controls the braking system. It determines when to activate the ABS based on changes in wheel speed and adjusts brake pressure accordingly to prevent wheel lockup.

4. Brake Modulator

The brake modulator adjusts the brake pressure in response to signals from the ECU. It helps maintain the ideal braking force by releasing or increasing pressure on the brakes, preventing wheel lockup and enhancing vehicle control.

5. Pump

The ABS pump restores hydraulic pressure in the braking system when needed. After the HCU releases brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup, the pump ensures that the brake fluid returns to the system to maintain proper braking performance.

6. Warning Light

The ABS warning light on the dashboard illuminates if there is a malfunction in the ABS system. It indicates to the driver that the ABS is either disabled or not functioning properly, requiring attention or repair.

What is the Difference Between ABS and Non-ABS Bikes

How ABS System Improves Your Riding Safety?

1. Prevents Wheel Lockup: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) continuously monitors the speed of the wheels and adjusts brake pressure to prevent them from locking up during sudden or hard braking, especially on slippery surfaces.
2. Improves Vehicle Control: By maintaining wheel rotation, ABS helps the rider maintain better control during emergency braking, reducing the risk of skidding or losing traction, especially on wet, icy, or uneven roads.
3. Reduces Stopping Distance: ABS helps shorten the stopping distance by allowing the rider to apply maximum braking force without the wheels locking up, leading to more efficient braking on various surfaces.
4. Enhances Stability: ABS ensures that the brakes don’t over-apply or cause instability, especially in emergency situations, helping the rider maintain balance and avoid accidents.
5. Reduces Risk of Accidents: By improving braking efficiency and maintaining stability, ABS reduces the overall risk of accidents, particularly in emergency situations where quick stopping is critical.
6. Increased Confidence: Knowing that the ABS system will optimize braking in critical situations gives riders more confidence, especially in unpredictable conditions like rain, gravel, or wet roads.

Conclusion

The benefits of ABS mentioned in this article might make you rethink about the two-wheeler you are looking for. When carrying out research, it is important to check that the two-wheeler has ABS in it to have a safe riding experience. But simply relying on the safety provided by ABS is not enough. It is important to have an additional layer of safety in the form of two-wheeler insurance. Use the bike insurance premium calculator to get a quote that suits your budget.

FAQs

How much does ABS cost?

The cost of ABS on a bike can range between ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 depending on the bike model and the manufacturer, as it adds additional components and technology.

Is a bike safe without ABS?

While a non-ABS bike can still be safe, it lacks the added security ABS provides, especially during emergency braking. Without ABS, there’s a higher risk of losing control, especially on slippery surfaces.

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

ABS generally requires minimal servicing. It’s recommended to have it checked during routine service intervals, typically every 6,000 to 10,000 km, or when you notice issues like ABS warning lights or unusual braking behavior.

Is it good to have ABS on a bike?

Yes, ABS significantly enhances safety by preventing wheel lockup, improving control, and reducing the risk of accidents, especially in emergency braking situations or on slippery surfaces.

Can we hit ABS daily?

ABS is designed to work under normal and emergency braking conditions. There's no harm in using it regularly, but it should activate only during situations where hard braking is required. It’s not meant for daily activation in normal riding.

Can we add ABS to a normal bike?

Adding ABS to a bike not originally designed for it is complex and costly. It involves retrofitting with new components, including the ABS system, sensors, and wiring. It’s generally not recommended unless the bike is specifically compatible.

What is the full form of ABS in bikes?

ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking to maintain control and reduce the risk of skidding.

Which is better, ABS or non-ABS?

ABS is better, especially for safety. It reduces the risk of wheel lockup, improves braking control, shortens stopping distances, and enhances overall stability, making it ideal for emergency situations and varying road conditions.

What is the use of ABS?

The use of ABS is to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, maintaining traction and control, reducing stopping distances, and improving overall stability and safety, especially in slippery or emergency situations.

Is ABS mandatory for all bikes in India?

Yes, as per government regulations, ABS is mandatory for all two-wheelers above 125cc in India, effective from April 2019. This regulation aims to improve road safety and reduce accidents.   *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.