How does ABS work on motorcycles?

Question

I see Suzuki & a few others began offering it a while ago.

Answer 1

EDIT: I stand corrected. ABS is offered on both the front & rear..

ABS on motor cycles work just like on a car but they are usually only attached to the rear wheel. They modulate brake pressure that is being applied to the rear wheel. The point of ABS on the rear tire is to help reduce “highside” accidents.

The answer below would be possible we were talking dirt bikes, but this is not so for street bikes (which are actually offered with ABS).

On street bikes when you brake the weight is transferred to the front, leaving very little on the rear to keep traction of the rear tire. When braking, if the rear (which has little weight on it) locks up, it will start to slide. A novice rider will quickly let up on the rear and result in a high side. The ABS helps eliminate the rear skidding and keeps the rear under controls. These are used a lot on LBS (linked braking systems) where you have no control of rear brake pressure.

Answer 2

The ABS "brain" works by receiving signals from sensors that detect whether a wheel is turning or not. When a wheel stops rotating, brake pressure is relieved which allows the wheel to start turning again. This all happens in a fraction of a second and the whole cycle can be repeated many times per second. Once the ground speed drops below a pre-determined speed, the ABS is disengaged. Otherwise, you'd never be able to come to a complete halt at a stop sign. With cars, it's often in the 20-25 mph range but I suspect it' lower with bikes.

I question the answer about ABS being on the rear brake only, it's locking the front brake that'll put you on your butt in a hurry, not the rear. Lock the rear brake in a straight line and it merely drags behind you like a smoking, squalling anchor. Lock the front and that wheel will slip out from under you in a split second. Don't believe me? Ride on a gravel road at speed and lock the rear brake and then lock the front and notice the difference. You want to lock the back wheel first because if you lock the front first, you'll have to wait until you're out of the ER before you can try the rear one.

Answer 3

It's the same as a car. Both wheels have tone rings and sensors that detect wheel speed. There is an unloader and pump to maintain the brake line pressue at an amount that stops the bike without locking the wheel. On the 2 bikes I have owned the ABS was on both wheels. What would be the point of one wheel only? You lock it you lose it.

Answer 4

same as cars stops skidding of the front wheel

Answer 5

greenvetter got it right.... if you want to know more look here.. great link on ABS brakes.. &everything else on Brakes
http://www.carbibles.com/brake_bible.html