The variety of advanced braking systems can make a positive contribution to motorcycle road safety. There are a number of types of advanced braking systems developed by manufacturers:
i. Combined Braking Systems (CBS)
It fitted with independent controls for the front and rear brakes. Usually this is in the form of a foot pedal and a front brake lever. Most automatic machines (which do not require a clutch control) have the rear brake operated by a lever on the left hand side of the handlebars. Less skilled riders have a tendency to over-use the rear brake and under-use the front. In a CBS system, the application of one brake control will actuate both front and rear brakes.
ii. Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)
Anti-lock braking systems are available either operating on both wheels, or on front or rear wheel, depending on the vehicle and its use. Advantages are self evident as electronic control eliminates the risk of wheel lock. ABS has no effectiveness.
iii. Rear wheel Lift-off Protection (RLP)
Certain architectures can benefit from RLP, which detects if the rear wheel lifts during braking operation. This initiates a momentary reduction of the pressure in the front braking circuit.
iv. Automatic brake force distribution
Due to dynamic shifts in weight during braking, efficient deceleration is strongly dependent on the optimal distribution of braking forces between the front and rear wheels. Even for an experienced rider it is difficult to accomplish this, particularly in emergency conditions, but it can be achieved electronically.
v. Amplified braking systems
These systems amplify the actuation input made by the rider, resulting in a more rapid deceleration. They enable a stronger braking pressure, since the start of the braking procedure.
vi. Brake by wire
The system consists of an electronically controlled combined brake by wire system with an innovative stroke simulator. Direct motor control ensures precise operation of the ABS, resulting in reduced pitching and smooth modulated ABS intervention
vii. New vehicle architectures
Some new vehicle concepts, such as a three-wheeled L category vehicle providing two braked wheels in the front, provide further examples of an advanced braking system having the additional benefit of higher grip, increased stability and reduced braking distance.
The advanced braking systems listed above offer a multitude of possible combinations, enabling manufacturers to develop the offer of a wide variety of solutions taking into account the main purpose of the products, their distinctive characteristics, e.g. balance, weight, dynamics, and general capacities, and the cost-effectiveness of the technical solutions.