ABS for two wheels

In 2008, the number of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents in the European Union amounted to 5520 – 14% of all road deaths. Since the introduction and standardization of ABS has lowered

 the mortality of car drivers, hopes are high that a similar effect can be realized for cyclists.

 The European figure has scarcely changed since 1997, yet the number of fatal accidents involving car drivers fell significantly during the same period – by 49%, as an analysis of 17 European countries shows. According to the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the risk of suffering a fatal accident is 18 times greater for motorcyclists than for car drivers in Europe, assuming that the same distance is travelled.

And although the first antilock braking system to be installed in a motorcycle dates back to 1988, just 16% of all newly manufactured motorcycles in Europe are equipped with this safety system. In passenger cars, by contrast, a self-commitment on the part of automakers made ABS standard equipment in 2004.
By making ABS mandatory for motorcycles, the EU commission hopes to make driving safer for motorcyclists. This requirement is part of the recently presented draft framework regulation for motorcycles, and is intended to apply to motorcycles with more than 125 cc displacement. The proposal is currently passing through the EU legislative procedure, and will likely be adopted next year. The regulation is to come into effect from 2017.
Experts regard the antilock braking system as a huge boost for safety. For example, a benefit analysis conducted for the European Commission calculates that the proposed regulation will allow the number of fatal accidents among motorcyclists to be reduced by more than 5000 over a ten-year period. A study presented by Vägverket, the Swedish highways authority, in October 2009 shows that 38% of all motorcycle accidents involving personal injury and 48% of all serious and fatal accidents could be prevented with the help of ABS. This active safety system allows motorcyclists to brake safely in critical situations without locking the wheels, and thus without having to fear an inevitable fall. Braking distance is also reduced considerably.

Suppliers all used to use ABS technology for passenger cars as basis for their motorcycle systems. Now, the experts at the Bosch engineering centre in Japan have designed a series specifically for motorcycles. With greatly reduced volume and weighing just 0.7 kilograms, the entry-level product »ABS 9 base« is half the size and weight of its predecessor. This makes it by far the most compact system in the market. Its design is also cost-effective, which is important if it is to be used widely in all motorcycles with hydraulic brake systems. The ADAC, the largest Automobile Association in Germany, has recognized this new system by presenting its Award »Gelber Engel« (yellow angel) in the category innovation and environment. Bosch produced its first motorcycle ABS as early as 1994.

»The ABS 9 systems for motorcycles are the world’s smallest, « says Dr. Werner Struth, president of the Bosch Chassis Systems Control division. »This is our way of encouraging manufacturers to install this life-saving safety system in all motorcycles equipped with hydraulic brakes«. Bosch began producing the new motorcycle ABS in late 2009.

Comments

[sewa mobil]

Nice article, thanks for the information.

[Car reviews]

Thanks for sharing this great article! I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. It is extremely helpful for me. I hope you post again soon.

[motorcycle injury los angeles]

A lot of biking enthusiasts as well as bike clubs support the ABS movement on making it a compliance and standard act. It is for the safety of the biker.