Integral ABS from Continental Automotive Systems is Successfully Launched in Eight BMW Motorcycles

System supplies data for traction control and recognizes rear wheel lift-off

FRANKFURT and COLOGNE, Germany, Oct. 10 -- The Motorcycle Integral Brake System (MIB), jointly developed by Continental Automotive Systems and BMW, has been successfully launched in eight K- and R-series motorcycles. The smallest electronically controlled integral brake system in the world is now being offered as standard or at extra cost on the R1200 GS, GS Adventure, RT and R boxer models and on the four-cylinder K1200 S, R and GT models. Due to its innovative valve technology, the MIB is especially effective during reduced vibration of the brake lever. It also offers additional functions for improved driving safety.

Ideal brake force distribution, rear wheel lift-off protection and traction control

The MIB from Continental Automotive Systems generates pressure in the wheel brake without the need for a brake booster and therefore does not make a loud noise. The continuously variable (analogue-controlled) activation of the innovative valves allows a smooth and hence extra effective modulation of the brake pressure. Less brake fluid has to be pumped back and forth during ABS intervention than with conventional valves. The driver feels the difference immediately: the brake lever vibrates just enough to show that there is ABS activity. Originally developed for brake systems on passenger cars, this valve technology also enables the motorcyclist to obtain the maximum possible deceleration, even on poor road surfaces.

The MIB used by BMW is a partially integrated ABS system. The rider controls the rear wheel brake using the brake pedal alone. The pressure for the front wheel brake is generated using the hand lever, while the ABS electric pump specially adapted for this partially integrated system actively increases the pressure on the rear wheel brake. The integrated rear wheel lift-off protection (RLP) represents a further safety benefit. It briefly stops the pressure build-up or gently reduces the pressure in the front braking circuit whenever the wheel speed sensors indicate that rear wheel lift-off is imminent. This maintains the minimum load on the rear wheel necessary for lateral guidance and prevents an imminent rollover within the bounds of physical possibility. In addition, the MIB supplies data from the wheel speed sensors to the engine management system via the CAN bus. This means that BMW can provide an electronically controlled traction control system that reduces the engine output before lateral stability is lost during acceleration.

Compact, lightweight, advanced technology

The MIB is the smallest electronically controlled integral system in the world. Easily integrated into the vehicle, the system is made even more appealing by the use of components whose quality has already been proven in passenger cars and the fact that it weighs just 2.3 kg. In addition to this system, Continental Automotive Systems is also developing a fully integrated ABS and a conventional dual-channel ABS that weighs just 1.2 kg. The development of a family of 4-piston calipers for motorcycles in close partnership with the French company BERINGER S.A. is on schedule and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is ready for production.

"We see great potential for our company in the motorcycle market," said Dr. Ralf Cramer, Head of the Business Unit Electronic Brake and Safety Systems at Continental Automotive Systems. "Together with our air spring damper units, our modular portfolio of brake systems and components will keep motorcyclists safer. With products such as these, we are contributing to the European Safety Charter to achieve its aim of halving the number of motorcycle accidents between 2004 and 2010."

The Continental group is a leading supplier of braking systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers to the automotive industry. In 2005, the company achieved sales of euro 13.8 billion and currently employs a workforce of roughly 80,000 throughout the world.

As a leading global technology and systems engineering partner to the automotive industry, the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG combines comprehensive know-how and uncompromising quality in the areas of active and passive driving safety, telematics, hands-free communication systems, drive systems and comfort. In 2005, this Division generated sales of roughly euro 5.2 billion with a workforce of more than 24,000. Continental Automotive Systems develops and produces electronic and hydraulic brake, stability and suspension control systems, electronic pneumatic suspension systems, sensors, engine management and transmission control systems, hybrid drives, radiator fan modules and electronic devices for comfort and safety applications and is a leading global producer of telematics and communications solutions for the automotive sector.

In 2006, the Division can look back over a total of 100 years of successful automotive engineering. Its motto, "Forward Thinking," reflects its conviction that it will continue to exploit new aspects of automotive safety and driving pleasure for drivers of the future.