Understanding ABS for Motorcycles

When you are learning how to ride a motorcycle, swerving and stopping are important topics that are discussed in motorcycle safety courses. In recent years, motorcycle brands have made an effort to make motorcycles safer by adding an anti-lock brake system (ABS). Although ABS is starting to become more popular, many riders still do not understand what ABS is and what it does to a motorcycle. Here is everything you need to know about ABS for motorcycles.

What is ABS?

ABS stands for “anti-lock brake system.” This system prevents a motorcycle’s wheels from locking when you have to make a hard brake. The purpose of ABS is to help the rider maintain control and stability of the motorcycle when having to make a sudden and firm brake. The ABS system regulates the pressure of the brake fluid so it can maintain traction and avoid a collision by decreasing the stopping distance. The ABS system on a motorcycle helps to maintain your motorcycle in the upright position in situations where a motorcycle without the ABS system will likely go down.

How Does it Work?

Having ABS on a motorcycle will significantly increase your safety. When you instantly brake, the ABS sends signals that are received by a module and it counts the number of times the signal is sent by the ring and sensor on the wheel. The system knows when the wheel is about to lock because of the dramatic decrease in the frequency of the signal pulses. The ABS system will then decrease the pressure to the brake system to allow the wheels to spin and then reapplies the braking force.

Is Having ABS Safer?

Many riders question if the ABS module really makes a motorcycle safer because it is not something that is required on a motorcycle. However, just because it is not legally required does not mean it is not effective for safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has reported that fatal crashes on a motorcycle are 31% lower when motorcycles are equipped with ABS. Having ABS on your motorcycle is a great safety feature because it does not engage unless it needs to.

Does it Add A Lot of Weight to your Bike?

A lot of riders are against ABS because the extra system module adds weight to your motorcycle and clutters up the aesthetics of the motorcycle. ABS components add a maximum of 4 to 8 lbs. to the overall weight of a motorcycle. Riders do not like motorcycles that are too heavy because it decreases the motorcycle's performance.

Is ABS Expensive to Add?

The reason why ABS is not installed in every motorcycle is that it increases the price of the bike. Wanting ABS on a motorcycle definitely comes with a cost increase. When comparing the same motorcycle model with ABS and one without ABS, the price difference can be hundreds to thousands of dollars. However, many riders are willing to invest the extra money to have ABS because it will increase their personal safety when riding.

Can You Add ABS to Your Motorcycle Later?

Many riders who already own a non-ABS motorcycle always want to know if they can add ABS to their motorcycle. ABS is a very complex feature and needs specialized equipment and skills to install it. Since the ABS system is not bolt-on devices, they require an adjustment to the aesthetics of the motorcycle. It will probably be a lot cheaper for you to sell your current bike and purchase a bike with ABS already installed.

What Types of Motorcycles Need ABS?

The reason why all motorcycles are not required to have ABS is that not all motorcycle models really need it. Anti-lock brake systems are intended to be used for hard pavement because its task is to reduce the skid and increase control. The ABS module will be a great addition to a city rider, but definitely not an off-roader. Off-road riders do not want a reduction when skidding because that is what gives an off-road bike the friction it needs to stop the bike. The anti-lock braking system is definitely a better option for motorcycles that are meant to be ridden on cement roads.

Do You NEED to have ABS?

The big question here is; do you absolutely NEED to have ABS installed in your motorcycle? You do not need to have ABS on your motorcycle because if ABS was absolutely necessary to have, then it would be a requirement for all bikes. Although it is not required, it does ultimately make your motorcycle safer on the road. If you want a motorcycle to ride on paved roads, it will not be a bad idea to get one with ABS. The anti-lock brake system can potentially save you from collisions.

Conclusion:

Although you are not required to have ABS installed on your motorcycle, it is a great way to stay safe on the road. ABS allows the rider to maintain control and stability of the motorcycle when having to make a sudden and firm brake, thus preventing a serious accident. Although ABS does slightly increase the weight and price of a motorcycle, it is a great tool to have when riding.

Related:

- 5 Safety Tips to Ride a Motorcycle

- What Motorcycle is Right for You?

- 10 Tips for Daily Motorcycle Commuting

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