March 14, 2024
Exploration of combined braking system in motorcycles
With the continuous advancement of technology in motorcycle industry, safety performance has become a common focus for manufacturers and users. Due to their unique structure and dynamic characteristics, motorcycles are prone to brake failure during braking processes.
At this time, the combined braking system emerges, becoming one of the key technologies to enhance riding safety. Combined braking system improves braking efficiency and reduces operational difficulty by coordinating the front and rear wheel brakes, thereby significantly enhancing riding safety.
This article will detail the principles, advantages, and practical applications of the combined braking system in motorcycles.
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Working principle of combined braking system
Basic concept of combined braking system
The CBS, short for combined brake system, also known as the linked braking system, is a braking technology designed for motorcycles and small vehicles. Its main function is to activate the brakes of both the front and rear wheels simultaneously during braking, improving braking efficiency and stability through reasonable distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels.
Compared to traditional independent braking systems, the combined braking system can effectively enhance the braking performance and handling stability of motorcycles, particularly by reducing skidding and loss of control due to improper operation during emergency braking.
Development history
As early as the late 1970s, Honda was the first to introduce a similar concept called the “linked brake system” in some of its models. However, it wasn’t until the 21st century, with the advancement and refinement of technology, that combined braking system gradually became one of the standard motorcycle parts in many motorcycles.
Nowadays, whether it’s an entry-level commuter bike or a high-performance sports motorcycle, combined braking system can be found.
Classification of combined braking system
- Mechanical CBS
Mainly consists of components like the master cylinder, auxiliary cylinder, and linkage rods.
Operation Mechanism: When the rider presses the rear brake pedal or squeezes the front brake lever, in addition to acting directly on the corresponding wheel, it also drives the piston on the other wheel through a complex linkage mechanism, applying a certain braking force to the wheel that isn’t directly controlled.
The benefit of this approach is that it achieves a relatively balanced deceleration effect even when only a single brake is used.
- Electronic CBS
Based on a combination of sensor monitoring and microprocessor analysis for intelligent adjustment.
Specific Process: Speed sensors and pressure sensors are installed at various positions on the vehicle to collect data in real-time; the Electronic Control Unit calculates the most suitable braking force distribution ratio based on the current driving condition; it precisely controls the flow of hydraulic oil in the circuit via electromagnetic valves, ensuring that both the front and rear wheels participate in the braking process simultaneously according to the preset ratio.
- Hydraulic linked braking system
The hydraulic linked braking system uses hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear brakes. The hydraulic pressure generated by operating the brake pedal or left brake lever is transmitted to the brake calipers on both front and rear wheels.
Functions of the combined braking system in motorcycles
When the rider uses the combined braking system for braking, whether operating the front or rear brake, the system automatically adjusts and applies appropriate braking force to the other wheel. This linkage mechanism provides the following advantages:
- Shortened braking distance
Since both wheels participate in the braking process, the total friction increases, allowing the vehicle to decelerate more quickly.
- Increased stability
Reasonable distribution of braking force helps prevent wheel lock-up, thereby reducing the risk of loss of control, such as the front wheel locking causing a tumble or the rear wheel locking causing a slide.
- Simplified operation
For beginners, combined braking system reduces the difficulty in learning to control the front and rear brakes separately, as they can achieve a relatively ideal braking effect by operating just one brake.
Practical application cases
- Honda CBR series
As one of the earliest brands to adopt this technology, Honda features advanced electronic CBS as standard equipment in many of its best-selling models like the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR Fireblade. These high-performance bikes have garnered affection from many motorcycle enthusiasts for their excellent handling and reliable braking performance.
- Yamaha YZF-R series
Yamaha, as one of the top 10 electric motorcycle manufacturers in Cambodia, has also introduced a similar function called UBS (Unified Brake System) in its flagship street racers, the YZF-R1 and R6 models. Although the name is different, its intended purpose and fundamental principles are roughly the same, aiming to enhance the overall safety and convenience of the vehicles.
- Other brands
In addition to the aforementioned giants, other well-known brands such as Suzuki GSX-S1000 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R have also joined this trend with their high-end products. Moreover, in recent years, economically priced small-displacement scooters have begun to popularize this technology, allowing more ordinary consumers to enjoy its benefits.
To be safer which one should be equipped: CBS or ABS?
Differences between CBS and ABS
CBS, short for combined brake system, adjusts the braking force reasonably between the front and rear wheel brakes by appropriately operating the left brake lever. Braking both wheels simultaneously ensures that the tires and road surface achieve maximum friction, resulting in the shortest braking distance and improved braking stability, thus reducing the risk of wheelie and tail swing.
ABS, short for anti-lock braking system, functions to prevent wheel lock-up during emergency braking, ensuring that even when applying maximum brake pressure, wheel lock-up does not occur, thus providing safety protection.
The ABS feature is a part of the braking system and is more comprehensive than the CBS function. During emergency stops, when the front and rear wheel rotational speeds are inconsistent, the ABS intervenes, forcing the release of the brakes to ensure that the wheels can roll and slide, preventing tire lock-up and ensuring safety.
CBS vs ABS: choose based on actual needs
- CBS preset the front and rear braking force to maximize the effectiveness of the braking system. CBS cannot replace ABS, nor can ABS replace CBS; one shortens the braking distance, while the other prevents tire slip.
- Experienced riders can master the front and rear braking systems, making ABS more useful; for novices, CBS is more practical.
- For motorcycle displacement over 150cc, ABS is more effective; for those below 150cc, choosing CBS is sufficient.
- Based on budget, ABS costs more, including installation and calibration; CBS is a simple mechanical device with lower costs.
Conclusion
The combined braking system for motorcycles, as an important technology motorcycle safety tips, is gradually becoming a standard configuration in modern motorcycles. Through intelligent design for front and rear wheel joint braking, it can effectively improve the overall safety of motorcycles and provide more stable handling in emergency situations.
Although there are certain challenges with system complexity and maintenance costs, as technology advances and electrification trends progress, combined braking system for motorcycles will be further optimized and intelligent, offering riders a safer and more convenient riding experience.
FAQ
What is the role of combined braking system?
Preventing skids and falls: Many users only use the rear brake during normal braking, resulting in longer stopping distances and a higher likelihood of skidding and falling.
Shortening braking distance: Vehicles equipped with combined braking system will apply braking force to the front wheel when the user applies the rear brake, achieving smooth braking and shortening the stopping distance.
Increasing safety: Simulating the braking patterns of skilled riders reduces the technical requirements for user operation, making riding safer for users.
Why are scooters enthusiastic about combined braking system?
Enhancing selling points: Scooters are easy to operate and do not require high driving skills; the combined braking system configuration makes riders feel more secure.
Lower costs: Compared to ABS, CBS is slightly lower in cost, depending on the price differences of the models.
The tires are prone to slipping: The contact area between scooter tires and the road is relatively small, resulting in less grip.
How to use the linked or combined braking system on motorcycles?
Braking lever: When using the linked braking system, simply squeeze the rear braking lever.
During braking: When combined braking system activates, it shifts the vehicle's center of gravity to the front wheel, increasing friction to decelerate.
How to determine if a vehicle is equipped with combined braking system?
Rotating the wheel: Stand the bike on the center stand, rotate the front wheel, and squeeze the rear brake lever; if the front wheel stops rotating, it is equipped with combined braking system.
Balancer: If there is a balancer device or a brake hose and a brake cable at the front brake caliper, it is a combined braking system.
Will a vehicle equipped with combined braking system still fall?
Yes. The combined braking system system can only reduce the risk of falling and does not possess complete anti-lock functionality. It is important not to rely too heavily on the combined braking system assistance feature; safe driving should always be kept in mind.
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Willow
Willow is a materials engineer with a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, specializing in lithium-ion battery materials and energy storage technologies.
Her work focuses on EV battery swapping solutions, battery innovation, and new energy industry trends, aiming to translate research insights into practical applications for sustainable transportation.
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