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ARAI wants bikes above 125 cc to be equipped with ABS

Last month, we had reported that the Government of India could make anti-lock braking systems (ABS) mandatory on two-wheelers. Now, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), which is under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, has proposed that two-wheelers with engine capacities more than 125 cc should be equipped with ABS.

ABS technology for two-wheelers is, at the moment, expensive and will increase the cost of bikes. However, the Government is rightly giving more importance to the stability of the vehicles and is keen to introduce the technology in the market.

The proposal could be approved and implemented in 2017, when the Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) track at Ahmednagar, which is being upgraded at the moment, is ready. The ARAI tests two-wheelers at this track. Another factor that will play a part in the timeline for the technology to be introduced is the preparedness of the industry.

The inclusion of ABS is expected to improve the stability of two-wheelers while braking, which in turn, will make them safer. Additionally, riders will be able to manoeuvre their vehicles much better under slippery conditions and hard braking with a lesser risk of skidding. A recent study by Road Accident Sampling System India (RASSI) revealed that ABS can prevent every third accident on our roads involving two-wheelers.

Europe has made ABS compulsory for all new bigger engined motorcycles from 2016-17.

Source: Autocar Professional

 
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