If all motorcycles were fitted with an antilock braking system (ABS) 10% of all serious accidents involving motorcycles could be avoided. This is the startling analysis from an independent accidents study undertaken by Allianz - one of the world’s leading insurers.

The Allianz research is supported by a previous report undertaken by the Munich based Institute for Vehicle Safety, which stated that incorrect braking manoeuvres was the main reason that riders fall from their bikes and that 93% of these accidents analysed by the Institute could have been prevented if an ABS system was fitted to the motorcycle.

According to Robert Bosch, the company that developed ABS and one of the world’s largest producers of the technology, only 10% of motorcycles in Western Europe are fitted with the safety system and this is in spite of the fact that all new cars registered for use in Europe from July last year are now fitted with ABS as standard.

The ABS fitment rate in the UK paints a much more depressing picture. The Motor Cycle Industry Association estimates that only 5% of bikes over 125 cc sold in the UK are fitted with an ABS system and that no scooters or mopeds are fitted with the technology.

Based on Allianz’s conclusions, widespread fitment of this active safety system would make a major contribution to the reduction in the number of motorcycle riders killed or injured in collisions on UK roads each year.

The ABS system for a motorcycle is based on the same principals as that of a passenger car system, but with certain software differences. Speed sensors fitted to both wheels of a motorcycle monitor the speed of rotation - if one wheel risks locking up, due to aggressive braking, the ABS hydraulic unit reduces the braking pressure and controls the rotation to provide maximum effective deceleration without skidding.

Bosch has produced some 100,000 ABS systems for motorcycles and this year the company will commence production of a third generation system for motorcycles which is more powerful compared with the original system and a third of the weight.

Note to Editors:

The Bosch Group is the world’s largest provider of automotive technology to all leading vehicle and component manufacturers.

In 2004, the company generated automotive sales of €25.3 billion and employs 149,200 people in this sector. The key business areas include: fuel injection technology (diesel & petrol); systems for active and passive vehicle safety (brakes, ABS, traction control, ESP, control units for restraint systems); electrical motors, rotating electrics and products for car multimedia.

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Bosch media enquiries:
Marco Ferrari
Automotive PR
Tel: 020 7494 8050
Email: mferrari@automotivepr.com

Bosch OE enquiries:
Beverley Daniels
Corporate Affairs Manager
Robert Bosch Limited
Tel: 01895 878155
Email: beverley.daniels@uk.bosch.com