How to Brake Your Motorcycle With ABS

If you still do not know, starting on January 1, 2016, it is mandatory for all new motorcycles with 125 cc or greater cylinder capacity to have standard ABS. Even so, the anti-lock brake system is not new. In 1988, BMW was the first brand to include ABS in one of its models and, gradually, it was generalized as a standard or optional feature, even in small, 125 cc scooters.

But do we know how to brake with ABS? There is no doubt that this active safety system gives us guarantees to prevent falls and brake effectively but we have to have some ideas to know how to use its assistance for our braking:

• ABS does not do magic: Our driving must be logical and responsible. We do not think that we can brake where we want to and at any speed due to having ABS. In this regard, the way to drive should not vary as compared to driving without anti-lock.
• Braking order: You should first brake with the back brake to stabilize and compress the back axle and for the car to adhere to the asphalt. Only a few tenths of a second later, decisively apply pressure to the front brake which is the main brake that helps us stop the motorcycle.
• ABS works: Upon strongly applying pressure to the brakes, the levers shake and a noise is heard that signifies the ABS starting to work, keeping the wheels from locking.
• Release: When emergency braking, we should let out the clutch by squeezing the lever so the ABS works without the interaction of the engine.
• ABS on curves: Normally braking on a curve should be avoided since there is the risk of the wheel locking and easily falling to the ground. Lately, the brands are introducing new ABS systems that detect inertia and the position of the motorcycle and adapt its functioning to these circumstances satisfactorily. Even so, we should always brake as gently as possible when going around a curve.
• ABS on off-road terrain: Even though ABS is highly recommended on asphalt, it is better to disconnect it on off-road terrain. The effectiveness of braking is reduced upon annulling the ability to skid, an essential technique for dirt bikes. Currently there are ABS systems that only act on the front wheel to always maintain control of the front axle, making it possible to skid with the back axle.

Each ABS functions differently in each motorcycle. Therefore, its behavior must be known through experience and unhurriedly.