If you are confused while buying a bike, then know the difference between ABS and CBS braking system.

Automobile Desk – ​In today’s time, whenever a two-wheeler i.e. bike or scooter is purchased, the attention of the customers is not limited only to the powerful engine and excellent mileage. Due to increasing awareness towards road safety, safety features of vehicles have become the most important priority in modern times. To ensure safety in two-wheelers, mainly two braking technologies—ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and CBS (Combined Braking System)—are used extensively. Although the main objective of both the technologies is to control the vehicle in emergency situations and reduce the risk of accidents, there is a huge difference in their functioning and technical structure.

Technical functioning of ABS i.e. Anti-Lock Braking System

​ABS i.e. Anti-lock Braking System is a very modern and advanced safety technology found in two-wheelers. When the driver suddenly applies brakes at very high speed or in an emergency, sometimes the wheels lock completely. In case of locking of wheels, control of the bike or scooter is lost from the road and the vehicle may slip and fall.

​To deal with this serious problem, ABS technology uses sensors and electronic control units (ECU) near the wheels. These sensors continuously monitor the speed of rotation of the wheels. As soon as the system senses that a wheel is on the verge of locking due to sudden braking, the ECU immediately regulates the brake hydraulic pressure in a thousandth of a second. Due to this, the wheel does not lock completely and the driver remains in complete control of the vehicle, due to which the possibility of an accident is avoided to a great extent.

How does CBS i.e. Combined Braking System handle the balance?

​On the other hand, CBS i.e. Combined Braking System is a technology which is mainly designed to improve the brake balance of the vehicle. The biggest feature of this system is that the front and rear brakes are interconnected. When the rider presses the rear brake lever or pedal normally, CBS technology automatically distributes the braking force proportionately between both wheels.

​With the help of this technology, if the driver operates even one brake, balanced pressure is exerted on both the wheels simultaneously. Due to this, the vehicle does not lose its balance during sudden braking and it stops in a balanced direction. This is why CBS technology is mainly used in light scooters and commuter bikes with low engine capacity, where it is important to maintain stability even at low speeds.

Basic difference between ABS and CBS

​Understanding the difference between the two braking technologies becomes extremely important when purchasing a vehicle:

​Braking Mechanism: ABS prevents sudden wheel locking and manages hydraulic pressure, while CBS balances front and rear braking forces.

​Road and weather conditions: ABS shows its high efficiency and prevents skidding on wet roads, mud, sandy roads or during sudden braking at high speed. In contrast, CBS provides excellent brake balance in normal and moderate speed conditions.

​Cost and Complexity: ABS is a complex and premium technology which increases the price of vehicles, whereas CBS is a comparatively simple and affordable technology.

Braking rules for two-wheelers in India

​Considering the continuous increase in road accidents and giving priority to the safety of passengers, the Transport Ministry of the Government of India has implemented strict rules for two-wheelers. According to the current rules of the country, it has been made mandatory for all bikes with engine capacity of 125 cc or more to have ABS or better advanced braking system. At the same time, it has been made mandatory to use CBS technology to ensure basic safety of riders in scooters and small bikes with capacity less than 125 cc.