Continental’s one-channel ABS goes on Vespa Primavera and Sprint

Just like cars, it is also important for two-wheelers to remain stable during a panic braking manoeuvre. Approximately one- fifth of all motorcycle accidents could be prevented if the bike had been fitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

To improve the active safety of motorcycles, international automotive supplier Continental has expanded – based on its proven ABS technology for passenger cars – its range of electronic braking systems by introducing a One-Channel ABS for smaller motorcycles and scooters. Earlier this year, the safety system went into series production in the Vespa Primavera and the Vespa Sprint from the Italian manufacturer Piaggio Group.

“Our involvement in such top sellers makes us proud and underlines the claim made by Continental that we can provide innovative solutions to our customers,” said Ronan Le Roy, Head of the motorcycle business within the Vehicle Dynamics Business Unit of Continental’s Chassis & Safety Division.

With a box volume of less than 300 cubic centimetres and weighing around 420 grams, the One-Channel ABS is very light and can be easily applied to suit the widest range of motorcycle and scooter models. ABS control of the front wheel stops it from locking up even during a panic brake by the driver and prevents a fall. A wheel speed sensor constantly monitors the front wheel’s turning speed and from this the algorithms in the control unit calculate whether braking could potentially cause the front wheel to lock up. If so, the system will reduce the brake pressure, thus preventing loss of directional stability and road holding.

The One-Channel ABS complements Continental’s portfolio of motorcycle systems currently in series production: Motorcycle Integral Brake Systems and Motorcycle ABS (Two- and Three-Channel ABS). The Piaggio Group’s Vespa GTS 300, the Piaggio Beverly, Vespa 946, Piaggio X10 as well as motorcycles are available with a two-channel ABS. The Piaggio MP3 is equipped with a three-Channel ABS. “In line with our motto, ‘Safety for Everyone’, we want to make the One-Channel ABS available to all road users and offer the world’s motorcyclists a significant safety gain,” said Lothar Kienle, Head of Development Motorcycle in the Vehicle Dynamics Business Unit.

Just how great the requirement is, is demonstrated by a study on global traffic safety carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2013: 23 percent of all traffic fatalities worldwide were suffered by drivers of two- and three-wheeled vehicles. While the number in Europe is 12 percent, it rises to 33 percent in Southeast Asia.

“The widespread use of ABS for motorcycles and scooters could contribute considerably to reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities”, said Kienle. Even in Europe, the ratio of motorcycles fitted with ABS is still low. This is something that the European Union (EU) reacted to: For all motorcycles over 125cc, ABS will become mandatory Europe-wide. This regulation is effective for all new type-approved motorcycles from 2016 and for all new motorcycles from 2017.

Photographs: Continental’s One-Channel-ABS went into series production earlier this year in the Vespa Primavera.