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Honda testing ABS brakes on CBR600RR
Many motorcycles in today's market feature anti-lock brakes, including models from Honda like the Interceptor and Silverwing scooters. Now, though, the red-winged manufacturer of motorcycles has announced a new system which completely removes the rider's direct connection with the front and rear brakes. Instead of a cable connection, the system uses brake-by-wire technology and allows an on-board computer to apply pressure to both the front and rear brakes as it sees fit. This new system is expected to debut on sportbikes first, which raises some eyebrows in the cycle-riding community. The highest performing bikes have ridiculously powerful brakes which are capable of locking up the front tire very easily. Still, hardcore riders have proven very reluctant to give up any control to computers, especially on race tracks, where supersport bikes are expected to thrive. Being Honda, though, there is a prevailing sense that the technology will work. Expect the new combined ABS system to proliferate to all of Honda's two-wheelers in the near future.
[Source: Honda]
Honda Announces World's First Electronically-Controlled 'Combined ABS' for Super Sport Bikes
Honda has announced the world's first electronically-controlled "Combined ABS" for Super Sport motorcycles, aimed at combining ABS and CBS systems into one system that applies the basic advantages of both, while specifically addressing the requirements of a Super Sport context.
In order to achieve this, the particular characteristics of Super Sport bikes, such as short wheelbase, are taken into account. The system also operates without interference to sports riding, and with an emphasis on maintaining full rider control.
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. The components are divided into several smaller units so there are more, but smaller units than in previous systems.
The system's effectiveness is due to four main factors:
1. Electronic control of the CBS, allowing more advanced control of brake force. This provides a more sensitive distribution of brake force over both wheels.
2. Measurement of rider input force on each lever. The ideal brake force on both wheels is generated accordingly, providing optimum distribution and minimising vehicle body reaction.
3. An "ABS modulator" which ensures late triggering of ABS, and smooth ABS intervention.
4. Small size meaning that the system's components can be well integrated in the motorcycle's package. Thus mass-centralisation, a key feature for Super Sport bikes, is supported.
All the basic ABS and CBS functions are provided, including the prevention of wheel lock, improved balance and easy operation. This is achieved without any compromise to stability during ABS operation. Pitching is minimised so that the bike keeps its normal position. Overall, sport riding performance is uninterrupted - cornering feel remains the same and controllability is enhanced.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mike 12:19PM (6/14/2008)
Maybe it's the traditionalist in me showing through, but I'm pretty cold to the idea of ABS on a sportbike. A motorcycle is one of the purest links between a rider and the road, and taking direct mechanical control away from the brakes has the potential to dilute the experience.
I'm not saying that I couldn't warm up to the idea, but I hope that Honda is able to absolutely nail the implementation.
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Chris 12:49PM (6/14/2008)
Well BMW has been doing this for year and many of their bikes are qualified to wear the label of "sportbike". My 07 K1200R Sport certainly fits the bill.
I won't ride a bike that isn't equipped with ABS anymore. Having have BMW bikes since the 90s I have found that ABS is a lifesaver and a measure of assurance that no level of skill can equal.
RMc 4:02PM (6/14/2008)
I initially thought the same thing about a track experience but I am 100% for ABS for road going safety. It takes years of riding experience to resist the innate response to jab the front brake lever in a panic situation and thereby tucking the front wheel.
Read Mark Forsyth, of excellent Brit biker magazine TWO fame, quick review and you might change your mind. http://www.visordown.com/motorcyclenews/view/mark_forsyths_review_of_the_cbr600rr_abs/4955.html
In my opinion, if ABS was fitted to all road going motorcycles, hundreds if not thousands of deaths in the US would be avoid every year in America. It's that important of a driving aid.
pmiddle5 12:22PM (6/14/2008)
They better offer a system that turns it off instantly and doesnt hamper traditional brake feel. This continues the adage that Honda's are the softest of all sport bikes.
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why not the LS2LS7? 4:15PM (6/14/2008)
9 out of 10 dead superbike riders agree...they'd never ride a "soft" superbike like a Honda.
Rob Roland 12:55PM (6/14/2008)
I ride a 2006 Honda Interceptor ABS... Say what you want about it, but the ABS saved me one day when a guy cut me off and slammed his brakes to turn into an alley. Thanks to the ABS, the bike stopped, and I stayed upright, and didn't hit the guy. I was adamant about having ABS on my bike, and I'm damned glad I stuck with it.
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jeffzekas 1:40PM (6/14/2008)
Good for Honda! Perhaps ABS would have save my oldest son's life. He crashed his Honda six years ago (he entered the corner too fast, braked too hard--locking the front brake-- and went over the handlebars, hitting a tree and dying instantly). More about Josh at http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/zekasfamily/
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riggs 11:56AM (6/20/2008)
im sorry for your loss
Blake Luttrell 2:01PM (6/14/2008)
"ABS brakes" is redundant, like 'ATM machine"
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Bungle 2:45PM (6/14/2008)
This can't be a good thing. Drive-by-wire throttle is one thing, since losing your throttle control to a computer problem is not usually dangerous, but losing your brakes?
I'm aware that mechanical problems do occur, too, but it seems that a simple mechanical brake system would be far less prone to failure than a computer- and actuator-based system. Is it just me?
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patriot 7:20PM (6/14/2008)
I'm sure the computer and the brake parts are reliable, but what happens if the bike loses all electricity? (e.g. battery and alternator failure).
hmm
Andy 3:09PM (6/14/2008)
It's just you.
And since most sport bikes never hit the track, it's a sensible and well-thought out solution that enhances safety while maximizing the riding experience.
And who says Hondas are the "softest" of bikes? The streetability is renown, but the performance on par with all others. Which is why the 600 and 1000 are winning all the mag shootouts.
pmiddle5 9:38PM (6/14/2008)
When I've seen the Honda's win motorcycle shoot outs they were rarely the fastest. They were generally the most comfortable and confidence inspiring though which many sane people view as more important. Most young people buying sport bikes just look at the "performance" numbers though
patriot 7:20PM (6/14/2008)
much better to lock a front wheel than a rear wheel.
rear wheel lock at high speed = almost certain flip
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zxcv 7:48PM (6/14/2008)
I don't ride, but I think you've got that backwards. If the rear locked up, you should be able to skid safely to a stop. If the front locked, you might flip vertically or violently break loose sideways.
a sportbike rider 10:38PM (6/14/2008)
@zxcv:
patriot is right. Locking the rear wheel can cause high-sides, where you are violently flipped off the bike.
Front wheel locks just result in a loss of steering
Will 10:01PM (6/14/2008)
The way I see it, it's a great thing to have, as long as it's optional.
That way the overly self-confident morons can kill themselves and the wimps who have yet to hit puberty can drive it like they drive their accords.
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emineid 12:12AM (6/15/2008)
This is not a true brake-by-wire system, in that the first component in the chain is still hydraulic, not electric.
The brake levers actuate a hydraulic piston, just like in most other motorcycles.
And when the engine is off, the brake levers actuate the brake calipers directly through hydraulics.
Now, the ABS part of it is that during normal operation, the hydraulic pressure from the brake levers are routed to pressure sensor instead of the brake calipers.
From there, the computer decides how much pressure to apply to the calipers. THAT pressure comes from pressure pumps driven by the wheel.
All sorts of valves along the way modulate and/or re-route the hydraulic pathway.
I am guessing that in case of electrical or engine failure, the system reverts to non-ABS direct hydraulic mechanism.
But it's not like the F-16, which is truly a fly-by-wire design (control stick doesn't push hydraulic fluid through a tube).
Honda, as usual, seems to have come through with a sophisticated offshoot of the ABS as we know it.
Automotive ABS systems can afford to be a bit sloppy, as they generally cycle through lockup-release modes several times a second. So what if a car slips sideways a few inches?
With a motorcycle, the modulation of the brake is probably that much more important, because who wants to lose traction several times a second? What does that do to your balance and smoothness, all of which are key to control?
riggs 11:57AM (6/20/2008)
one is not a wimp if he doesnt want to injure or kill himself, why cant there just be a middle ground?
senseamp 3:04PM (6/14/2008)
This is not just ABS though, this is complete brake by wire. So unlike ABS, computer is in charge even when there is no lockup. It doesn't just step in to fix mistakes, it's there doing everything all the time. Also, how are they going to have proper feedback without direct connection?
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