Fitting Anti Lock Brakes ABS to a non-ABS Motorbike - can it be done ?

Summary

This video tutorial guides viewers through the process of installing an aftermarket ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) kit on a motorcycle not originally equipped with it. The host shares their experience with finding a suitable kit online, emphasizing the importance of an electronic control unit and custom sensor discs. They detail the installation steps, including mounting the ECU pump, routing brake hoses, and wiring the system. The video also covers post-installation testing and calibration, highlighting the increased safety benefits of ABS on motorcycles.

Takeaways

• 🔧 The video discusses adding ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to a bike that doesn't come with it as standard.
• 🌐 The ABS kit is sourced online and is compatible with bikes that have front and rear disc brakes.
• 🏗️ The kit includes an electronic control unit (ECU), pump, wiring harness, ABS light, wheel sensors, brake hoses, and custom-made sensor discs.
• 💡 The ABS system significantly enhances safety, especially in challenging traffic conditions.
• 💸 The cost of the ABS kit is significantly lower than the premium for ABS on new bikes, making it a cost-effective upgrade.
• 🛠️ The installation process requires some mechanical skills and the right tools, such as spanners, screwdrivers, and a brake bleed kit.
• 📏 Accurate measurements for the sensor discs are crucial for a successful installation.
• 🔌 Wiring the ABS system into the bike's electrical system requires care and possibly a wiring diagram for the specific bike model.
• 🚫 Not all ABS kits are created equal; some are just valves attached to brake calipers and do not offer true ABS functionality.
• 📝 The video emphasizes the importance of researching and selecting a reputable seller with good customer support for the ABS kit.
• 🛑 After installation, it's essential to bleed the brakes properly and calibrate the ABS system if necessary.

Q & A

What is the primary reason the speaker wanted to add ABS to their bike?

The speaker wanted to add ABS to their bike to make it safer, especially due to the crazy local traffic in the area where they live.

What type of bikes are the ABS kits mentioned in the script designed for?

The ABS kits discussed are designed for bikes with front and rear disc brakes. There might be some kits that handle drum brakes, but the speaker did not find any.

What is the local name of the bike the speaker installed the ABS kit on?

The local name of the bike the speaker installed the ABS kit on is 'Rusi Classic 250'.

What are some other names or models that the bike is known by in different regions?

In different regions, the bike is known as the 'Peda Cafe Racer' in Europe, and the 'GPX Legend' in Thailand and Malaysia.

What is the importance of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and pump in an ABS system?

The ECU and pump are crucial components of an ABS system as they act as the 'brains and engine' of the system, controlling the anti-lock braking mechanism.

What is the first thing the speaker advises to look for when searching for an ABS kit online?

The speaker advises to look for an electronic control unit (ECU) and a pump, as these are essential for a real ABS system.

What is the significance of sensor discs in the ABS kit according to the speaker?

Sensor discs are significant in the ABS kit because an ABS system won't work without them. They are custom made for the buyer's bike by the seller or their agents.

What is the approximate cost of the ABS kit that the speaker purchased, excluding delivery?

The speaker purchased the ABS kit for approximately 230 US dollars, excluding delivery.

What is the speaker's reasoning for considering the cost of the ABS kit a worthwhile investment?

The speaker considers the cost of the ABS kit a worthwhile investment because it can reduce the risk of hospital bills in case of an accident, which can be much more expensive than the cost of the kit.

What is the first step the speaker took after receiving the ABS kit?

The first step the speaker took after receiving the ABS kit was to read the manual carefully and contact the seller for an English version when they found it was only in Chinese.

How did the speaker address the issue of the incorrect sensor mounts included in the kit?

The speaker contacted the seller to request a spare pair of mounting brackets with the correct angles. In the meantime, they 3D printed a temporary bracket to continue with the installation.