Parts & Accessories Guides

What is ABS on a Motorcycle?

An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) can help you maintain control of your motorcycle, equipping you with the tools to stop quickly, while helping to prevent uncontrolled wheel lockups caused by improper user braking. Learn more about what ABS is on a motorcycle, how ABS works on a motorcycle, and more.

Key Takeaways

• ABS can help you maintain control of your motorcycle by helping to prevent uncontrolled wheel lockups caused by improper user braking.

• The system detects if a wheel is slowing down too quickly and modulates the brake fluid pressure several times per second until the event is over.

• Modern Harley-Davidson® motorcycles come with ABS brakes as either standard or optional equipment, depending on the model.

What do ABS brakes do?

An anti-lock braking system in motorcycles is designed to prevent your bike’s wheels from locking up and skidding when you hit your brakes hard in an emergency or on slippery surfaces. Your anti-lock braking system (ABS) can help you maintain control of your bike when braking in a straight-line emergency.

How does ABS work on a motorcycle?

Now that we’ve explained what ABS is, we can dive into how the system works. Let’s say you hit your brakes hard to avoid a collision. Here’s what happens:

• The ABS monitors sensors at the front and rear wheels to determine wheel speed.

• If the system detects that one or more wheels are slowing down too quickly, which indicates they are close to locking (or the deceleration rate does not match the parameters stored in memory), the ABS activates.

• The ABS system rapidly opens and closes valves to modulate the brake pressure.

During ABS activation, the system provides the electronic equivalent of manually pumping the brakes. You can recognize ABS activation by the slight pulsing sensation in the hand lever or the rear brake pedal. A clicking sound from the ABS module can also be heard. Both are the result of normal operation.

What are the benefits of ABS on a Motorcycle?

There are a few potential benefits of having ABS on your motorcycle, such as:

• For the average rider, ABS can reduce stopping distance in many emergency braking situations.

• ABS can help you maintain control if you hit the brakes too hard. It is designed to help keep your wheels spinning during an urgent stop.

• ABS may increase confidence during emergency braking situations, especially if you’re new to the motorcycle world.

On Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, the ABS functions on both wheels. The Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) is a variant of ABS that takes into consideration the lean angle of the motorcycle. While cornering, the available grip for braking is reduced, and C-ABS can automatically compensate for this.

How are ABS brakes different from traditional brakes?

On motorcycles equipped with traditional non-ABS brakes, one or both wheels may lock up if you apply too much braking pressure.

ABS on a motorcycle monitors wheel speed and intervenes to help prevent your wheels from locking up during an urgent stop.

Do Harley-Davidson® motorcycles have ABS?

ABS is offered either as an option or as standard equipment for all new Harley-Davison® motorcycle models sold in the United States. Harley-Davidson first introduced ABS for some Police motorcycle models in 2005, and first offered ABS as an option for some Touring motorcycle models in 2008.

Can I add ABS brakes to my motorcycle?

It is not possible to add ABS to a motorcycle that was not originally equipped with an ABS system. Consult your local Harley® Dealer  or Owner’s Manual to determine if your motorcycle was equipped with an ABS system or not.

What does it mean when the ABS lamp continues flashing at speeds greater than 3 mph (5 km/h) or remains on continuously?

This means that the ABS is not operating and the brake system is operating like a non-ABS motorcycle. Contact a Harley-Davidson Dealer to have the ABS system inspected.