Consumer Reports: Testing motorcycles with antilock brakes

Every year, more than 4,000 people die on motorcycles. An important safety feature— antilock brakes—makes motorcycles safer.

A recent insurance-industry study underscores the pressing need for antilock brakes on motorcycles. Those equipped with ABS are 37 percent less likely to be in a fatal crash than motorcycles that don’t have antilock brakes. But until now ABS has only been available on expensive motorcycles.

Consumer Reports just checked out a Honda CBR 250-R, the first entry-level bike in the U.S. to offer ABS as an option. It costs around $4,600. It is marketed to newer, novice riders. And that’s where Consume Reports sees ABS as having the biggest benefit.

Consumer Reports says other pluses with the Honda CBR 250-R motorcycle are that it has a responsive engine and it accelerates nicely without feeling intimidating.

Consumer Reports says if you’re considering getting a motorcycle, there are other important safety moves to consider. Taking a motorcycle safety course is a very good idea. And be sure to get a good helmet. You want to look for one that’s been approved by the Department of Transportation.