Technical Effectiveness of ABS, Non-ABS and CBS in Step-through Motorcycles

Abstract

In Thailand, step-through motorcycles with engine sizes of 110 and 125 cc are very popular due to affordability and mobility. Fatalities of road accidents from such motorcycles are a very high proportion in comparison with other vehicles. Common accident scenarios from Thai motorcyclists are rear-ended and overtaking collisions. For these reasons, safety technologies in motorcycle brake systems are very significant to prevent road accidents for motorcyclists. However, there are various technologies that are affordable or available in the Thai market. Road safety assessment for motorcycles from the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP) is also very poor in Thailand. To increase motorcyclists’ awareness of such safety technologies, the brake performance of ABS, Non-ABS, and CBS in step-through motorcycles were conducted with different protocols under controlled hand brake force in UN Regulation R78 and accident scenarios in Thailand. Consequently, the experimental results reveal that under the condition of the high friction surface, the braking distance of ABS motorcycle is up to 9.7% longer than those from the motorcycle with Non-ABS and CBS. Conversely, under the condition of the low friction surface, the braking distance of CBS motorcycle is up to 26.5% extension from those of the motorcycle.