Cómo funcionan los frenos ABS de Harley-Davidson

The ABS brake systems are already a standard in the motorcycles on average and large displacement, we will try to explain what they consist of and what are the advantages that are popularizing even among the least sports models, the custom motorcycles.

ABS are the acronym of “anti-lock braking system”, that is, anti-blocy braking system and was designed in 1929 for the aircraft brakes. Its principle is based on preventing the wheels from braking, preventing the tires from kicking uncontrollably on the pave el equilibrio y la dirección.

Components and operation
We will now talk about what elements an ABS system on a motorcycle and how they work, although according to the brand and model there may be small variants, the principles are the same.
The system starts from a conventional pump and brake clamp, which are attached to a hydraulic unit in the duct that connects them with each other that will allow to maintain, release and recover the braking pressure, while we pressed the handle or pedal of the brake.

This hydraulic unit is electronically controlled by the Ecu or ABS switchboard.

At the same time some sensors are installed that control the rotation speed of the wheels that can measure holes on the brake disc when turning,

or read some coded bearings Magnetically, as in Harley-Davidson ABS systems.

The ECU of the ABS therefore knows at what speed each wheel rotates. If any stops faster than what would be advisable (blocking and possibility of skid) , then the pressure is restored to continue the braking.

If the possibility of skidding continues the process is repeated. All this occurs at a speed of 7 times per second, so it is barely noticeable for the driver, which simply notes a vibration or pulsation in the brake handle or pedal.

Decisions about the need or not to put the system into operation (this is known as “ABS event”) the ECUs are taken based on scheduled values, comparing them with the data of the wheel -rotation sensors.

ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF ABS
With this complex and effective system the driver has the possibility of stopping the motorcycle in the lowest possible space, without having to worry about in case the wheels are blocked and skated; At the same time by not losing traction we can maintain balance and direction.
Por lo tanto donde más se notará su eficacia será en superficies resbaladizas (grava, hielo, pavimento en mal estado...) y cuando es operado por conductores con poca experiencia. It should be noted that all studies show that even professional drivers obtain a shorter braking with the ABS system.
This means that in an emergency braking situation, ABS significantly increases safety and effectiveness.
Es necesario tener en cuenta que el ABS no es apto para todas las situaciones de conducción, ya que mientras giramos el manillar bruscamente o mientras tumbamos en una curva su eficacia es mínima, por lo que hay que seguir manteniendo las precauciones de frenada y conducción habituales .
En caso de frenada de emergencia hay que poner la motor vertical y recta (esto es fundamental) y frenar firmemente con ambos frenos, sin rebajar la presión. The ABS will do the rest of the work for us.

ABS failures
Many users maintain some skepticism in the face of electronic control systems, especially those that affect safety, since they can fail due to vibrations, humidity, bad contacts, etc.
In the case of ABS we can say that it is a totally safe system, since the ECU monitors the status of the sensors and components continuously, and in case of detecting any anomaly the system is “disconnected”, lighting a failure light of failure in failure in failure in The instrument board.

In no case will we run out of brakes, since when the ABS stops working we simply have a traditional braking system, without anti -lock.
Tech Tip: In some models the ECU compares the readings of the front and rear wheel sensors, so if we make a “horse” with the front wheel or a “burnout” with the prolonged rear we can create a false ABS error.
One last recommendation: do not wait for a committed situation to test your ABS, practice in a safe emergency stop environment to familiarize yourself with the pulsations of the controls and with the braking capacity, in this way the driving will be more intuitive, fun and safe .

Frank Burguera

#mecanicaharley