India records the highest number of road accident deaths globally, making road accidents a leading cause of mortality in the country. This highlights the critical need for advanced safety features in automobiles. ABS in two-wheelers is one such safety feature that stops the wheels before they lock up due to sudden braking. Dual channel ABS and single-channel ABS are common terms that Indian motorists come across. Find out more about them in this blog.
What is ABS in bikes?
An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is a significant safety feature for motorcycles. It prevents the locking up of wheels when sudden brakes are applied. When wheels lock up during braking, it can lead to skidding and accidents. ABS stops such wheel lock-ups to allow better control and avoid accidents. The ABS technology includes sensors on the wheels that track the speed and balance brake pressure suitably to maintain better control.
What is dual channel ABS in bikes?
The ABS braking system is commonly of two types— the single-channel and the dual-channel ABS. The dual-channel ABS works on both the rear and front wheels to offer more comprehensive protection. This braking system allows you to stop using both the rear and front brakes, providing shorter stopping distances while riding. With the dual-channel ABS, you can benefit from improved braking control and power, even in different riding conditions.
How does dual-channel ABS work?
As you manoeuvre through the busy roads, your bike’s dual-channel ABS is consistently working to offer you improved safety. Let’s look at how the dual-channel ABS works in two-wheelers:
- The Electronic Control Unit (ECU): The ECU is an important component to receive data from your wheel’s sensors. It then adjusts brake pressure accordingly to stop your wheels from locking up in emergency braking situations.
- The speed sensors: These are found on the wheels to detect the speed and send signals to the ECU before locking up.
- The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU): This includes the valves and pumps that release and restore the brake fluid pressure, respectively. They ensure there is an optimal pressure level that reduces the risks of skidding.
Advantages of dual-channel ABS in bikes
An important safety feature in bikes, the dual-channel ABS offers the following benefits:
- Improved braking efficiency: The dual-channel ABS offers better control over the vehicle, reducing stopping distance and improving overall braking efficiency.
- Better stability: Skidding is a major cause of concern among motorists, especially when applying sudden brakes. ABS reduces these chances of sudden skidding, allowing more stability.
- Prevent locking wheels: Sudden braking can lead to wheels that lock up and eventually cause skidding. ABS is significant in reducing the risks of such wheel lockups even during hard braking.
- Lower stopping distances: ABS allows you to brake harder without the risk of your wheels locking up. This reduces the overall stopping distance of your two-wheeler.
Best dual channel ABS bikes in India
Let’s look at some of the best bike models that offer the critical safety feature of dual-channel ABS:
- Royal Enfield Classic 350
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350
- Royal Enfield Hunter 530
- Bajaj Pulsar N160
- Bajaj Pulsar NS200
- Bajaj Pulsar RS200
- Bajaj Dominar 250
- KTM 200 Duke
- KTM 250 Duke
- KTM 390 Duke
- TVS Apache RTR 200 RV
- Yamaha FZ 25
- Honda H’ness CB350
Conclusion
The rising number of road accident cases in India is an alarming reminder that adventure should not come at the cost of your safety. With new features that offer comfort and performance, safety features like the ABS braking system are essential too. When it comes to protection, a bike insurance policy is just as necessary. While the ABS protects you against skidding, insurance will protect you against financial burdens in case of theft, fire, third-party accidents and own damage.
FAQs
Is ABS better than non-ABS bikes?
An ABS braking system is always better than a non-ABS system, as it prevents wheels from locking up in situations that require hard braking.
Does dual-channel ABS offer better protection than single-channel ABS?
Dual-channel ABS works on both rear and front wheels and offers better braking efficiency than a single-channel ABS that works only on the front wheel.
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