The 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009
Bosch launches new motorcycle ABS
World's smallest unit with electro-hydraulic Combined Brake System (eCBS)
- World's smallest motorcycle ABS with a weight of 1.6 kilogram and box volume of 1.2 liter
- ABS includes electro-hydraulic Combined Brake System (eCBS) for enhanced driving safety
- Market introduction in November 2009
- Development by Bosch motorcycle ABS Center of Competence in Japan
Bosch has started production of the new motorcycle ABS with electro-hydraulic Combined Brake System (eCBS), called Generation 9 Enhanced. With a weight of only 1.6 kg and a box volume of 1.2 liters, it is the smallest and lightest ABS with electro-hydraulic Combined Brake System (eCBS) worldwide. An eCBS makes it possible to brake both wheels, even though the rider applies only the front or the rear brake. The new system will be available as "K-ACT" (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-Braking Technology) in the Kawasaki 1400 GTR and VN 1700 from November 2009. BMW will introduce it as "Race-ABS" – a partial integral brake with pressure buildup only on the rear-wheel – in the BMW S1000 RR from December 2009.
The ABS 9 Enhanced allows the rider to enjoy a safe and more comfortable ride by efficiently supporting the rider's braking input through the integrated eCBS. If the rider only applies the front brake, the system additionally applies the rear brake, and vice versa. Measuring the rider's brake input and other parameters such as the speed, the system calculates the optimal brake force distribution in every braking situation. The ABS 9 Enhanced features special software adaptations, e.g. mode settings for different riding conditions. By controlling the brake force distribution electronically, the eCBS function is able to accommodate various braking conditions, showing significant advantages compared to a conventional mechanical CBS. The motorcycle can be stopped within a very short braking distance without loss of stability, even in the case of a panic brake with only the rear brake applied by the rider. The optimization of the brake force distribution also reduces suspension pitch, making the vehicle motion smoother and increasing the margin of the physical braking limits.
Throughout the world, motorcycles are involved in a large number of severe and fatal accidents. In Japan, 990 fatalities occurred on powered two-wheelers in 2008, representing 19 percent of all fatalities. The benefit of ABS to motorcycle safety has been confirmed by numerous research studies, making it the safety system with the highest possible benefit for motorcycles available today. In 2008, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) confirmed that motorcycles above 250cc equipped with ABS are 28 percent less involved in fatal crashes in the US. A study published by the Swedish Road Administration Vägverket in 2009 concluded that 48 percent of all severe and fatal motorcycle accidents could be avoided with motorcycle ABS.
Bosch, a pioneer in vehicle safety systems, introduced ABS for passenger cars in 1978. Already in 1984, Bosch started developing anti-locking systems for motorcycles. In 2006, the Center of Competence for motorcycle was established in Japan (Yokohama), shifting the complete responsibility for motorcycle ABS business to Bosch's largest engineering base for braking systems outside of Germany. The new Motorcycle ABS Enhanced was completely developed in Japan. Dr. Wolfgang Hiller, president of the Bosch Chassis Systems Control division in Japan, explains: "With ABS 9 Enhanced we have developed an ABS that extends motorcycle driving safety to the physical limits."
- Contact person for press inquiries
- Masao Nagasaki
- Phone: +81 3 5485-3393
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 280,000 associates generated sales of 45.1 billion euros in fiscal 2008. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros, or eight percent of its sales revenue, for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.
The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering." The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.
Additional information can be accessed atwww.bosch.com.
