What is ABS and how does it work

Everybody loves riding, but anything can go wrong at any given point and having good breaks ensure the safety of both the rider and others.

There are situations when we have to apply sudden brakes due to numerous reasons. Sudden braking locks the wheel and next thing you know, you are getting both your bike and bones assembled. This is a very common scenario for riders as they are more vulnerable to losing balance.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) comes to your rescue when you apply sudden brake. They prevent locking the motorcycle wheels and keeps it rotating until the bike stabilizes. They help in adjusting the pressure applied on brake in such a way that bike doesn't skid when emergency brakes are applied. Studies have also shown that ABS helps in reducing the braking distance.

Source: Google Images

ABS comprises of three basic components:

1)      Slotted Rings

2)      ECU (Electronic Control Unit)

3)      Hydraulic system

Working Mechanism:

Slotted rings are available on either one wheel or both depending upon the type of ABS bike has, i.e. single channel or dual channel ABS. These have sensors which are attached near disc petals and they keep monitoring the speed of the wheels as soon as bike starts moving. 

Source: Google Images

This data is then send to ECU, which analyses them and adjust the hydraulic system when wheels are about to lock. Hydraulic system is responsible for stopping bikes having disc brakes. Therefore, it is not possible to have ABS on bikes having drum brakes. This system is controlled by ECU which helps in adjusting the pressure applied on brakes based on the data received from slotted rings to avoid wheel locking.

Source : Google Images

In case ABS is turned off, hydraulic unit works mechanically where it is not controlled by ECU to adjust the pressure applied to breaks.

There are bikes with different sensors such as “lean Angle” or “Handlebar position”, which sends data to ECU to stabilize the bike.

Cheers !!