Bosch’s new motorcycle ABS 10 goes into production with Kawasaki and Suzuki

Following the introduction of the Bosch motorcycle ABS 10 at EICMA 2015, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ABS will be launched globally as the world’s first production model to be fitted with this system. Furthermore, the 2018 model of the Suzuki GSX-S125 ABS will also feature the system.

Although nearly 30 percent lighter and 45 percent smaller than the current ABS 9, ABS 10 still has all the high-level standard features and functions of its predecessor. This makes the system especially suitable for the small two-wheelers that are particularly popular in emerging markets.

90 percent of all two-wheelers produced in Asia

By 2021, approximately 16 crore two-wheelers will be produced annually, roughly one-third more than today. Nearly 90 percent of these will be built in China, India, and Southeast Asia.

“Bosch has designed and launched motorcycle ABS 10 with the aim of bringing this key safety technology to all vehicle classes and markets,” says Geoff Liersch, head of the Bosch Two-Wheeler and Powersports business unit.

Every year, 21,000 fatal bike accidents occur in Indonesia and Thailand. Moreover, India alone saw over 34,000 two-wheeler accidents last year. Studies by Bosch accident research indicate that, if every two-wheeler were equipped with ABS, approximately one in four of these accidents could be prevented. The antilock braking system gives riders more confidence, allowing them to react faster and brake harder. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during emergency braking, so the bike remains stable, helping riders to stay upright.

More countries adopting standard motorcycle ABS

Worldwide, an increasing number of countries are mandating motorcycle ABS. Earlier this year in April, the Indian government issued a notification to equip all two-wheelers above 125cc with an ABS from 2018. In the European Union, motorcycle ABS legislation has been enacted, and will applied from the beginning of 2017 to all newly registered vehicles with an engine displacement over 125 cc.

Similar legislation will also apply in Japan from 2018, and in Taiwan from 2019. Brazil plans to mandate ABS for all existing vehicle types with an engine displacement over 300 cc, with legislation being enacted between 2016 and 2019. Motorcycle ABS is also on the political agenda in the United States, Australia, and Ecuador.

Technological innovations beyond ABS

Since 1995, Bosch has manufactured more than two million motorcycle ABS units. In 2013, Bosch developed motorcycle stability control (MSC), the world’s first “all-in-one” safety system for two-wheelers. By monitoring two-wheeler-specific parameters such as lean angle, the system can instantaneously adjust its electronic braking and acceleration interventions to suit the riding status.

This prevents the bike from lowsiding or righting itself when braking through a corner. But the development of two-wheeler safety systems doesn’t stop there. In the shape of the SVA side view assist, Bosch has launched the world’s first advanced rider assistance system for two-wheelers. Using ultrasonic sensors, side view assist detects blind spots and helps riders avoid collisions when changing lanes.

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