IIHS asks gov't to mandate ABS on motorcycles

[pauldun170]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/iihs-asks-govt-to-mandate-abs-on-motorcycles/

Safety group urges highway agency to require anti-lock brakes on new motorcycles

By Ashley Halsey III
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, May 7, 2010; A07



Citing research showing that fatal motorcycle accidents could be reduced by more than a third, an insurance industry group has asked for a federal mandate to require anti-lock brakes on all new motorcycles.

Until last year, the number of motorcycle fatalities had steadily increased, reaching a record 5,290 two years ago. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which can draw on accident reports from the insurance companies that support it, asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Thursday to require that new motorbikes be equipped with the brakes.

"Traveling on two wheels instead of four is always riskier, but our new research shows that anti-lock brake technology can make motorcycle riding a much safer way to get around," Adrian Lund, president of the institute, said.

Concern about the added cost -- estimated by motorcycle industry sources at more than $1,000 a bike -- and other issues made motorcycle groups reluctant to embrace a mandate. In a statement, the American Motorcyclist Association endorsed making the brakes an option on more models than manufacturers offer but said they are "not a panacea."

"There are situations when [anti-lock brakes] can increase the risk of a crash, such as when riding an off-highway motorcycle on a trail, or when riding an on-highway or dual-sport motorcycle on a dirt or gravel road," the group said.

Unlike automobile brakes, which respond to a single pedal, a motorcycle has independently controlled front and rear brakes. In some off-road situations, a rider might intentionally clamp down on the rear brake to correct direction if the bike swerves in deep mud or gravel.

With anti-lock brakes, pressure is evaluated several times a second so that the motorcycle avoids stopping so abruptly that the rider loses control.

Insurance institute researchers found that motorcycles with anti-lock brakes were 37 percent less likely to be involved in fatal crashes. Another study determined that motorcycles with anti-lock brakes had 22 percent fewer claims for crash damage per insured vehicle year than the same models without them.

Lund said the two reports provided "compelling evidence that anti-locks reduce fatal crash risk and lower insurance losses. NHTSA has what it needs to move forward with a regulation."

[Dave]

Are you effing kidding me

[pauldun170]

I'm going to go on record as saying I hate the IIHS.

[Particle Man]

*sigh*

[azoomm]

Another study determined that motorcycles with anti-lock brakes had 22 percent fewer claims for crash damage per insured vehicle year than the same models without them.

Lund said the two reports provided "compelling evidence that anti-locks reduce fatal crash risk and lower insurance losses. NHTSA has what it needs to move forward with a regulation."

That study wouldn't have found that the bikes that even come with antilock brakes are high end motorcycles that have a different type of owner. That OWNER is probably less likely to make an insurance claim, in general.

:skep:

[karl_1052]

My brother asked me if my bike had ABS, and he looked at me like I was crazy when I told him, "No, and I don't want it"

In testing by many enthusiast publications, it does stop shorter and safer than Non-ABS.

[DLIT]

Hahaha. Imagine rolling around on a POS Hyosung with ABS. The brakes would be like 20% of the bike's cost.

[azoomm]

My brother asked me if my bike had ABS, and he looked at me like I was crazy when I told him, "No, and I don't want it"

In testing by many enthusiast publications, it does stop shorter and safer than Non-ABS.

Now hold on a minute. I love the argument against ABS... why don't you want it?

I don't want them required, but I'm all for having the technology.

[Papa_Complex]

That study wouldn't have found that the bikes that even come with antilock brakes are high end motorcycles that have a different type of owner. That OWNER is probably less likely to make an insurance claim, in general.

:skep:

I was thinking exactly the same thing; 30 year, 50 year-old rider on a high-zoot sport/tourer vs. Squiddly who's been riding for 6 months, on his CBRZXRYZF1500.

My brother asked me if my bike had ABS, and he looked at me like I was crazy when I told him, "No, and I don't want it"

In testing by many enthusiast publications, it does stop shorter and safer than Non-ABS.

If you're talking about the same publications that I'm thinking of, ABS stopped shorter than riders who had not taken advanced riding schools. ART would do more for rider safety than most technology could.

[Avatard]

Um, I'm no Valentino Rossi, but I do remember quite vividly rather deftly avoiding a grass island in a Pathmark parking lot one dark night strictly because I was able to dab my rear brake, and lock my rear tire momentarily, and redirect my motorcycle around it.

I really don't care for anyone or anything modulating my brakes for me, thanks.

[Smittie61984]

Do people have a skidding problem? I've locked the shit out of my brakes before and my locked rear brake didn't mean shit with it being 4ft above the ground as I headed straight for a deer.

Now despite I hate government regulations and wont' support many of them, with what I assume is the biggest selling style of bike (being a cruiser) not really capable of an endo, would ABS benefit those riders?

[the chi]

That study wouldn't have found that the bikes that even come with antilock brakes are high end motorcycles that have a different type of owner. That OWNER is probably less likely to make an insurance claim, in general.

:skep:

Thatss exactly what I was thinking. A CBR, GSXR, etc compared to a pricey GS or somesuch? What are the odds some old fart (not including Trip) is going to be doing some crazy shit on his bike like a newbie seeing how hard he can ride? Way different types of riders (typically).

[Trip]

I don't have an issue with ABS. Doesn't really bother me.

Thatss exactly what I was thinking. A CBR, GSXR, etc compared to a pricey GS or somesuch? What are the odds some old fart (not including Trip) is going to be doing some crazy shit on his bike like a newbie seeing how hard he can ride? Way different types of riders (typically).

yeah, people freak out when i manhandle the GS because of the money that is involved.

[Papa_Complex]

Do people have a skidding problem? I've locked the shit out of my brakes before and my locked rear brake didn't mean shit with it being 4ft above the ground as I headed straight for a deer.

Now despite I hate government regulations and wont' support many of them, with what I assume is the biggest selling style of bike (being a cruiser) not really capable of an endo, would ABS benefit those riders?

I've seen a lot of people lock it up and ride straight off the road in a corner, which I doubt ABS would help one little bit.

[azoomm]

I think it's a space issue.

I think it's a problem with the space between the ears.

[karl_1052]

Now hold on a minute. I love the argument against ABS... why don't you want it?

I don't want them required, but I'm all for having the technology.

I don't like the cost, and complexity. My bike is complex enough.

[101lifts2]

I have an EX500 and a ZX6r. The EX500 doesn't need ABS; it just needs brakes. Shit don't stop worth crap. Now the 09 6r on the other hand will throw you over the bars with a handful, but I still don't want ABS. Too much weight and cost. Besides if you have good sticky front race tires, you really don't need it. You will fly over the bars before the wheel locks up.

[askmrjesus]

Now hold on a minute. I love the argument against ABS... why don't you want it?


Added cost, added weight, less rider directed control, one more thing to go wrong, and the fact that most people who do their own wrenching, will have a snow ball's chance in hell of properly bleeding an ABS system.

Other than that, I'm all for it...

JC

[karl_1052]

Added cost, added weight, less rider directed control, one more thing to go wrong, and the fact that most people who do their own wrenching, will have a snow ball's chance in hell of properly bleeding an ABS system.

Other than that, I'm all for it...

JC

22lbs extra on the CBR600. One other thing I don't like is that with Honda they shove linked brakes down your throat with the ABS package.

[Papa_Complex]

22lbs extra on the CBR600. One other thing I don't like is that with Honda they shove linked brakes down your throat with the ABS package.

LBS is a real bitch to bleed, but I never had a complaint about the performance.

[Avatard]

22lbs extra on the CBR600. One other thing I don't like is that with Honda they shove linked brakes down your throat with the ABS package.

Again, I like being able to lock the rear sometimes. It's saved my ass more than once.

[azoomm]

22lbs extra on the CBR600. One other thing I don't like is that with Honda they shove linked brakes down your throat with the ABS package.

The entire package on the BMW is 5lbs - that includes quick shifter, raceABS and traction control.

Of course, I have no idea how fun it is to work on. Seeing as though it's a bmw... not easy.

[Particle Man]

I hope they realize that if this goes through there will be a lot of mods out there for disabling the system (for those that don't come switchable) :lol:

[Tmall]

The only complaint I have is, how am I going to lay my bike down now?? :lol:

[Papa_Complex]

The only complaint I have is, how am I going to lay my bike down now?? :lol:

Kick down two gears at 10K?

[101lifts2]

I guess we could can the MSF class now...

[askmrjesus]

The entire package on the BMW is 5lbs - that includes quick shifter, raceABS and traction control.

Of course, I have no idea how fun it is to work on. Seeing as though it's a bmw... not easy.

I can't say for sure, since I haven't peeled the ugly off of an RR yet, but I think your 5lbs may only include the electronics and the assorted shifter position sensor hoo-hah.

Then there's the pump, and splitters and secondary sensors, tiny valves named Klaus, and a bunch of weird shit you don't know what is does.

JC

[azoomm]

The only complaint I have is, how am I going to lay my bike down now?? :lol:

:lol: