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While in Europe we step through the mire that is the European Commission’s proposal for a regulation for motorcycles, the Indian TVS Motor Company, apparently the third largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India and amongst the top ten in the world, launched the Apache RTR 180, India’s First Motorcycle with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) in March 2011.
Part of the European Commission proposal is to make ABS (Advanced Braking Systems) mandatory on motorcycles albeit with negotiations ongoing, especially the introduction of ABS (Anti-lock Braking Systems) and CBS (Combined Braking Systems) on lesser powered PTWs.
The argument put forward by the Commission and Parliament is that ABS is a safety feature that will save lives.
The ABS for Apache RTR is designed and manufactured by the leading global component maker-Continental. HS Goindi, president, marketing, TVS Motor. “We have tested this vehicle comprehensively at speeds of 120 kmph on wet roads and can say with some authority that falling off from this mobike will not be that easy. Unless one intends to.”
The TVS Apache RTR 180 is billed as, “giving the bike formidable stopping power and superior braking control that compliments its high performance capability.” Indian bikers, “at the same time, experience superior levels of safety and stability.
The bike comes with an ‘ABS-Off’ switch, which disables the ABS technology, and it it is also equipped with RLP (Rear Wheel Lift-off Protection) system which regulates deceleration when the bike is likely to lift off during emergency braking situations and takes over control, with no loss of stopping distance.
RTS also claim that the Apache RTR 180 ABS’ keeps the bike in the most effective braking zone while ensuring precise maneouvres. The ABS technology prevents skidding and assists effective braking, especially in wet and muddy road conditions while providing for sharper and shorter cornering.
You will need to watch the videos. One explains how riders on the race track could put this into road use, leaving braking late and thus having a faster exit and shows the ABS in action and the other, “don’t defeat your enemy – destroy him”.
We have concerns about the claim or rather the inference that in all circumstance the ABS allows precise maneouvres on the road and off road.
The Apache RTR 180 looks like a stunning motorcycle, however you are advised to watch the videos to get a sense of safety Indian style.
Riding is fun and the marketing for Apache RTR 180 puts the fun into technology and certainly tries to appeal to the younger riders, with no sense of mortality. We can see why they are doing this, it is very well done and if I was young again I’d be impressed with the thinking.
Europe is a big potential market for India and other Asian countries including China. With 33 million PTW users who want a simple form of transport but with style and reliability. India is forging ahead with their motorcycle production including bikes with ABS to comply in advance with potential EU regulations – minus the expense of the production costs and regulations that European manufacturers have to suffer.
Meanwhile the experts at the Japan Bosch Engineering Center claim to have designed an ABS series specifically for motorcycles for the first time. They state, “With greatly reduced volume and weighing just 0.7 kg, the entry-level product ABS 9 system is only half the size and weight of its predecessor. This makes it the most compact system on the market so far. In addition, its design is also cost-effective. If ASB 9 is to be used widely on all motorcycles with hydraulic brake systems, its cost-effective feature will be instantly known.”
The argument against ABS due to cost is according to Bosch, redundant. If you add the fact that the Apache on a straight currency conversion is selling at just over £1000 in India.
If manufacturers from new emerging markets could supply bikes that comply with EU regs – without the expense of European production costs, will the European motorcycle industry struggle and implode?
Back to the safety aspect of ABS, Bosch claims that, “This active safety system allows motorcyclists to brake safely in critical situations without locking the wheels of their motorcycles and the motorcyclists do not have to fear of falling off.”
We recently published an article “The Great European Poker Run” Click Here – which includes the views of two highly respected motorcycle trainers, the opinion expressed is that ABS is not THE panacea to reduce motorcycle casualties that our friends in Brussels would have us believe. One important aspect that the Commission and parliament have ignored is that braking in emergency situations requires skill and training.
The Commission and parliament have argued that ABS will reduce casualties by 20% over the next 10 years. This is in our view, reckless because it may lead motorcyclists and safety organizations to believe that ABS will reduce casualties in ALL braking situations, rather than stop the motorcycle safely in specific scenarios.
Interestingly, the advertising for the Apache RTR 180 ABS claims to offer safety and stability, using the very same logic of the Commission and parliament – with the added twist of encouraging motorcyclists to ride the roads like a race track.
The European motorcycle industry and institutions may be circling the wagons, but it seems to us that the Indian Apaches are on the warpath.
New Delhi: Setting a precedent, for the first time in the history of the Indian two wheeler industry, TVS Motor Company is introducing ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) in its premium segment motorcycle TVS Apache RTR 180, giving the bike formidable stopping power and superior braking control that compliments its high performance capability.
Now, Indian bikers can fully enjoy the capabilities of their Apache RTR 180 ABS and at the same time, experience superior levels of safety and stability. TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS can also clip-off a few seconds on a race track, thanks to late braking, faster exits and incredible stability. ABS technology is becoming more common in passenger cars but new to the Indian two wheeler industry.
Anti-lock Braking System or ABS technology is an integration of a HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) and Independent Wheel Speed Sensors which help determine when a wheel is likely to get locked. When the brakes are applied hard, the wheel tends to lock. At this point, the HECU takes over instantaneously and modulates the brake pressure continuously to keep the ‘Apache RTR 180 ABS’ in the most effective braking zone while ensuring precise maneuvers.
In simple words, sensors on the front and rear wheels independently monitor the speed of rotation at all times and can sense the risk of wheel lock whenever the brakes are applied. If the sensors communicate an impending wheel lock, the HECU modulates the braking pressure and prevents it, therefore reducing the risk of the rider losing control of his Apache. When the ignition is turned ‘ON’, the Apache RTR 180 ABS does an automatic self-check, which is indicated by the blinking of an LED on the console and the speed sensors monitor the wheel speed and send signals continuously to the HECU.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. H S Goindi, President – Marketing said, “We have been closely working with our technology partner, the international automotive supplier, Continental and what you see is the result of more than a year’s collaborative work. Having first showcased ABS technology in a motorcycle in India, as a concept in the Auto-expo in New Delhi last year, we are proud that this concept has become a reality. ABS technology prevents skidding and assists effective braking, especially in wet and muddy road conditions while providing for sharper and shorter cornering.”
The Apache RTR ABS, is also equipped with RLP (Rear Wheel Lift-off Protection) system which regulates deceleration when the bike is likely to lift off during emergency braking situations and takes over control, with no loss of stopping distance. With the RLP system continuously monitoring and controlling the braking, the bike gives the best stopping performance.
TVS has however not left the avid ‘biker’ unsatisfied. The bike comes with an ‘ABS-Off’ switch, which disables the ABS technology, enabling the rider to showcase his capabilities on the Apache RTR, in controlled conditions. In an effort to enhance the ‘thrill of biking’ in the TVS Apache RTR 180, the company has fitted the bike with an all-new 3 phase Full DC lighting system and an efficient energy management system.
The Apache RTR 180 ABS comes in the spectacular white color with differentiating orange decals and is immediately available at select TVS dealerships across the country.
With this new, compact motorcycle Antilock Braking System (ABS), which has been developed by Continental’s Chassis & Safety Division in collaboration with TVS Motor Company, we have further strengthened our presence as a strong international supplier in the Indian automotive industry. ABS for motorcycles emphasizes our philosophy of ‘Intelligent mobility and safety for everyone’. It is a vital and decisive step on the road towards “Vision Zero,” when safety is evolved to such a level that there are no more serious accidents on the road. In view of globally available technologies, safety is non-negotiable. It is gratifying for Continental that we have associated with an Indian manufacturer to give India her first motorcycle with ABS technology.
Fantastic to read some realistic ABS assessments. The authorities are hoodwinked by confounded ABS studies and the manufacturers have no choice but to ride the waves of fear and beigeness so that marketing departments can advertise the safety feature.
ABS has a place and it does what it’s designed to do – stop the wheel from locking… but if MAIDS and HURT can’t be re-interpretted to show that ABS would have stopped capsize related deaths and rectify other braking errors leading to death… then how the hell can the expected savings be realised?
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Includes guided prayer, Eucharistic adoration and practical suggestions on how to find God in daily life.