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Understanding Motorcycle ABS – Anti Lock Braking Systems

Last Update: 28 October 2021

Understanding Motorcycle ABS - Anti Lock Braking Systems - MOTORESS
Understanding Motorcycle ABS – Anti Lock Braking Systems

As safety becomes increasingly more important in motorcycling and riding motorcycles, more and more models are equipped with motorcycle ABS – Anti-lock Braking Systems. In fact its standard in all BMW motorcycles and will for all in the near future. In addition to ABS, attention is placed on Combined Brake Systems (CBS), that link the brake circuits to best distribute the brake forces between the front and rear wheels. It’s therefore important to understand how motorcycle ABS works for you.

Motorcycle ABS Enhanced with Electronic Combined Brake System – eCBS

Combined Brake Systems (CBS) are controlled mechanically or electronically. The mechanical type is not widely used as it requires specially designed brake components. In addition, the mechanical type is not able to cover certain braking conditions. In contrast, “Electronic Combined Brake Systems” (eCBS) are using conventional master cylinders and calipers and are able to optimise the brake performance to the particular driving situation.

For increased driving safety, especially on large and heavy motorcycles, Bosch has developed ABS enhanced which includes eCBS. With a weight of 1.6 kilograms and a volume of 1.2 litres, this Anti-lock Braking System is one of the smallest and lightest worldwide.

Motorcycle ABS Characteristics

ABS enhanced is available as a two-channel system for active pressure build up at the rear wheel, or as a three-channel system for active pressure build up at both wheels.

For the eCBS function, additional valves and up to four pressure sensors are integrated into the ABS hydraulic unit. Therefore, the configuration of the ABS can be applied to the specific motorcycle characteristics.
Rider benefits

  • Improved ABS performance u Optimised brake force distribution through eCBS
  • Excellent vehicle stability during braking with significant reduction in stopping distance
  • eCBS switches off automatically at low speeds so there is no impact on the handling of the motorcycle in tight curves
  • Intelligent Rear-wheel Lift-up Mitigation
  • Improved comfort due to value-added functions such as Traction Control and Hill Hold Control

ABS enhanced allows the motorcyclist to enjoy a safe and more comfortable ride by efficiently distributing the rider’s braking force between the front and the rear wheel – independent of which brake is activated. Measuring the rider‘s brake input and other parameters such as the speed, the system calculates the optimal brake force distribution in every braking situation.

ABS enhanced improves the motorcycle stability and helps to shorten the stopping distance, even in case of panic braking with only the rear brake applied by the rider. This is how inexperienced riders can safely achieve maximum deceleration.

In addition, ABS enhanced reduces suspension pitch. This minimises inappropriate chassis reactions/motions and physical limits during braking can be utilised better.

ABS enhanced features special software adaptations and different driving mode settings, e.g. sport or comfort mode. In addition, the system enables value added functions such as Traction Control and Hill Hold Control. The eCBS and ABS function can be switched off.

Rear-wheel Lift-up Mitigation

For some bikes, rear-wheel lift-up during emergency braking is almost inevitable due to the significant dynamic wheel-load changes. To counteract this effect, Bosch has developed the Rear-wheel Lift-up Mitigation function. ABS enhanced uses the information of the integrated pressure sensors in addition to the wheel speed sensor signals to judge the state of the vehicle at any time. If the ABS control unit detects that the rear wheel is about to lift up during braking, it adjusts the pressure in the front brake circuit to recover rear-wheel grip.

Hill Hold Control

Hill starts are not always easy, particularly when the motorcycle is heavy. The optional Hill Hold Control function prevents the motorcycle from accidentally rolling backward. Based on information from a longitudinal acceleration sensor, Hill Hold Control identifies if the motorcycle is on a slope and at a standstill. After the rider has released the brake, the function automatically keeps the brakes applied for a moment. The rider can then start off without rolling backward.

Chassis Systems Control ABS base /ABS plus

Referring to the Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for motorcycles assists the rider while braking in critical driving situations. The system prevents wheel lock-up and ensures bike stability as well as optimal deceleration while braking. ABS therefore significantly reduces the risk of falling and reduces stopping distance.

Rider benefits:

  • Product design specific for motorcycles, meets highest demands regarding box volume and weight
  • Fits all vehicle classes, including small bikes and scooters
  • High vibration resistance
  • Increased comfort through excellent brake lever feel
  • Intelligent Rear-wheel Lift-up Mitigation

Bosch, the pioneer of ABS development, has offered Anti-lock Braking Systems for motorcycles since 1994. Based on decades of experience, Bosch sets a new benchmark for motorcycle riding safety with the generation 9 of ABS for motorcycles.

Understanding Motorcycle ABS - Anti Lock Braking Systems - MOTORESS
Understanding Motorcycle ABS – Anti Lock Braking Systems

Characteristics:   In the past, Anti-lock Braking Systems for motorcycles have typically been carried over from passenger cars, with little adaptation to motorcycle requirements. However, generation 9 of ABS base and ABS plus has been specifically designed to fulfil the motorcycle size and weight requirements. Compared to ABS generation 8, box volume and weight were reduced by half and the ABS software algorithm was modified to match the newly downsized hardware. The optimised control of the electric motor for the return pump results in enhanced brake lever feel and improved noise behaviour.

ABS base and ABS plus fulfil strict requirements regarding vibration resistance as the magnet valve coils and the printed circuit board are mounted directly on the hydraulic unit.

Operating principle:   Speed sensors at both wheels register the rotational speed. If a wheel risks locking due to intense braking or slippery road conditions, the ABS hydraulic unit reduces the braking pressure applied by the rider and controls the wheel speed as well as the vehicle deceleration. This preserves the gyrostatic effect of the wheel and keeps the bike stable, even on varying surfaces. This is how the rider can safely achieve the shortest possible stopping distance.

The generation 9 ABS systems are modular and scalable. They also feature a dedicated control strategy for each vehicle class, such as cruisers, sport bikes, scooters or mopeds. ABS base, the basic ABS version for motorcycles, offers proven protection against the locking of the wheels during braking and is suitable for all powered two wheelers with hydraulic front and rear-wheel brakes. ABS plus, in addition, contains an integrated pressure sensor to fulfil the highest demands in the detection and mitigation of rear-wheel lift-up. ABS plus enables enhanced vehicle stability during extreme stopping manoeuvres. This makes it especially suitable for high performance bikes such as sports and super sport bikes.

Rear-wheel Lift-up Mitigation

For some bikes, rear-wheel lift-up during emergency braking is almost inevitable due to the significant dynamic wheel-load changes. To counteract this effect, Bosch has developed the Rear-wheel Lift-up Mitigation function.

While motorcycle ABS base provides a basic protection against rear-wheel lift-up, ABS plus offers enhanced rear-wheel lift-up protection using the information of the integrated pressure sensor in addition to the wheel-speed sensor signals to judge the state of the vehicle at any time. If the ABS control unit detects that the rear wheel is about to lift up during braking, it adjusts the pressure in the front brake circuit to recover rear wheel grip.

*source Bosch / Robert Bosch GmbH


 


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