A Comparison of Motorcycle Braking Performance with and without Anti-Lock Braking on Dry Surfaces

This paper analyzes motorcycle braking characteristics during stops at various speeds on a dry, asphalt surface with and without the use of the anti-lock brake system (ABS). To characterize the braking performance of the motorcycle, threshold brake stops were performed on a motorcycle of the superbike category at various speed increments. Motorcycle and brake system outputs consisting of brake pressures, wheel speeds, accelerations and yaw rates were measured and analyzed to highlight the different characteristics between a motorcycle with an integrated anti-lock brake system and multiple anti-lock brake system rider modes. Three different brake input strategies were used to brake the motorcycle; a front only brake application, a front and rear brake application, and a rear only brake application. The anti-lock brake system rider modes consist of a sport setting, a race setting and a setting that deactivates the anti-lock brake system. Each of the rider modes are tailored to the road surface conditions and rider driving style. Motorcycle stopping distances and deceleration levels were correlated with brake performance and longitudinal stability. This paper highlights the differences in braking performance between a motorcycle with and without the use of anti-lock brakes to help better understand what a rider might encounter in a limit braking situation on a dry, asphalt surface.