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This article was first published 10 years ago

Amazing: Top 10 safety features in your bike

Last updated on: May 29, 2014 18:49 IST

Image: Engine immobiliser
Sagar Basandani

These save the rider and the bike from skidding and thefts.

1. Engine immobiliser

It is basically a security system that comes in a couple of motorcycles like Mahindra Centuro, Hero MotoCorp Xtreme, etc.

It prevents the engine from switching on unless the original key is inserted.

This prevents bike thefts.

What is an engine immobiliser?

An engine immobiliser is a highly advanced electronic anti-theft system for vehicles.

The moment you insert the key into the machine, the key transmits an electronic code to the engine.

The key has a transponder chip with a unique code that carries the code to the engine control unit and if the code is accepted, the engine starts.

No other key can start the engine. An alarm gets activated if one tries to. :-)

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2. CBS/IBS

Image: CBS/IBS

The Combi-Brake System is introduced by Honda and Integrated Braking System by Hero MotoCorp to improve braking of their vehicles.

Both the braking system connects the front brake with the rear to organise a proper balance between the two in such a way that these tyres of these bikes don't skid.

What is CBS or IBS?

Braking is the most important part of riding. If one does not know how to apply brakes, her/his situation can be worse.

For those people, CBS and IBS is a gift.

This system simultaneously operates both the brakes and optimises the performance of braking system.

It is like, one lever can control both the brakes and the system itself balances the equation between the front and the rear tyres once brakes are applied and prevent skidding.

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3. ABS

Image: ABS

Anti-lock Brake System is the most efficient braking system for two-wheelers till date in India.

Generally, this system is seen in entry-level performance bikes and advanced variants as low-end machines do not need it.

What is ABS?

ABS is designed for the ultimate responsiveness of the braking system. The concept, after its successful run in four wheelers, has been incorporated in two-wheelers.

ABS ensures controlled traction of the vehicle at the time of braking, wherein, unnecessary skidding is avoided.

This technology is crafted on the principles of threshold braking and cadence braking that were once used by professional riders with old braking systems. ABS has turned out to be much advanced and effective than the earlier braking systems.

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4. Disc brakes

Image: Disc brakes

Disc brakes are more effective than drum brakes.

The braking is more responsive and effective with the help of discs.

These days disc brakes have become a standard feature for almost all bikes especially those with having an engine size of 150cc and above.

What is disc brake?

The braking system is attached with the disc at the wheels which is further attached with a caliper. The disc is free to rotate with the wheels and is held between the brake pads and the caliper.

Brake pads are activated by fluid pressure released while using the brake lever and holds the disc to provide a better braking action.

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5. Hazard lamps

Image: Hazard lamps

These are the additional lamps embedded inside the headlamps of two-wheelers. For example: pilot lamps, day time running lights and fog lamps.

It is becoming a new trend to sport a hazard lamp that enhances the aesthetic of the two-wheelers.

What is hazard lamp?

Hazard lamp is a category lamps fixed inside into the headlight of two-wheelers that can be lit at the time of dawn, dusk or may be kept running continuously.

The main aim of these lamps is to improve safety of the rider as it makes the vehicle visible in fog, low light and darkness, plus obstacles are also easy to notice with the help of its illumination.

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6. Keyless start system

Image: Keyless start system

Just like four-wheelers, you can also operate your two-wheelers without engaging the key into the vehicle. These are highly advanced start systems that are only available with high-end machines.

Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles are one of the manufacturers that provide you with this advanced facility.

What is keyless start?

Harley Davidson calls it the H-D Smart Security System and Indian Motorcycles terms it as Keyless Start System.

The H-D Smart System or the Keyless Start System are state-of-the-art security systems that feature a fob that is hands-free; it automatically activates or deactivates the electronic security functions.

The only thing the rider need to do is carry along the fob; the engine automatically becomes ready to go without the insertion of a key as the fob does the rest of the job.

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7. Central lock

Image: Central lock

It is the most common security feature offered by manufacturers of two-wheelers in India.

What is central lock?

There are two types of central locks available in the market: one is manual, in which a simple wheel lock is used for extra security and the other one is automatic.

In automatic central locking, an electronic unit is attached to your vehicle's ECU, which locks, unlocks and starts your vehicle with a remote device.

Most of these systems comes with a buzzer alarm which activates, when anybody touches your vehicle.

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Tags: ECU , India

8. Anti-theft alarm

Image: Anti-theft alarm

This is an advanced alarm system to protect your vehicle from theft.

What is anti-theft alarm?

In anti-theft alarm system, an electronic decoder is attached to your ignition system.

Thus, the bike will start only when you use the specifically coded key to turn on the ignition and when anybody tries to unlock the vehicle using a false key, alarm buzzes and lights starts blinking.

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9. Key shutter

Image: Key shutter

The most economic and innovative security system is the key shutter.

It takes the security of a two-wheeler to its maximum. It shuts the key lock by just covering the lock area and reduce the chances of anyone putting in any random key to unlock.

What is key shutter?

Key shutter is mostly available in scooters, especially those manufactured by Honda.

The manufacturer has designed a magnetic pattern at the end of the key that is used to insert and shut the lock off. It is the most inexpensive anti-theft system that offers decent security to the riders.

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Tags: Honda

10. Traction control system

Image: Traction control system

It is a safety feature mostly available in high-end machines.

The system prevents the fall of the rider in the event of the bike going out of control because of extreme skidding.

What is traction control system?

Traction control system enhances the grip of the tyres while braking; it helps the rider to keep the bike in a straight line.

When braking system works, this system takes charge of stabilising the ride and reduces the extreme impact of skidding that can lead to fall.

Basically, it takes the extra torque to the stopped wheel and reduces the act of skidding.

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