From the January 2013 issue of the AMA's news and notes:
"Brussels, Belgium: The European Parliament has approved a proposal to require anti-lock braking systems on all new motorcycles and trikes with engines larger than 125cc beginning in 2016. The measure—adopted on Nov. 20 by a 643-to-16 vote with 18 abstentions—still needs to be adopted by each member nation of the European Union. If it is approved, ABS could become standard equipment on all motorcycles sold in the United States in the not-too-distant future.
The European Parliament’s vote is a concern because manufacturers seek to build vehicles of all types, including motorcycles, to uniform standards worldwide. Called global harmonization, the process allows manufacturers to produce just one version of a model and sell it in every market with few—if any—variations. Global harmonization has the potential to make vehicle standards passed in other parts of the world—like the European Union—the de facto law of the land here in the United States. Although the AMA does not oppose ABS, the association has always maintained that ABS must be affordable, should be a rider’s choice, and that riders must be able to switch ABS on and off on dual-sport machines."