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Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Using the brakes correctly under adverse conditions
is the hardest – and yet the most critical - skill to
master for a rider. Braking is one of the most difficult
and dangerous moments when riding a two wheeled
motorcycle: the possibility of falling or having an
accident during this difficult moment is statistically
higher than any other moment. A locked front wheel
leads to loss of traction and stability, resulting in loss
of control.
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) has been
developed to enable riders to use the motorcycle
braking force to the fullest possible amount in
emergency braking or under poor pavement or
adverse weather conditions.
ABS uses hydraulics and electronics to limit pressure
in the brake circuit when a special sensor mounted to
the wheel informs the electronic control unit that the
wheel is about to lock up.
This avoids wheel lockup and preserves traction.
Pressure is raised back up immediately and the
control unit keeps controlling the brake until the risk
of a lockup disappears. Normally, the rider will
perceive ABS operation as a harder feel or a pulsation
of the brake lever and pedal.
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The front and rear brakes use separate control
systems, meaning that they operate independently.
Likewise, the ABS is not an integral braking system
and does not control both the front and rear brake at
the same time.
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