ABS To Be Standard Equipment In India For Bikes Above 125cc

India is one of the largest manufacturer of two-wheelers across the globe. We are trailing China by not very much. Our market is dominated by commuter motorcycles, which is now being taken over by bigger displacement motorcycles.

More and more manufacturers are planning to enter Indian market with their offerings. They, however, do not provide several features on their motorcycles as part of a cost cutting method. Features like ABS, which is standard on several international motorcycles is either offered at an additional cost or is not offered at all.

The Indian Government has now established that all motorcycle manufacturers will have to provide ABS as standard equipment on vehicles above 125cc. The main reason for this push is to lower accidents that occur on our roads. The inclusion of ABS is expected to provide more safety to riders.

The Road Transport Minister has revealed that out of all the accidents that occur in India, 70 percent involve two-wheelers. In 2013, it was reported that over 39,353 motorcyclists lost their lives in accidents.

Several motorcyclists in India wear a helmet out of fear of paying a fine. In most countries, there is no fine for not wearing a helmet, however, riders wear it for their own safety in case of an accident. Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of injuries in terms of an accident.

Currently KTM is the only manufacturer that offers ABS as standard equipment on its 390 range, however, the Austrian manufacturer does not offer it on its 200cc range. Honda on the other hand offers the safety equipment at an additional cost on its CBR250R.

The Indian Government has not yet come up with a specific time frame as to when ABS would be standard equipment on motorcycles above 125cc. We believe that it could take a few years before it becomes compulsory for manufacturers to offer safety equipment as standard.