The European Parliament passed a proposal to make antilock brake systems a requirement on all motorcycles over 125cc. Final approval awaits a review by all members of the union, but judging from the commentary in Europe, it looks like it will become law by 2016.
I tried to read through the actual legislation (pdf), but it is written in the usual format which makes any intelligent person run screaming from the room. Though many of us don’t regularly follow the goings on in European legislative bodies, it’s important to understand, requiring European motorcycles to be so equipped, means all motorcycles, including those made in Asia or the USA, will most likely conform. If you are a manufacturer who wants to sell in Europe, your motorcycles will meet the European standard. Including ABS on every bike is a lot easier than having separate versions for each country, so I expect in a few years, ABS will be everywhere.
ABS is an effective technology that allows riders to brake safely and in a shorter distance than on bikes without the anti lock capability. Complaints from those who don’t want it on their bike are usually related to cost and complexity along with a general preference for choice instead of government mandates. But, regardless of where you stand on those issues, it seems likely any new motorcycle you buy in the not too distant future is going to be the ABS model.
J.Smith says
while I think ABS makes sense enough on the road, I hope those dudes sitting in some parliament all day have the brains to allow ABS to be switched off. It really doesn’t work at all off road, so all dual sports / enduros would need the option to turn the braking feature off.
Paul Crowe says
There does seem to be an exclusion for enduro and trials bikes.
Racetrack Style says
On/Off switch on Sport bikes too for use in track days
Bill says
European Legislature…..hmmmm. I wonder if they have representatives that were actually elected by the people they are supposed to serve, or if they are merely appointed by their respective governments. I don’t know, just asking because I am not that familiar with EU workings. But I do hate affairs in the USA sometimes being dictated by aristocratic old guys in rocking chairs in some fancy Euro city who have no concept of personal freedom. Same goes for a lot of our own legislators.
Hooligan says
The political system in the EEC for better or worse is a kind of copy of the US. So think of this as the usual rubbish.
ABS? well I notice it is only for over 125’s because, these bikes are built to a cost. And to be honest ABS does not help you with that bad decision as you make the dubious overtake and that car comes toward you.
Personally I trust my right hand and have done for many years. But if ABS is switchable on and off and not intrustive, as well as being discrete with the rotors and cabling, and it actually works…. then ok. But I will not be buying a bike with all that for a while.
Chaz says
As the name suggests, this is a parliament of elected members much like those in the member countries, but lacking a prime minister or a U.S. style president.
Aris says
Right said, Bill…. I’m fron Greece and I know first hand what European Legislature really means….. a bunch of no thinking politicians of the worst kind, except very few, who’s only real concern is profit for some European industries, mostly German.
and a simple example….from 1987 till 1998, Greece imported thousands of used motorcycles from Japan, which usually were in mint condition and sold at half or lower the price of a new one, resulting in a huge drop of sales for European motorcycle companies.
The companies kept on pushing the European Parliament, till, in 1998 , “laws” were issued to bahn the imports….off course, it was ” all about our safety and the quality of the enviroment”…
B50 Jim says
All road testers in the motorcycle press seem to like ABS — even Motorcycle Consumer News, which is subscription-only and doesn’t have to consider paying advertisers (and don’t tell me they ignore advertisers; that’s where their salaries come from. I’ve been in the trade-magazine business for 25 years and have yet to see an editor or writer go completely independent). My experience with ABS on bikes is limited to the front drum brake on my B50 — it’s sort of early ABS in that it couldn’t lock on dry pavement if it had to. My ’07 Toyota pickup has it, and I can’t say I like it — on snowy streets it does work by keeping the wheels rolling so I can steer, but the truck doesn’t want to stop, either. It rolls right into intersections and I have to back off and re-apply the brakes without engaging the ABS; it stops far quicker. I suppose my 48 years’ experience (beginning with my dad’s ’63 Chevy 60-series cattle truck at age 12) driving in all conditions have taught me how to steer, slow and stop a vehicle using standard brakes. But I admit my Toyota’s ABS is rather crude, and newer vehicles and bikes have more sophisticated systems. I do hope any systems applied to bikes can be turned off.
BigHank53 says
When it’s snowing–or you’re on a gravel road–you want to be able to lock the front wheels (assuming you have four of the suckers) since that causes a little wedge of soft material to build up in front of the tire, and you get the bonus friction that the little wedge creates as it slides down the road. I didn’t think much of this theory until I drove an ABS equipped car in Montreal in four inches of greasy packed snow one January. It was horrible.
Riding a bike on the street, though…a locked front wheel pretty much means you’re landing on your ear. For 99% of the riders out there, it’s what they should be using 99% of the time. I’m sure not in that last 1%.
GenWaylaid says
Actually, this brings up a question of riding style I’ve had for a while. All my experience has been on the road, so on those few occasions when the pavement has run out on me, going downhill has been nerve-wracking.
On gravel, any attempt to use the front brake seems to cause an immediate lock, so I’ve had to crawl downhill using the rear brake and my left boot heel. So how is one supposed to slow or stop on loose surfaces on a motorcycle?
Nicolas says
don’t stop, just go ride down the hill, then you’ll think about stopping 😉
Ola says
Why would you want this? Very few riders can outbreak an ABS system, even on dry tarmac. Even those few who can typically need a few tries before they can improve on the ABS stopping distance, and then not by much.
Numerous articles online show this. Here’s one interesting article: http://www.ridergroups.com/motorcycle-news/keith-code-motorcycle-technology-can-save-your-life/
Ola says
This was in reply to Racetrack Style above.
Twisted Steve says
rented an ultra classic 2 years ago in florida and got caught in SERIOUS rain. ABS was very strange. I didnt like it at all in some cases.
cycledave says
At first, I never liked the idea of ABS on a motorcycle due to the fact of replacement cost of the system on automobiles. That is until I rode an ABS equipped 2012 R1200GS. I thought I could barely feel it working when slamming on the brakes due to a idiot texting driver! The wheels never locked up and I was able to safely maintain complete control over the motorcycle.
Walt says
I like the idea and when all bikes have it I’m hoping the price of ABS will come down some. If I were buying a new bike, ABS would be mandatory for me, even with an up charge. ABS worked just fine on my Taurus SHO in at least one dodgy encounter. I can imagine it being even more useful on a bike.
Sean says
I’ve been riding BMWs with ABS for four years now. In that time, I’ve only dropped a bike once while braking in bad traction, and that was on my non-ABS Ducati (since sold). I think it’s best to stick with one flavor or the other, and I choose ABS.
Tom Lyons says
Four-square and 100% AGAINST it!
Government interference in the market is NEVER good.
Gov’t thinks it’s their role protect us from everything except their own over-reaches of power.
Who will protect us from government?
And their smothering debt that THEY spent, and WE owe?
Renegade_Azzy says
Well, since they pay the bill when accidents happen, I suppose they get a say in what is equipped on the bike.
(I cant wait to see the cobbled together barely working Russian Ural ABS system cloned from a 90’s Ford Escort)
Domino says
What if I want to lay it down via a controlled braking slide ( one time it was my best choice)? Maybe with ABS I would not have had to?
I think I would like to decide.
I am already working on a prototype ABS defeat switch.. another chance to make $$$
PDX Motorcyclist says
Ha Ha…laying it down? That’s called crashing. ABS might have helped you with that.
Scotduke says
Had to lay my bike down just a few months ago. But I was racing at the time and it was either slide the bike down, or collide with the guy crossing right in front of me. He’d taken a different route thru the berm (a high low whereas I was going for the apex) that I hadn’t anticipated. Racing’s not like riding on the road. If we’d collided, it would’ve been a mess so it was safer just to slide out.
OMMAG says
Just what the world needs …. more interference from bureaucrats in Europe.
Chaz says
Paul:
At Article 80a, page 197 the regulation requires a report by December 31, 2019 on the feasibility of requiring either ABS or linked front and rear brakes on all motorcyles. This is subject to a blanket exception for off-road, racing, agricultural, and other vehicles in a different part of the regulation. This leads me to believe that this is not a done deal.
There is a general prohibition of devices which operate to defeat safety systems, but in the context it is not clear that this would apply to making ABS switchable. It could certainly be interpreted that way if the requirement is ever implemented.
Finally, it seems that the manufacturers now sell many models with ABS or without, and would only need to restrict the bikes for European sales to ABS versions. I am much more concerned with linked brakes. Motorcycles are not at all like cars, and the rider needs the option of using or not using both brakes.
micky c says
after taking an advanced driving course at a racetrack (in a cage) we were taught to stop faster without activiting the ABS. ABS is dumbing us down,desighned for morons who shouldnt be on the road
Mark says
I don’t have any problem with ABS in most situations, but I sure as heck wouldn’t want it dictated. Let the consumer decide.
Qwerty1 says
Just a quick reference to people saying that “In Europe, we (as Europeans) voted for these members” this isn’t actually the case. We may have voted (inadvertently) for a politician to be in Europe on our behalf from the UK via a local election, but the people behind making these proposals you see here were NOT voted for and there is no current system in place to vote them out. This is why recently in the UK, certain independent bodies like Motorcycle Action Group for example, are full time fighting against these almost limitless regulations and proposals when very little research or proof of their worth has been made by Europe. ABS may be the least contentious of these, whereas proposals to mean that you could not ever upgrade your suspension, brakes, exhaust, not allow you to service your bike etc have extremely serious ramifications. When public demonstrations and mass ride outs are seemingly the only way to curb this sort of nonsense (which is what has been happening) more people need to become aware of the threat that potentially awaits motorcycle owners. We can’t get rid of the people making this stuff up!! So everyone please get “gen’d†up and do what you can by joining MAG for example. Bike magazine here in the UK, has been urging readers to do this passionately for the last 12 months.
Tom Lyons says
Yes Qwerty1, that is a good point to make.
Our “representatives” in most countries very often are representing other special interests that influence them, and leave the people to pay the bills that they rack up, claiming it’s “on our behalf”.
This is also SO true in the US.
Clyde says
I have a 2012 kawasaki 1000 Versys with anti lock and it works beautifully. I have been riding for 38 years and know how to use front brakes. I also know the effect of a sudden absolute screaming panic stop when it is least expected.
I believe most of the augments against anti lock brakes are either misguided or ego based.
In a Panic situation the ABS will win every time, it does not panic.
Klaus says
As much as I dislike Government interference with my ability to make my own choice I am not really outraged at this new measure. Standard ABS will save lives, deadly accidents will hopefully decrease and statistics will show that riding a motorcyle is not as dangerous as many people make it out to be. More people may consider buying a bike and insurance rates may come down. That may be more important than having the choice of riding ABS-free.
(Somehow I just remember a story I read of a guy in a “no-helmet” protest ride who dropped his bike and died of head injuries.)
Paul Crowe says
Where would you draw the line about government interference in your ability to make your own choices, if the interference could be justified as saving lives? After all, motorcycles themselves can be very dangerous, and once you’ve accepted the idea that restricting your choices is a proper function of government, …
Decline says
I’ve often wondered about where that line is as well. After all, even hints like stop signs, and lanes are technically “government interference” and I think few would argue or yell its the government getting in the way of making choices. In fact, even as an anarchist, I love the concept of lanes and lights.
Though obviously none of us want motorcycles banned simply for being dangerous…but by that even cars can be. But I don’t think the road to that extreme is paved by making ABS mandatory.
Paul Crowe says
Are you sure? In New York City you can’t even buy a 32 ounce soft drink and you think no one would want to ban motorcycles. Really?
Paulinator says
I’m a Canadian working in the US. One of the first pieces of mail that I recieved here proclaimed that I am “now represented in Washington”. How? I bought a Boat.U.S membership…and that organization has a lobby. That’s screwed up.
Paulinator says
that comment was for Tom Lyons
Gerhard says
My 2 cents, and for what it’s worth, I’m a rather cynical and paranoid individual. But, in all my years I’ve learnt that most legislation usually follows the money. Business lobbies in Europe, the US, anywhere that matters really, are much more powerful than the electorate of those countries. You are much more likely to get a law passed when it’s proposed by business interests, than one proposed by voters.
Now, if insurance companies determine that accident rates and the resultant payouts (repairs, medical and litigious), can be reduced significantly by the addition of ABS, as well as the relevant road taxes which are spent on attending police officers and medical personnel, to be lowered, then such legislation makes a lot of sense and will override any complaints about costs increasing for the producer and customer, as well as complaints of encroachment on personal liberty and the ability to make personal decisions.
OMMAG says
You make the mistake that insurance companies require “significant” potential for reward or savings. Insurance companies use actuarial calculations that work on incremental and marginal differentials and care not one whit how their efforts affect you.
Same thing for bureaucrats …. without the benefit of having the intelligence to actually understand anything.
We have already seen too many such incremental impositions forced upon the public in many guises … but always they are “for the greater good” …. sadly once in effect we seldom see any such GOOD from these regulations.
snark says
ah, the government. always knowing whats best for everyone exept themselves.
Stan says
I reckon not having ABS may have saved my life. When stopping in time is not an option (ABS or not) i think it’s sometimes better to lowside than plough straight on. Regardless if safety is that important to you, maybe stay in the car. Peoples Republic of Europe won’t be happy though till we’ve all got CE branded on our foreheads.
Mel says
The last thing a faltering industry needs is more government involvement. There are those out there that think they can legislate motorcycles safe. All they do is make a simple and fun albeit dangerous pastime more expensive, more technically sophisticated,and ultimately more unreliable. Just had to deal with a defective sensor on my GMC 4×4. The parts to restore the anti lock function were $1650. I pulled the fuse and now I have regular brakes. More training is the only thing that will make riding a bit safer but it will always be an unforgiving recreation, like Scuba, skydiving, riding horses and bicycles, flying or crossing the street. Mortality rate is hanging in there at 100% . Get used to it.
akaaccount says
Static friction coefficient of motorcycle tires in non-slip condition > kinetic friction coefficient of the side of your bike sliding across the road. In what situation is laying it down better than using the brakes?
“I need a leather jacket in case I’m on my hog and need to go into a controlled slide.” – George Michael Bluth
Stan says
It’s not about stopping quicker. It’s about falling less distance vertically and avoiding collisions.
B50 Jim says
“Laying it down” is a relic from the days when brakes were about as good as dragging your feet, when tires offered limited traction, and suspensions consisted of springs under the seat. In other words, before 1925. I’ve never heard or read of any instance when laying it down was better than braking and steering. It’s one of those old riders’ tales that won’t die. If it were a viable option, riding schools would teach it. In all cases, staying up is better than sliding your butt on the pavement. Ask any emergency-room doctor or nurse to describe a patient who comes in with road abrasions; it’s not for the faint of heart.
This discussion has veered into an anti-government rant as well. To those who would have no government regulations, I’d say go to your car (if it’s not a vintage piece) and drive. The digital engine controls that enable today’s vehicles to start easily under all conditions, run flawlessly, deliver good fuel economy and operate for a quarter-million miles without a rebuild — all while emitting minimal emissions — are a direct result of government regulations on emissions and fuel economy. And when is the last time you saw a rust bucket? With engines and drivelines that last more than twice as long as they once did, the structures had to come along, so manufacturers got busy with coated steels, non-corrosive materials and smart designs to minimize rust and corrosion, so bodies and frames can carry 5-year rust-through warranties. Also, think about safety — with air bags, controlled-deformable structures and passenger restraints, occupants can walk away from crashes that would have turned them into hamburger riding yesterday’s cars. This also is the result of regulations. The manufacturers never would have done any of this on their own; they were happy making tons of money with planned obsolescence that rendered a vehicle into junk within a few years. We’d still be changing our points & plugs twice a year, trying to make our carburetors work, struggling to start our vehicles on cold mornings and rebuilding our engines at 100,000 miles if the car wasn’t full of rust cancer, all while choking on lead-laden fumes and noxious exhaust. I grew up in the 50s and 60s; I remember how unpleasant it was to breath city air on high-traffic days.
Sure, governments tend to overreach, but I’d rather have today’s technology than yesterdays’. I even put electronic ignition on my B50, and it makes a 100% improvement. The old points plate and wobbly centrifugal advance are in a box with the rest of the worn-out parts.
Mel says
In some ways I agree with you. There have been a lot of improvements over the year. My issue is what may be right for me may not be right for you. Freedom of choice is always desirable, and being told what to do is not. It would be a pretty boring world if everyone liked the same thing. Imagine if everybody liked your wife. LOL
Stan says
““Laying it down†is a relic from the days when brakes were about as good as dragging your feet, when tires offered limited traction, and suspensions consisted of springs under the seat. In other words, before 1925. I’ve never heard or read of any instance when laying it down was better than braking and steering. It’s one of those old riders’ tales that won’t die. If it were a viable option, riding schools would teach it. In all cases, staying up is better than sliding your butt on the pavement. Ask any emergency-room doctor or nurse to describe a patient who comes in with road abrasions; it’s not for the faint of heart.”
It has nothing to do with stopping quicker. Would you rather hit a guard rail or fall the bottom of the cliff, what about the side of a truck. I not saying laying it down is better all the time but it’s something to think about.
Nicolas says
The open road and it’s traffic is not a track with instructors and its safe environment. There is no soccer mom pulling in front of you while texting on a wet road in a track. I’m a moron, I crashed twice locking my front wheel and wouldn’t have if I had an ABS. In similar circumstances I’m pretty sure you’r have too.
jar says
ABS on a motorbike = a good thing
Mandated ABS on All Street Bikes = too much regulation
Simply another hurdle to any small volume manufacturer who might hope to crack the market…protecting all the big boys
.Chris. says
This piece of legislation provides broad technical scope to craft the actual regulation. That job will be done by the comission. I don’t think this is the finished copy.
Also, if they mandated switchable ABS what’s the issue. Furthermore, it might force manufacturers to develop the technology. The ABS on my dads 1993 Pontiac Grand am is night and day compared to the ABS offered on more modern vehicles.
.Chris. says
also, they do distinguish between competition vehicles, street machines, and vehicles designed to travel on dirt or gravel roads.
Most of this regulation is about emissions and “vehicle tampering” which is kinda stupid because you will never be able to regulate what the end user does and they can only regulate what happens in Europe anyways.
Kevin says
Ah, the never ending Freedom of Choice debate. Like democracy, it really doesn’t exist by the way of its definition. It’s a concept, nothing tangible. Unless you get off the grid and live like a recluse annihilating everything and everyone that detects your presence, there is no Freedom of Choice and even if it’s there, it’s never unbridled. Nowhere. Freedom is a unicorn. You want Freedom of Choice, you got it: buy something older. You want to buy somthing new: feel free to buy new, but it’ll have ABS.
What’s funny to me, besides the typical UK anti-EU blabber instigated by a bunch of populists with no interest but their wallets and followed by a mass of morons that believe they are still a colonial force to be reckoned with (please, really?), is that “the industry” is often mentioned as a victim of these rules and regs. Funny, because it is that very same “industry”, the motorcycle industry, with Honda and BMW as the main proponents, that pushed this proposal through.
This will drive smaller manufacturers out of competition in the short term, since Honda and BMW bikes already all have ABS so their additional development cost is nil by now, whereas a brand like Suzuki will have to scrape together additional dev budget to regularise their bikes – making them either more expensive or eating into their profits. This, my fellow liberalists, is called free market economy. Utilising every means at your disposal to drive the competition out of business in your area, maximising your own turnover.
This has nothing to do with government interference, most of the politicians behind the proposal don’t even care. They are simply told and argumented (well) that it would be a good idea for all involved by those that stand to profit, namely “the industry”. Some victim…
Scotduke says
Bear in mind that ABS is no good if you hit a diesel spill. The move by the EC is an unnecessary step. But we’re stuck with it because legislators want it for our ‘safety’, despite the fact that the legislators simply don’t understand the issues. I like having ABS on my car. But on my bike, well I’m not so sure. Could I outbrake an ABS system? I’ve no idea. But I do know how to use cadence braking and I do use it every time I have to stop in a hurry. And with 30 years riding and a few spills along the way, I think I know what I’m talking about, unlike some of the legislators. Requiring ABS on all motorcycles over 125cc will increase their purchase price and their service costs. So maybe I should hang onto my current bike as long as I had the last.
Joe says
Well, since *WE* pay the bill when accidents happen, I suppose they get a say in what is equipped on the bike.
There, fixed that for ya. Never forget that the government only prints money, they don’t earn it.
Rob says
This legislation is to eliminate stupid rider mistakes, something legislation has not been able to do thus far nor do I see it ever happening.