Can you add an aftermarket ABS in non-ABS motorcycles?
What is ABS?
ABS is anti-lock brake system which prevents your tyre (front or rear) from locking under panic situations or above a certain amount of speed. This is achieved by ECU calculating the tyre speeds and detecting a tyre lock due to braking. If it detects a tyre is locking, it will automatically release the hydraulic pressure releasing the locked trye for a few milliseconds and then continue locking again.
This avoids tyres to lock and hence, avoid skidding.
So can you add an ABS unit to a non ABS motorcycle? the answer is Yes but its very difficult.
Should you? its a strict NO!
It is a bit complicated and is generally not suggested with the cost associated for the upgrade. Also since it is aftermarket a lot of parts, especially the ECU and brake systems, need to be changed.
Some motorcycles have two versions - Non ABS models and the ABS models. in such a scenario the parts from the ABS version can be fitted onto the non ABS variant. however, retrofitting these parts would be a costly affair than the stock ABS model.
However if you do decide to upgrade your motorcycle you would need the following OEM parts-
(1) ABS hydraulic unit
(2) Bracket, dampers and bolts
(3) Brake pipes / hoses (at least 4 nos, which go into / out of the ABS unit)
(4) Wheel speed sensors - front and rear
(5) Toner rings - front and rear
(6) Mounting brackets, bolts for (4) and (5)
(7) Speedometer cluster (you must have a working failure warning lamp)
(8) New fuse box / fuses for ABS motor and pump
(9) In some cases, ABS ON / OFF switch (though this is become rarer now with regulation)
(10) Relevant parts of the wiring harness
In certain cases, the mounting brackets would be installed on swing-arms or fork outer tubes in which case you will have to change them as well. Welding brackets is not an option as the air gap between wheel speed sensor and toner ring is usually between 1 ~ 1.5 mm which you cannot maintain with road-side welding.
(11) Also, an ECU change would be required to receive, analyze and communicate with the ABS unit.
(12) A diagnostic tool to check for any ABS errors.
So do you think you should modify your motorcycle? the answer is NO.
The costs are generally very high than the stock ABS motorcycles. its better to sell off your current motorcycle and buy a new ABS one instead of fiddling with it.
Also, the lack of reliability in an after-market install vs a factory fit. I'd never modify something as critical as the braking system at any local shop, no matter how reputable. At the most, better discs or pads, but no serious modifications.
ABS is anti-lock brake system which prevents your tyre (front or rear) from locking under panic situations or above a certain amount of speed. This is achieved by ECU calculating the tyre speeds and detecting a tyre lock due to braking. If it detects a tyre is locking, it will automatically release the hydraulic pressure releasing the locked trye for a few milliseconds and then continue locking again.
This avoids tyres to lock and hence, avoid skidding.
So can you add an ABS unit to a non ABS motorcycle? the answer is Yes but its very difficult.
Should you? its a strict NO!
It is a bit complicated and is generally not suggested with the cost associated for the upgrade. Also since it is aftermarket a lot of parts, especially the ECU and brake systems, need to be changed.
Some motorcycles have two versions - Non ABS models and the ABS models. in such a scenario the parts from the ABS version can be fitted onto the non ABS variant. however, retrofitting these parts would be a costly affair than the stock ABS model.
However if you do decide to upgrade your motorcycle you would need the following OEM parts-
(1) ABS hydraulic unit
(2) Bracket, dampers and bolts
(3) Brake pipes / hoses (at least 4 nos, which go into / out of the ABS unit)
(4) Wheel speed sensors - front and rear
(5) Toner rings - front and rear
(6) Mounting brackets, bolts for (4) and (5)
(7) Speedometer cluster (you must have a working failure warning lamp)
(8) New fuse box / fuses for ABS motor and pump
(9) In some cases, ABS ON / OFF switch (though this is become rarer now with regulation)
(10) Relevant parts of the wiring harness
In certain cases, the mounting brackets would be installed on swing-arms or fork outer tubes in which case you will have to change them as well. Welding brackets is not an option as the air gap between wheel speed sensor and toner ring is usually between 1 ~ 1.5 mm which you cannot maintain with road-side welding.
(11) Also, an ECU change would be required to receive, analyze and communicate with the ABS unit.
(12) A diagnostic tool to check for any ABS errors.
So do you think you should modify your motorcycle? the answer is NO.
The costs are generally very high than the stock ABS motorcycles. its better to sell off your current motorcycle and buy a new ABS one instead of fiddling with it.
Also, the lack of reliability in an after-market install vs a factory fit. I'd never modify something as critical as the braking system at any local shop, no matter how reputable. At the most, better discs or pads, but no serious modifications.
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