Continental develops optimised curve braking system

Continental has been manufacturing and selling anti-lock braking system (ABS) for two-wheelers since many years now and thanks to them, motorcycle riders are much safer on roads. Now it has gone a step further and has enhanced its Motorcycle Integral Brake (MIB) system by adding a new function: the optimised curve braking – for safer braking in curves.

Most of the riders avoid braking on the corners, one main reason being the lack of stability. This is because the anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for motorcycles have been designed to maintain stability in a straight-line and not for corners. Hence, the braking just before entering a corner is always a good and safe habit to develop. This new system takes account of the fact that a motorcycle banks in curves. So once the system detects the bank angle of the motorcycle, the ABS kicks in more gradually, modulating braking pressure more smoothly to improve handling in curves. This system also makes sure that the brake pressure is applied to both the front and rear wheel in ideal proportion. All these functions lead to a greater overall stability.

“Thanks to optimised curve braking, braking in curves is more stable and therefore more predictable. The danger of having an accident in a curve is reduced and safety increased," said Ronan Le Roy, head of the motorcycle business in the Vehicle Dynamics Business Unit of Continental’s Chassis & Safety Division.

Recently unveiled at the 2014 EICMA show, the BMW S1000XR will be the first motorcycle to get this new system. This system will go into production early in the summer of 2015.