ABS on a Bike

[Naughty Magpie]

Does this mean that the front or back wheels never lock up? I was curious because, when I was practising for my test, specifically the emergency stop, I locked up the front wheel & came crashing down and it hurt!

So, what exactly does ABS do on a bike? Are you less likely to lock up the wheels or doesn't it do much in the way of minimising a learners mistakes? (which I do plenty of!)

I've now passed my test and many newer bikes offer ABS & I just wanted to ask your advice.

Hannah.



>> Edited by Naughty Magpie on Thursday 20th April 11:38

[rsvmilly]

It works in a similar fashion to a car system so yes, it should iron out clumsy or emergency braking

[black-k1]

ABS doesn't always stop the wheel locking up, but does make certain that if a lock up happens then the brakes are released quickly enough to ensure the wheel continues going in the correct direction.

I’ve had a number of bikes with ABS and would highly recommend it. I’ve only ever once fired off the front ABS (gravel in the road at a point where an emergency stop was required) but once is enough!

While it makes little to no difference in dry weather, it gives loads of extra confidence in the wet and other reduced grip situations.

The down side is that it does add a little extra weight and complexity (and cost!) in a motorcycling world where it appears that every kg counts and increased cost is only allowed with a corresponding increase in bhp.

I do wish more bikes were offered with ABS as an option.

[sliced bread]

But if you put the brakes on while you're leaning over, ABS or no ABS, you'll still fall off.

[Davel]

Had it on my first bike, an F650GS and also have it on my latest, an R1200GS.

It is expensive but it's also nice to know it's there if you ever need it.

[slim_boy_fat]

black-k1 said:

ABS doesn't always stop the wheel locking up, but does make certain that if a lock up happens then the brakes are released quickly enough to ensure the wheel continues going in the correct direction.

Not really the case, ABS will sense how quickly the wheel is slowing down and anticipate that its going to lock, but the wheel should not lock.

Older ABS was not great but the new stuff is much more safisticated, there is a fine line between ABS activating too early and increasing braking distance and it coming in too late and the wheels have locked.

[slim_boy_fat]

sliced bread said:

But if you put the brakes on while you're leaning over, ABS or no ABS, you'll still fall off.

Have you ever riden a motorbike not one of those bmx type bikes, as thats just not the case, or bollox as some would say.

[rsvmilly]

slim_boy_fat said:

sliced bread said: But if you put the brakes on while you're leaning over, ABS or no ABS, you'll still fall off. Have you ever riden a motorbike not one of those bmx type bikes, as thats just not the case, or bollox as some would say.

Depends how close to the edge you are riding although at that point simply lifting off the throttle could have you off. The sudden loading of the front might be enough to overwhelm it.

[slim_boy_fat]

rsvmilly said:

slim_boy_fat said: sliced bread said: But if you put the brakes on while you're leaning over, ABS or no ABS, you'll still fall off. Have you ever riden a motorbike not one of those bmx type bikes, as thats just not the case, or bollox as some would say. Depends how close to the edge you are riding although at that point simply lifting off the throttle could have you off. The sudden loading of the front might be enough to overwhelm it.

Lolss and yes you obviously ride so close to the edge on the road Remind me never to be on the road when your about!!!

[rsvmilly]

slim_boy_fat said:

rsvmilly said: slim_boy_fat said: sliced bread said: But if you put the brakes on while you're leaning over, ABS or no ABS, you'll still fall off. Have you ever riden a motorbike not one of those bmx type bikes, as thats just not the case, or bollox as some would say. Depends how close to the edge you are riding although at that point simply lifting off the throttle could have you off. The sudden loading of the front might be enough to overwhelm it. Lolss and yes you obviously ride so close to the edge on the road Remind me never to be on the road when your about!!!

Never said I did ride that close to the limit. I'm just playing devils advocate in saying that braking (ABS or no) whilst the bike is banked over could result in an off. The effect of this will be more pronounced when grip levels are lower. It is not as simple as the previous poster says - ie braking whilst banked = crash - but there is some truth in what he says.

[sliced bread]

A rather more considered response rsvmilly than the one sbf gave and, yes, sbf, I have ridden (and owned) very many motorcycles, including one or two with ABS. Never had a BMX bike though.

>> Edited by sliced bread on Friday 21st April 12:05

[slim_boy_fat]

sliced bread said:

A rather more considered response rsvmilly than the one sbf gave and, yes, sbf, I have ridden (and owned) very many motorcycles, including one or two with ABS. Never had a BMX bike though. >> Edited by sliced bread on Friday 21st April 12:05

Oh hark at her!!!

Don’t make daft statements then and you won’t get a daft response. Any way you look at it you statement is mince, I find it hard to believe anyone who has ridden a motorbike at length would even suggest such. Considering most racers (for the sake of other) who ride on the limit, will brake right up to the apex of corners and not fall off you can see where I am coming from.

Enter a corner too fast on the road an you have 3 options really, lean over more, run wide or use you brakes and try and slow a little. Most off us will roll off the throttle and maybe even use a little rear brake, and depending on the bike maybe some front brake too.

Is that ok for you.

[sliced bread]

Thanks for your patience dear - are you a top-flight racer yoursef then or is this the stuff that we all watch Valentino do? Certainly makes it look easy doesn't he? Beats me why all the others don't ride exactly the same as him.

My initial post was merely meant to add a note of caution - if you check back you'll find that the original post was by a novice rider looking for guidance and to just tell her that ABS stops wheels locking could conceivably lead to the conclusion that it's then OK to slap your brakes on while leant over for a corner. No problem, surely? They've said the wheels won't lock up so I'll be fine.

If you believe that no-one would think like that then you only need to consider the wide misunderstanding of the ABS function on cars, where any number of drivers believe it to drastically shorten their stopping distance, rather than being a way of retaining steering whilst braking at full whack.