BMW K1200 R Rider's Manual page 165

How does ABS work?
The maximum braking force
it is possible to transfer to the
carriageway depends, among
other things, on the road
surface's coefficient of friction.
Gravel, ice and snow, and
water on the road, have
significantly poorer coeffi-
cients of friction than a dry,
clean asphalt road surface.
The poorer the road's coeffi-
cient of friction, the longer the
braking distance.
If the maximum braking force it
is possible to apply to the road
is exceeded when the rider
increases brake pressure, the
wheels will begin to lock and
directional stability is lost; a fall
threatens. Before this situation
can arise, ABS intervenes and
About BMW Motorrad Integral ABS
adapts the braking pressure to
the maximum braking force
it is possible to transfer so that
the wheels continue to turn
and driving stability is main-
tained whatever the prevailing
road conditions.
What happens with bumps
in the road?
Corrugated road surfaces or
bumps in the road can cause
the tyres to temporarily lose
contact with the road surface
and hence the braking force it
is possible to apply to drop to
zero. If the brakes are applied
in this situation, the ABS must
reduce the braking pressure to
ensure driving stability when
contact with the road surface
is restored. At this moment,
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS
must assume extremely low
coefficients of friction (gravel,
ice, snow) so that the wheels
turn in any conceivable situa-
tion and thus the stability of
the motorcycle is ensured.
Once the actual circum-
stances are detected, the
system will set the brake pres-
sure to the optimum value.
What do we observe during
rider safety training?
Braking in which ABS has to
intervene has, by comparison
with normal braking, a signifi-
cantly higher demand for
electricity which puts a heavy
load on the battery. The
battery is constantly being
charged in normal riding so
that it always has sufficient
capacity available.
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