Continental develops optimised curve braking for motorcycles

Continental, the global component manufacturer, has enhanced its Motorcycle Integral Brake (MIB) system by adding an optimised curve braking function – to help safer braking in curves.

Riding better on curves involves the right amount of throttling, achieving optimum lean angles and gradual, stable braking during deceleration. “Thanks to optimised curve braking, braking in curves is more stable and therefore, more predictable. The danger of having an accident in a curve is reduced and safety increased,” said Ronan Le Roy, head of the motorcycle business in the Vehicle Dynamics Business Unit of Continental’s Chassis & Safety Division. The function will go into series production in the new BMW S 1000 XR motorcycle in early summer of 2015.

Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) on motorcycles help maintain stability during straight-line braking. But on curves, this new function “takes account of the fact that a motorcycle banks in curves. The ABS kicks in more gradually, modulating braking pressure more smoothly to improve handling in curves,” said Lothar Kienle, head of Development Motorcycle in the Vehicle Dynamics Business Unit. The MIB system ensures braking is combined and ideally proportioned. The overall result is improved stability at all times of the ride.

Numerous sensors work in tandem to read acceleration, roll, pitch and lean angles to limit brake-pressure gradient. Other safety functions include Rear Wheel Lift-Off Protection, which works to keep the wheel from losing contact with the tarmac. It also gets traction control, which steps in whenever a motorcycle threatens to get out of control due to excess speed, extreme banking or too much slip. Finally, there’s wheelie control which regulates engine torque to prevent the front wheel from lifting off during acceleration.