What is an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)?
Prevents the wheels locking under hard braking, so you keep steering control even in an emergency stop.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
ABS senses when a wheel is about to lock and stop rotating under heavy braking, then rapidly releases and reapplies brake pressure many times a second to keep the tyre just short of locking, and steering control intact.
“Like pumping the brakes yourself in a panic stop, except done automatically, dozens of times faster and more precisely than any rider could manage.”
How it works
Speed sensors at each wheel constantly compare rotational speed. If one wheel suddenly decelerates much faster than physics allows, a sign it's about to lock, the ABS module rapidly modulates hydraulic pressure to that caliper, releasing and reapplying it until the wheel is rolling again.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠ABS warning light staying on after start-up
- ⚠Pulsing felt through the lever that wasn't there before
- ⚠ABS activating on dry, grippy roads unexpectedly
- ⚠Fault code stored when scanned
£150–£500
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by bike, region, and parts brand.