Why is ABS mandatory on motorcycles? How does it differ from combi-brakes and how does it affect the new standard mopeds?

ABS, which is now standard equipment on most new motorcycles, is a safety device that prevents tires from locking and slipping under hard braking, etc. It is required by law to be installed, but what is the history of this system?　In recent years, there has also been a similar system called CBS, but how is it different from ABS?　In addition, this section introduces the basics of ABS, including what will happen in the case of the new standard mopeds introduced in 2025.

ABS is an anti-lock device for tires

ABS is an abbreviation for "Anti-lock Brake System. Anti-lock" here means "not locking the wheels. Also, "lock" is a condition in which the rotation of the wheels is completely stopped by the brakes. A factor, for example, is that the brakes were applied strongly while driving. It is most likely to happen during emergency braking, such as panic braking when a car or person suddenly jumps out in front of you. And if the wheels stop turning at such times, the tires on the ground will naturally slip (lose control), often leading to an accident such as a fall. ABS is a device to prevent such a situation whenever possible. If a tire locks up during braking, ABS detects this and quickly restores tire rotation speed to maintain vehicle stability. The mechanism differs slightly depending on the manufacturer and model. For example, in the case of Honda cars, sensors mounted on the front and rear wheels detect the rotation speed of the front and rear tires, and if there is a difference between them, the system determines that the slower tire is locked. If there is a difference, the system determines that the slower tire has locked up. Then, the system slackens the brakes on the locked tire to restore rotational speed, and then brakes again. This process is repeated in 1/1000-second increments to ensure braking power and maintain vehicle stability.

Note that ABS uses a sensor that reads the speed of the wheel, which in a typical motorcycle is located near the center of the brake disc. It often has a disc-shaped slit part and a sensor that uses that slit to detect wheel speed. And by looking at these, you can tell if the bike has ABS or not. .

Installation will be mandatory starting in 2018.

The mandatory installation of ABS on motorcycles is the result of amendments made by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in January 2015 to the "Safety Standards for Road Vehicles" and other related ministerial ordinances. The objective is to "reduce the number of traffic fatalities. It states that the measure is intended to reduce the number of fatalities in accidents by preventing, as much as possible, the locking phenomenon of motorcycles, which are prone to tipping over and loss of control. And this has made it "mandatory for motorcycles to be equipped with advanced braking systems" for braking systems. More specifically, motorcycles with an engine displacement of over 125 cc are now required to be equipped with ABS that meets certain technical requirements. This also applies to Class 2 mopeds (Class 2 motorized bicycles) between 50 cc and 125 cc, but in this case, ABS is not necessarily required, and CBS is also acceptable. CBS here stands for "Combined Braking System. It refers to so-called front and rear wheel interlocked brakes. In general, the brakes on a motorcycle are operated separately on the front and rear wheels, but in this system, either the front or rear brake operation activates the brakes on both the front and rear wheels. For example, the "combi-brake" system is often used on Honda 110cc and 125cc scooters. In this system, when the left lever (rear wheel brake) is squeezed, braking force is also moderately distributed to the front wheel to support well-balanced braking.

The advantage of CBS is that the system is simpler and more cost-effective than ABS, which requires complex electronic controls and sensors. For this reason, CBS is often used in small-displacement scooters and small motorcycles with small bodies and relatively low prices. The specific date of application of ABS and CBS is October 1, 2018 for new models. For models that will be sold on or after October 1, 2021, the installation of ABS and CBS will become mandatory for vehicles that are still in production.

ABS also comes in a variety of types.

ABS is now mandatory for all motorcycles, and there are several types of ABS depending on the model's characteristics and performance. Single-Type ABS] This type works only on the front wheel, where locking of the tires is most likely to cause the bike to fall over. Dual type ABS] This type works on both the front and rear wheels to improve stability at high speeds, and is used in models with a wide range of displacements. This type is used in models with a wide range of displacements . By detecting vehicle behavior, it suppresses excessive nose dive and also supports braking during cornering

[Off-road ABS] When the rider decides that different front and rear brakes need to be used under off-road riding or other conditions, the ABS system allows the rider to use the rear brake only at the touch of a switch. The ABS for off-road use is a system that allows the rider to deactivate the ABS for the rear brake only at the touch of a switch [Combined ABS] The system combines CBS, which automatically distributes the braking force of the front and rear wheels appropriately, and ABS, which prevents locking. Combined ABS] A system that combines "CBS," which automatically distributes the braking force to the front and rear wheels appropriately, and "ABS," which prevents locking. This system is often used in large tourers and other vehicles. For example, in Honda's Gold Wing Tour, when the front brake is applied, braking force is also distributed to the rear brake, and when the rear brake is applied, braking force is also distributed to the front brake. By simultaneously activating the brakes on the front and rear wheels in a balanced manner, excessive nose-dive caused by braking is suppressed. Dual-type ABS also prevents tires from locking up .

Is ABS required for new standard mopeds?

The above is an overview of ABS and CBS, which are now mandatory for most motorcycles. However, Class 1 mopeds (Class 1 motorized bicycles) of 50 cc or less were not covered in the past. However, the installation of ABS and CBS has not been mandatory for Class 1 mopeds (Class 1 motorized bicycles) under 50 cc. Then, what about the new standard mopeds introduced in April 2025? New standard mopeds are motorcycles with displacement of 125 cc or less, with maximum output limited to 4.0 kW (5.4 PS) or less. 50 cc motorcycles that cannot meet the new emission regulations, which were introduced in November 2025, have basically been discontinued, and this new standard moped was introduced to replace them. With an engine displacement of 125 cc or less, they are the same as conventional moped motorcycles, but the key point is that their performance is equivalent to that of 50 cc motorcycles by reducing their power. Compatible models are treated the same as Class 1 mopeds in terms of traffic rules and legal classifications, such as being able to be driven with a moped license. So, how will ABS and CBS be installed on the new standard mopeds?　In this regard, the four types of new standard mopeds announced by Honda basically use either of these systems. First, the "Super Cub 110 Light," "Super Cub 110 Pro Light," and "Cross Cub 110 Light" business motorcycles. All of these are a group of models based on the 110cc "Super Cub 110," "Super Cub 110 Pro," and "Cross Cub 110," with the maximum output of the 109cc, air-cooled single-cylinder engine reduced from 5.9kW (8.0PS) to 3.5kW (4.8PS) to meet the new moped standards. In these cases, front-wheel disc brakes and a single-channel ABS that acts only on the front wheel are used. The configuration is the same as that of the base model of the moped class 2.

Also, the scooter model Dio 110 Lite. Based on the Dio 110, this one has a 109 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with maximum output reduced from 6.4 kW (8.7 PS) to 3.7 kW (5.0 PS). This model is also compatible with the new moped standard. Like the moped Dio 110, this model is also equipped with a CBS combi brake. As mentioned above, when the left lever (rear wheel brake) is squeezed, Honda's unique braking system distributes braking force moderately to the front wheel as well, providing well-balanced braking support. Regarding the installation of ABS or CBS on these new standard mopeds, a Honda representative said, "Although it is not required by law, we dare say that the mopeds can be equipped with ABS or CBS. The base 110 model also comes with ABS, but it is still installed. The base 110 model also comes with ABS, so we are using it as is, but the main purpose is "to enhance safety. In particular, the new standard mopeds are heavier than the 50cc models because they are based on 110cc and other moped class 2 models. This means that there may be situations and cases where it is more difficult to stop than with conventional mopeds, so the brakes are more fully equipped. As you can see, ABS and CBS are now standard equipment on almost all new bikes you can buy, and while they are useful systems that prevent tires from locking up and optimize the front-rear balance of braking, it is important to note that these devices are not always universal. However, be aware that these devices are not necessarily all-powerful. It is important to be careful not to overdo it and to ride in such a way that you can safely come to a stop if the worst happens. Go to  (11)