How to know if my bike has ABS

With the Euro 4 regulation, nowadays the companies that manufacture motorcycles and other similar vehicles already produce them in a way that is more respectful with the planet, but also the technology advances and better security systems are created, such as the CBS and the ABS .

The anti-lock braking system or ABS is one of those that are not yet mandatory in all countries of the world, but in many it already is. For example, in Spain and in the EU, ABS has been compulsory since 2016. However, since motorcycles can be purchased, they can be new-built, second-hand and, therefore, be older than this norm, or, can be purchased in other countries where this system is not mandatory, many people wonder how to identify it and, thus, be able to know for sure whether they have this or not. Therefore, in answer to the question about " how to know if my bike has ABS? " And we explain more details about this system.

What are the ABS brakes on a motorcycle and how do they work?

The ABS or anti-lock braking system is added to the usual or traditional braking system. As its name tells us, this allows braking at the time of the brake system is not blocked, among other things, and therefore helps prevent motorcycle accidents . Thus, although it is highly recommended to know how to act in a traffic accident, it is also vital to try to do the maximum to avoid them and this method is a very successful addition to achieve it.

Sometimes when braking you have to do it abruptly, for example because unexpectedly you have to dodge something or someone, and in these situations where you force the braking system is when you can lock the brakes, so the motorcycle does not stop and the accident occurs, either by direct impact or because the wheels end up vibrating and the balance is lost. It is in this situation that the anti-lock brake system acts, detecting that this blockage can occur and avoiding it in time.

Specifically, ABS is a system made with a hydraulic pump added to the brake fluid circuits of the motorcycle and the sensors used to control the rotation of the wheels. Thus, in the event that the revolutions of the tires are reduced abruptly in braking, this device detects this sudden drop in speed and acts on these parts to ensure that there is no blockage of the brakes, providing that it can be braked in less distance and safely. The way in which this device acts is that if it detects this situation, the hydraulic pump is responsible for reducing the pressure of the brakes with a pump that dampens this force and the rider will notice how the pedal or the brake lever vibrates.

Therefore, with this system sudden stops are no longer dangerous or, at least, their danger drops significantly. Although in cars it has been used for decades, because it has been shown to be a great improvement in vehicle safety, ABS is currently mandatory in motorcycles in a large number of countries, including the EU.

How to know if my bike has ABS in a simple way

It is really easy to know if a motorcycle has ABS or not. However, if on our own we are not sure, the best thing is to go to a professional, to our trustworthy workshop, and ask. Thus, the easiest ways to know if a motorcycle has ABS or anti-lock brake system are:

• Make it a motorcycle manufactured as of January 2016 in countries where it is mandatory to manufacture them with this device included.
• Reading the manufacturer's manual in which everything must be specified, including the parts that the motorcycle has.
• Observing the wheels and checking that there are notches in the brake disc, that is to say that it is not smooth, and that there is an added sensor in this part.
• Consulting directly with the official salesman or a mechanic to whom we tell the exact model of the two-wheeled vehicle or, we will take the vehicle to the place so that they can examine it.

In the cover image of this article and in the image below you can see a detail of what an ABS device looks like.

If your bike does not have ABS you can go to the workshop to get one, although it may be that in very old models of motorcycles can not adapt well, it is best to consult it before with the mechanic.

How to brake on a motorcycle with ABS

Braking with this device is as easy as doing it without it, so if you're afraid of not knowing how to use it because you're used to old motorcycles, do not worry it's very simple. This is how you brake on a motorcycle with ABS :

1. Start braking like on a motorcycle without ABS. Start with the brake of the rear wheel with the pedal and then actuate the front brake lever, trying to do it without brusquedad. You just have to do it abruptly before an imminent danger.
2. When you notice that the brake pads have been fully activated, you can increase the braking pressure faster.
3. When braking in a straight line you can take better advantage of the power of this device and the vehicle will stop in a few meters, even in wet ground has been checked that brakes before one without this system.
4. If you have to brake on a curve, it is best to try to do it as smoothly as possible, even if you wear this device to prevent the trajectory from causing the motorcycle to get off the road or road.
5. You will notice that sudden braking is much easier than in a vehicle without ABS and that, for example, the rear wheel does not lift, providing greater stability. But in case you notice this movement in the rear wheel, you have to reduce the braking a bit to recover stability.

Anyway, not all ABS systems are the same and, therefore, it is best to look at what is indicated in the motorcycle manufacturer's manual when we acquired it.