BMW is to release what it is describing as the “first ever cornering ABS for Supersports” bikes with a retro-fittable ‘ABS Pro’ for the HP4.
When BMW presented the S 1000 RR in 2009 (its first Supersports model) it was the first motorcycle of its type to be fitted with ABS; that year also saw the first track victory by an ABS-equipped Sportsports motorcycle at the 24-hour race in Barcelona.
Continuing its investment in R&D, BMW say that “ABS Pro represents a consistent refinement of the Race ABS in that it now enables ABS-supported braking when cornering”.
Specifically conceived for use on public roads, ABS Pro is said to prevent the wheels from “blocking – even when the brakes are applied quickly, reducing abrupt changes in steering force on shock-braking manoeuvres and stopping the motorcycle from rearing up unintentionally”.
The system adapts ABS control to the motorcycle’s banking angle depending on the current situation on the road. Using the signals for roll rate, yaw rate and transverse acceleration as provided by the sensor cluster (as used for BMW’s DTC/Dynamic Traction Control and electronic suspension DDC/Dynamic Damping Control), as the banking angle increases the brake pressure “gradient” is limited more and more at the start of the brake manoeuvre.
Pressure modulation within the ABS control range is said to be more even with a sensitive response, high level of brake and ride stability and the best possible deceleration on bends.
The ABS Pro will be available as a retrofit solution for the HP4 from the end of October with an expected price in Germany of around €380.
