Drum brakes are no longer the preferred choice for bike manufacturers to incorporate. You will find drum braking system on commuter bikes; you couldn’t use them on sport or all-terrain bikes. Drum brakes are made up of shoes. Therefore, when you use the brakes, the brake shoe enlarges and comes into contact with the drum lining. The vehicle can stop thanks to the friction between the brake shoes and the drum.
Given that these brakes don’t operate on the “wheel locking” principle, it is normal for a bike to skid when they are engaged. Since then, an anti-lock braking system has been incorporated to prevent skidding. Let’s examine ABS on motorcycles in detail.
Why are Motorcycles Using ABS?
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents vehicles from skidding. To maintain contact with the road’s surface while braking, it prevents the wheels from locking up.
How Does ABS On Motorcycles Work?
Here is how ABS functions. Three components comprise this braking system: an ECU kit, brakes, and wheel speed sensors. Usually, the back wheel is where it is mounted. These speed sensors are configured to watch continuously for potential wheel lock-ups. The wheel can roll a short distance and lock at predetermined intervals thanks to the sensor’s connection to the electronic control unit. This is how motorcycle ABS functions.
This ground-breaking technology enables ardent bikers to ride in any weather. You cannot use drum brakes with ABS; it is often only compatible with disc brakes. High-end motorcycles like the KTM Duke 250 and Bajaj Pulsar 220 have built-in ABS.
What Benefits Does ABS Have For Motorcycles?
The primary benefit of ABS is that it prevents the rider from slipping or falling. Some dedicated bikers have made a career out of performing stunts. ABS is used when riders perform tricks like drifting, so since dirt bike riders frequently drift when riding on the circuits, ABS is not advised for them. MotoGP racers use the slipper clutch, and when they lean into curves, ABS kicks in as they relentlessly slam on the brakes.
Today’s technology is so advanced that you may enable ABS whenever required and disable it when traveling off-road. When compared to drum brakes, ABS has the least amount of drawbacks.
What Functions Does ABS Have In Bikes?
Before this, ABS was primarily fitted to larger vehicles like luxury buses and cars. Due to the high number of accidents occurring nowadays, manufacturers have also begun adding ABS to bikes to increase road safety. Despite being expensive, the technique consistently performs well on all surfaces. According to the Regional Transport Office (RTO), ABS must be installed on all 150cc-class motorcycles.