<P> Anti-lock brakes are the subject of some experiments centred around risk compensation theory, which asserts that drivers adapt to the safety benefit of ABS by driving more aggressively . In a Munich study, half a fleet of taxicabs was equipped with anti-lock brakes, while the other half had conventional brake systems . The crash rate was substantially the same for both types of cab, and Wilde concludes this was due to drivers of ABS - equipped cabs taking more risks, assuming that ABS would take care of them, while the non-ABS drivers drove more carefully since ABS would not be there to help in case of a dangerous situation . </P> <P> The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a study in 2010 that found motorcycles with ABS 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than models without ABS . </P> <P> On a motorcycle, an anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels of a powered two wheeler from locking during braking situations . Based on information from wheel speed sensors the ABS unit adjusts the pressure of the brake fluid in order to keep traction during deceleration to avoid accidents . Motorcycle ABS helps the rider to maintain stability during braking and to decrease the stopping distance . It provides traction even on low friction surfaces . While older ABS models are derived from cars, recent ABS are the result of research, oriented on the specifics of motorcycles in case of size, weight and functionality . National and international organizations evaluate Motorcycle ABS as an important factor to increase safety and reduce motorcycle accident numbers . The European Commission passed legislation in 2012 that made the fitment with ABS for all new motorcycles above 125 cm to be mandatory from 1 January 2016 . Consumer Reports said in 2016 that "ABS is commonly offered on large, expensive models, but it has been spreading to several entry - level sport bikes and midsized bikes". </P> <P> In 1988, BMW introduced an electronic / hydraulic ABS for motorcycles, ten years after Daimler Benz and Bosch released the first four - wheel vehicle ABS for series production . Motorcycles of BMW K100 series were optionally equipped with the ABS, which added 11 kg to the bike . It was developed together with FAG Kugelfischer and regulated the pressure in the braking circuits via a plunger piston . Japanese manufacturers followed with an ABS option by 1992 on the Honda ST1100 and the Yamaha FJ1200 . </P>

What is the function of abs in bikes