Anti-lock brakes are cool. Most people don’t know this, but Bosch brought their first version of this technology to market back in 1978. This month, 33 years later, Bosch has laid out their next generation anti-lock braking system (ABS) system – and this time it’s for motorcycles. And I thought their Bosch impact drivers were cool! The new system from Bosch is extremely lightweight (go figure!) and inexpensive, so it doesn’t take up much room and may drop the price of entry, making it available on even lower-priced models. In fact, the new ABS core system weighs just 1.5 lbs – fully 1/2 the size and weight of their previous iterations of the technology. Bosch ABS Brakes for Motorcycles are based on a modular generation introduced in November of 2009 and can work with any hydraulic braking system. What makes this unique is that all other motorcycle ABS systems are based on existing automobile systems.
Bosch ABS Brakes for Motorcycles
ABS brakes are just starting to catch on with motorcycles – primarily due to cost and size. While 80 percent of new automobiles use the technology, only one out of every 100 bikes does worldwide. This new Bosch ABS Brakes for Motorcycles system was developed in Bosch’s Japan division and seems well-positioned to take advantage of recent movements in Europe (via the EU Commission) to make ABS permanent on motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles by 2017. Their contention is that over 500 lives per year could be saved if ABS were made mandatory. We’re not sure we’d share the same level of confidence in those numbers, but in any case there is expected to be a big decision handed down later this year. If Bosch can help make ABS more affordable (and if you look at cars, ABS is more or less ubiquitous) then this may not be such a difficult decision, excepting smaller two-wheeled vehicles like scooters and entry-level bikes which could be priced out of the market as a result.
How’s It Work?
Bosch’s 9th generation of ABS Brakes for Motorcycles, at only half the size of its predecessor, is also modular, so it can be modified, adapted, and made to work efficiently in a variety of two-wheeled applications (provided a hydraulic braking system is utilized). This ABS 9 system is profound because it offers full anti-lock braking in such a compact “half-size” form factor. ABS actually makes it easier to drive, particularly for inexperienced drivers (of course it also helps the crazy ones be more daring, since they can decelerate much more quickly). On larger, more powerful bikes there is an added bonus: ABS keeps the rear wheel on the ground and thus keeps them from flipping over when the brakes are applied.
About eCBS
ABS 9 enhanced, the most powerful version, offers the additional eCBS function. eCBS stands for electronic combined brake system. What this means is a novel combination of front and rear brake. In this integrated version, it is enough for the rider to operate just one of the two brakes – front or rear: ABS 9 enhanced automatically applies the second brake without the rider having to apply more pressure and without changing braking strength. The motorbike can thus brake safely both on wet surfaces and on dry surfaces with a good grip.
Some of us at PTR drive motorcycles and we can say for certain that Bosch ABS Brakes for motorcycles would make for a safer, more confidence-inspiring ride. Knowing that Bosch is working on a less-expensive, modular, more adaptable ABS system is music to our ears. Now that’s a tool I want to see on my next bike!
