Government of India makes ABS and CBS mandatory on all two-wheelers by April 2018
In what is an unprecedented move, the Government of India has issued a mandate that states that all two-wheelers sold in India must have Combined Braking System (CBS) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard. The notification that has been sent to manufacturers also says that new two-wheelers need to have CBS and ABS by April 2017. For existing models, the time frame is extended upto April 2018.
Two-wheelers with engines below 125cc should have CBS as standard while the one's above should have ABS. At present, Honda and Hero Motocorp sell scooters with CBS and IBS respectively while Honda also sells the Unicorn CB160, Trigger and CB Shine with CBS. The list of ABS equipped motorcycles include the TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS,KTM Duke 390, RC390, Bajaj Pulsar RS200 (front only) and a host of CKDs and CBUs.
It was about time that the Government took steps to arrest the rising number of road accident related fatalities and injuries in the country. With our unpredictable road conditions and lack of general road etiquette, safety nets such as CBS and ABS could help prevent accidents.
A slight hike in the prices of two-wheelers is inevitable but think about this, won't the ABS save you and your motorcycle when you grab the front brake lever on a wet, slippery surface?