ABS in Bikes & How it works? Best Picks 2022

What is ABS in Bikes?

Anti-lock Braking System or ABS in bikes is a set of safety mechanisms. Which helps the bike to maintain traction control with the surface. The technology prevents the bike from skidding on wet or slippery surfaces and also from rough and gravel-filled roads avoiding sudden accidents.

How ABS works in Bike?

The ABS system is an automated braking technology that detects sudden emergency or hard braking. Thus, Instead of locking the wheels, the brakes are pumped and applied multiple times per second preventing the bike from skidding and slowing down the speed much faster.

Types of ABS in Bikes?

• Single-channel ABS

In a single-channel ABS, the bike compromises the system fitted to only one wheel (mostly to the front). The purpose of it is to reduce the cost as it can be installed on low-end bikes making it affordable.

• Double or Dual Channel ABS

In Dual-channel ABS, the bike compromises of the unit installed to both the wheels making it a bit expensive. Being available mostly at mid to high-end displacement bikes.

Why ABS is Important? Motorcycle Tips

1. Provides traction with the surface while braking.
2. Improves vehicle control.
3. Decreases stopping distance on a slippery surface.
4. Acts as an anti-skid safety braking.
5. Enhances better steering control.

ABS bikes in India Under 2 Lakhs

1. Suzuki Intruder 150
2. Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi
3. Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise / Street
4. Bajaj Pulsar 220F
5. Bajaj Pulsar NS200
6. KTM 125 Duke
7. Yamaha MT-15
8. Bajaj Pulsar RS200
9. Jawa 42
10. KTM 200 Duke
11. Jawa 300
12. KTM RC 200
13. TVS Apache RTR 200
14. Yamaha FZ25
15. Yamaha R15 V3
16. Yamaha Fazer 250
17. Royal Enfield Classic 350
18. Royal Enfield Classic 350 Gunmetal
19. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350
20. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X
21. Bajaj Dominar 400
22. Royal Enfield Himalayan
23. Royal Enfield Bullet 500
24. KTM 250 Duke
25. Honda CBR250R
26. Royal Enfield Classic 500

Top 150cc bikes with ABS

1. Honda CB Unicorn 150
2. Bajaj Pulsar 150 Twin Disc
3. Suzuki Gixxer
4. Suzuki Gixxer SP
5. Yamaha FZ
6. Yamaha FZS
7. Suzuki Gixxer SF
8. Suzuki Intruder 150
9. Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi
10. Suzuki Intruder 150 Fi
11. Yamaha MT-15
12. Yamaha R15 V3

ABS bikes in India under 1 Lakh

1. Honda CB Unicorn 150
2. TVS Apache RTR 160
3. Bajaj Pulsar 150 Twin Disc
4. Honda xBlade
5. Suzuki Gixxer
6. Hero Xtreme 200R
7. Honda CB Hornet 160R
8. Bajaj Pulsar 180
9. Honda CB Hornet 160R DLX
10. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Fi
11. Yamaha FZ
12. Yamaha FZS
13. Suzuki Gixxer SF
14. Suzuki Intruder 150
15. TVS Apache RTR 180

How to Install ABS in Bikes?

Technically, It is possible to get ABS fitted into a bike, but you cannot get ABS fitted into a bike if the manufacturer never offered its successor with ABS.

Since the government of India has made it mandatory for Bike manufacturers to avail ABS in Bikes from April 2019. Being a matter of safety, bikers have become more concerned about it.

There has been a huge cry for those who already own a bike or just bought it before April 2019 without ABS. Many of those want to know whether they can install an Anti-Braking System on their non-ABS bikes.

For some bikes such as Apache RTR, and KTM Duke 200 the installation has been possible considering it has proved to be quite expensive. One of my friends who owns a Duke 200 recently installed an ABS system that cost him ₹67,500 only.

There are a lot of aftermarket ABS units coming from manufacturers such as Bosch and many more. But you need to make sure that you find the kits which are exclusively built for your specific bike model.

So let me tell you what are the drawbacks to getting abs installed on a non-abs bike

1. It is costly.
2. You need to have an extremely good and skilled mechanic who can do the job.
3. Going through a lot of pain to deal with wirings and ECU replacement.
4. There might be a chance that it might not work as the factory-produced ABS bikes.

Before you even think to install ABS on your bike, you will need a bunch of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to proceed.

• Brake Pipes.
• Wheel Speed Sensors.
• Toner rings for both front & rear wheels.
• Mounting brackets for speed sensors and toner rings.
• Instrument cluster which indicates abs signal.
• ABS hydraulic unit.
• Fuse box and fuses for pump and motor.
• Relevant wiring and bolts.
• Bracket and Dampers.
• Advanced ABS-supported ECU.

So looking at this list of parts you need, it’s obvious that everything has to be replaced. So here are a few things to keep in mind before you install abs on your bike.

1. The ECU should be capable to receive signals from speed sensors and interpret them efficiently.
2. Fork and Swingarm should also be replaced to mount special ABS brakes.
3. All braking equipment should be replaced such as a master cylinder and its lines.

Upcoming ABS Bikes in India 2022-

1. Benelli TRK 502 2021
2. Yamaha MT-15/ FZ16 V3
3. Yamaha MT-03
4. Kawasaki Z400
5. Husqvarna Vitpilen
6. Svartpilen 401
7. Honda CBR 650R
8. Yamaha YZF-R3 2021
9. KTM RC 390 2021

Scooty with ABS in India

Currently, there are only two brands available that offer an abs version such as Vespa and Aprilia. The abs models are listed below.

1. Vespa VLX & SLX 150.
2. Vespa Elegante 150.
3. Aprilia SR 150.
4. Aprilia SR 150 Race.