Studies of Antilock Brakes (hereinafter called "ALB") for motorcycles have been accomplished in various countries in recent years, and evaluation test methods have been studied within the ECE. We have also studied this area since the spring of 1986, in order to investigate the effectiveness and the range of the effect of ALB for motorcycles, to obtain data related to possible evaluation methods, and to analyze ALB behaviour using a mathematical model. While detailed analysis is still in progress, some preliminary results can be described.
ALB designs using an electronic control system were trial manufactured for this experimental work. They were applied to the front and rear wheels of 4 motorcycles; 2 each with displacement of 750cm³ and 400cm³. Eleven items were measured to analyze the operation of the ALB and the behaviour of the vehicle.
The following preliminary results have been obtained from this study: (1) they are effective over a certain range of road surface and straight line braking, (2) it is technically difficult to optimize the ALB characteristicse specially for the front wheel during braking in a turn, (3) though momentary locking of wheel may occur while the ALB is operating, it does not necessarily affect the straight running stability for a moderately long time, (4) it may be useful to change the characteristics of the vehicle in order to match the properties of the ALB.