Comparing ABS vs. non-ABS motorcycles: Which is Safer?

Cruising down an open road in a stylist motorcycle gives anyone an exhilarating riding experience. Every motorcycle rider wants to get this thrilling experience. Without proper integrated safety features, any bike is not worth buying or riding, as the lives of the riders are at stake. Here, the significance of the braking system comes to the fore. Brakes are an integral part of any motorcycle, irrespective of models.

As far as brakes are concerned, there are two types of brakes (ABS and non-ABS) you can consider. The debate is on the rise about which kind of brake you should choose for your bike. These two types have their advantages and benefits. The straightforward idea of these two brakes helps you gain in-depth knowledge and buy guides.

ABS (Anti Lock Braking System) is a new braking system that many manufacturers have now incorporated into their motorcycles. The non-ABS is the older braking system, which works on trading mechanisms. In order to give detailed information, the comparison is the need of the hour. So, this article deals with many things, such as how these two systems work, their advantages, and which is safer to use.

Importance of Braking Systems for Rider Safety:

The braking system is probably the most important safety feature of a motorcycle. An effective braking system is the cause of an incident-free, collision-free, and safe journey. It should be in the top half of every rider’s wishlist before selecting a bike. There are several reasons why a competent braking system is so necessary in a bike. Following are some of the best reasons:

• Control: If you haven’t had a complete on your motorcycle, then it’s a big concern. Control is mandatory not only for two-wheelers but also in cars. The brakes enable you to achieve certain control in different circumstances—situations such as slowing down, slopes, curving, and cornering. Advanced braking technology prevents you from losing control in tense situations on the road.
• Emergency Stops: A sudden stop is essential for any vehicle, irrespective of its wheel, and a motorcycle is not an exception in this regard. An exceptional braking system allows you to stop in a dangerous moment and save you from any fatal accident. Suppose you are driving on a road, and all of a sudden, a person, vehicle, or animal comes, then you have to stop immediately. That’s the beauty of quality brakes.
• Preventive Maintenance and Safety: Brakes help you to cost-cut in the future by increasing the lifespan of the components. These brakes are part and parcel of preventive maintenance. Moreover, the braking system is handy to keep you safe in any weather and on any road and works as the heart of the bike's features.

What is ABS, and How Does It Work?

ABS, or Anti-lock Braking System, is an advanced modern technology for bikes to prevent skidding or slipping and improve the entire control or grip of the driver. ABS has been integrated into automobiles such as bikes and cars as a value-added safety feature. The inbuilt ABS in a scooter or a bike avoids the wheel lock during emergency braking. Without the anti-lock braking system, there is a high chance of skidding, injury, or even a life threat.

It is essential to look at the mechanism of how it works. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of ABS.

• ABS comprises three essential components: the ECU (Electronic Control Unit), wheel speed sensor, and disc brakes.
• By repeatedly monitoring the wheel’s rotation, the wheel speed sensor sends a signal to the ECU as soon as it detects a lock-up in the wheel.
• ECU efficiently regulates the brake from locking up. It regularly applies and releases the brakes till the time when the wheel gains traction. This whole process is completed within milliseconds, which is much less than human reflexes.
• In spite of sudden or heavy braking, the ABS ensures that the wheels have ample traction to rotate.
• ABS has a bigger role to play in a smooth riding experience and to stop instantly and escape from accidents.

Many well-known and established manufacturers have incorporated anti-lock braking systems in their respective motorcycles to counter the problem of skidding on slippery roads or dangerous situations.

How Non-ABS Braking Systems Work?

On the contrary, the non-ABS braking system is a more traditional system where the entire control of the motorcycle is in the hands of the driver. In this non-ABS system, the rider manually makes pressure on the brake pedal or liver, which then applies pressure to the brake shoes or pads. It creates friction against the brake drum or disc. With the help of this friction, the wheel slows down, and ultimately the motorcycle stops.

When the driver gets nervous and puts too much pressure quickly, the wheel skids, and you fall. The reason behind this accident is that the wheels lock up for a sudden stop. This whole mechanism of non-ABS completely depends on the skill of the rider or driver. Weather conditions are the most significant factor for this conventional system to work properly. Experienced riders with advanced skill sets have more success in using the non-ABS. As a rider, you have direct control of the motorcycle.

Comparison Between ABS and Non-ABS Motorcycles

After understanding the mechanism and benefits of these two braking systems, now it’s time to compare them. Let’s discuss some of the key differences:

Safety:

• ABS: Safety should be given the highest importance in any vehicle, especially for bikes. With the top-notch safety feature of reducing wheel lock-up, the ABS in-built motorcycles allow you to stop in horrendous situations and reduce the chance of an accident.
• Non-ABS: Alternatively, the non-ABS motorcycles rely on manual reflexes. If you fail to reply properly, your bike will skid, and the chance of a fatal incident increases.

Braking Effect and Control:

• ABS: With the advanced wheel lock-up technology, you have a higher control on the motorcycles. The effect of braking is on the higher side, and it brings stability and is easy to handle with proper functionality. Any driver can use ABS with ease.
• Non-ABS: The manual pressure on the brake shoe has increased the chance of wheel lock-up. Naturally, the braking effect is less than ABS. The control is a lot more on the lower side as well.

Cost:

• ABS: As modern technology is integrated into ABS motorcycles, the on-road price of those motorcycles is high.
• Non-ABS: Although non-ABS is modulated by human skill and expertise, it is less expensive than ABS.

Maintenance:

• ABS: Several components of ABS, such as sensors, control units, and hydraulic modulators, need constant maintenance. Additionally, regular repair and replacement are required for ABS motorcycles.
• Non-ABS: Being a more simplified braking system, non-ABS bikes have a less component-heavy braking system. Therefore, there is seldom a requirement for repair or replacement.

Which of the Braking Systems is Safer and Why?

Undoubtedly, ABS is safer than non-ABS. The question that comes to every motorcycle rider like you is why. Safety first tactic must be kept in mind while purchasing, riding, or driving.

ABS is a safer option due to its multiple inbuilt components, including the ECU (Electronic Control Unit), disc brakes, and speed sensors. This technology prevents the lock-up of wheels and makes sudden stops of bikes. Hence, you have absolute control of ABS motorcycles in panic situations, which reduces risk.

On the other hand, non-ABS motorcycles are entirely dependent on human expertise and skill. This braking system works in a chain system. If you apply excessive pressure in those particular tense circumstances, then you have to pay the price. As a result, the risk of accidents increases eventually. Now the decision is yours: which braking system suits you more? According to it, you should ride, buy, or opt for motorcycles.

FAQs:

Q1. Which braking system gives you more control: ABS or non-ABS?

Ans: Due to the effective braking mechanism of ABS, it provides the rider more control while riding in a crisis on the road. As non-ABS works manually, it has limited control on bikes.

Q2. Which motorcycle is more expensive: ABS or non-ABS?

Ans: Generally, the cutting-edge technology of ABS bikes comes with a higher cost, but the absence of this technology in non-ABS motorcycles makes it cheaper.

Q3. What is the full form of ABS?

Ans: ABS stands for anti-locking system, it is braking system that rules out the chance of wheel lock-up. The motorcycle cannot skid even if you brake suddenly.

Q4. Which motorcycle is safer: non-ABS or ABS?

Ans: Obviously, ABS is more safe than non-ABS. The advanced mechanism of ABS averts you from potential accidents, but manually handled non-ABS can’t always do it.

Q5. ABS or non-ABS: which motorcycles need more frequent maintenance?

Ans: The components of ABS motorcycles require continuous checkups, repairs, and even replacements. Though non-ABS motorcycles have less equipment, the frequency of maintenance has also gone down.