Continental develops affordable 1-channel ABS for two-wheelers in Asia

Frankfurt, March 28, 2013: To improve active safety in motorcycles, international automotive supplier Continental is expanding its range of electronic braking systems by introducing a one-channel ABS for small motorcycles and scooters. Based on its proven ABS technology for passenger cars, this product has been developed especially for cost-sensitive markets such as Asia, where the two-wheelers are equipped only with a hydraulic brake on the front wheel.

Production launch of the one-channel ABS is planned for the beginning of 2014. With a box volume of significantly less than 300 cubic centimetres and weighing roughly 420 grams, the motorcycle 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 panic braking by the rider 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 is the newest addition to Continental’s portfolio of motorcycle systems currently in series production: Motorcycle Integral Brake Systems and Motorcycle Anti-Lock Brake Systems (2-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 Business Unit Electronic Braking Systems of Continental’s Chassis & Safety Division.

Just how big the requirement is, throughout Asia for example, is demonstrated by a study into global traffic safety carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2009. It found that roughly 28 percent of traffic fatalities in India and China were suffered by riders/drivers of two- and three-wheeled vehicles. In countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, the figure rose to 61 and 70 percent respectively.

The 2010 DEKRA Traffic Safety Report in Germany showed that ABS could either prevent many accidents or reduce the severity of their impact. It even concluded that 25 to 35 percent of the serious accidents analysed in the report could have been prevented, had the motorcycles been fitted with ABS. “The widespread use of ABS for motorcycles and scooters would 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) intends to change: For all motorcycles over 125 cubic centimetres 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.

Photograph: The motorcycle ABS can be easily applied to suit the widest range of motorcycle and scooter models.