FRANKFURT AM MAIN (Germany), Oct 22 — International automotive supplier Continental is showcasing a new 2-Channel ABS system for motorcycles for the first time at the EICMA Motorcycle show in Milan from November 7–11 2013.
The new MK 100 MAB system is said to be suitable for all motorcycle types and is approximately half the size and half the weight of previous systems, and thus is also lower in price. Production is slotted for production in Europe in 2015.
Due to its enhanced sturdier features, the MK 100 MAB can be more easily adapted to different motorcycle types. The standard design of the new system includes not only the ABS function, but also a rear wheel lift-off protection system (RLP).
Depending on individual customer requirements, a sport ABS function adapted for race track operation, an off-road ABS for off-road driving, and a traction control system for compensating for traction loss during acceleration are also possible.
Continental concentrates motorcycle business in own organisational unit
For as long as ten years now, Continental has developed and produced anti-lock brake systems for two-wheelers to continuously improve active driving safety for motorcycles.
In mid-2013, business devoted to electronic brake systems for motorcycles was concentrated in its own organisational unit within the Vehicle Dynamics (VED) Business Unit of the Chassis & Safety Division.
“Continental intends to further expand its already growing motorcycle business in the years to come – a new organisational unit dedicated to this business forms the basis for this expansion,” explained Ronan Le Roy, Head of the newly created organisational unit Motorcycle Business.
Just as for passenger cars, anti-lock brake systems are important for motorcycles to ensure that the vehicle remains stable when slamming on the brakes and that the front wheel does not lock, thus preventing uncontrolled skidding.
“Studies by ADAC and DEKRA show that 20 per cent to 30 per cent of all accidents can be prevented by equipping motorcycles with an ABS,” said Ronan Le Roy. “With the widespread use of ABS systems in motorcycles and scooters, the number of people seriously and fatally injured could be lowered considerably.”
The European Union (EU) has already reacted to this: ABS systems are to be mandatory in Europe for all motorcycles over 125 cubic centimetres. This regulation will be effective as of 2016 for newly developed model series, and for all new motorcycles from 2017 onwards.
Continental offers a number of different electronic brake systems for motorcycles, all of which are based on the tried-and-tested ABS technology for passenger cars.
The one-channel ABS is suitable for smaller motorcycles and scooters and was specially developed for more cost-sensitive markets, such as Asia. It prevents the front wheel from locking during braking, thereby reducing the accident risk for the driver.
The two-channel ABS from Continental has already been in production since 2008; the further enhanced MK 100 MAB will also be ready for serial production starting in 2015. This Motorcycle Anti-Lock Brake system (MAB) offers improved brake control and thus optimal deceleration for added driving safety.
The Motorcycle Integral Brake system (MIB) allows the brake to be applied to both wheels even if the driver only activates the front brake lever. The system detects the braking intention and actively builds pressure on the other brake circuit, causing both wheels to decelerate.
