ABS to be standard from 2017?

If the EU Commission's new motorcycle safety regulations are passed, ABS will be a very common feature on future motorbikes.

The proposed framework seeks to make it compulsory for all manufacturers include ABS, or anti-lock brakes, as standard equipment on motorcycles 125cc or above from the year 2017. This may also apply to electric motorcycles.

Most ABS systems work by pulsing the brakes when they detect a lock-up, which help avoid skids or wheel lock-ups, which on motorcycles can often lead to a catastrophic loss of balance. The systems are especially useful on wet or damp roads.

ABS systems can also decrease stopping distances by improve extreme-braking manoeuvres.

From November 1, 2011, the Australian Federal Government will mandate that all new passenger cars be fitted with electronic stability control as standard, and by November 2013, all commercial vehicles too.

It will be interesting to see whether the Australian Federal Government applies a similar policy to improve the safety of motorcyclists as it does for cars, by stipulating an electronic aid, such as ABS, become a standard feature on motorcycles, much like the EU is proposing.

Though there are already several motorcycles available in global markets that feature ABS as standard, the percentage is still relatively small - only 16 per cent of new bikes sold in the EU are equipped with ABS.

The idea behind the push is to improve the safety of motorcycles and with the countries of the European Union commanding a large share of global motorcycle sales, the move would have a positive effect on most western markets, such as North America and Australia.

Recent studies undertaken by the EU suggests that if all new motorcycles had ABS, fatalities could be almost halved. In 2008 some 5520 motorcyclists were killed on the road, and that number could potentially be cut by 50% if everyone had ABS.

Read the latest Bikesales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at