abs or not
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Start here @ post #38
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ake-fluid.html
then here
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/frame...at-dealer.html
The long story short is Harley designed an ABS braking system that when a part of it fails it results a complete loss of all braking, on that circuit (front or rear). No other motorcycle company in history has designed and put such a system in place. It was made in China by BWI. Bottom line, I flushed my braking system(s) once every 12 months (HD recommends every 24 months) and I went in for a recall flush. Their computer fragged my ABS ECU and all I got from HD was "oh well, it's out of warranty, the dealer can fix it for a little over a grand".
Again, I'm not talking about Non-ABS vs ABS, I'm talking about ABS from a company that has done what no other company ever has, which is sell a system that fails and causes the complete loss of braking capability. All the "mine works fine, it's not a real problem" isn't worth anything if it happens to you. As far as I'm concerned, the way HD is handling things right now, the less technology you buy in a new HD the better.
That's my first hand experience.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ake-fluid.html
then here
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/frame...at-dealer.html
The long story short is Harley designed an ABS braking system that when a part of it fails it results a complete loss of all braking, on that circuit (front or rear). No other motorcycle company in history has designed and put such a system in place. It was made in China by BWI. Bottom line, I flushed my braking system(s) once every 12 months (HD recommends every 24 months) and I went in for a recall flush. Their computer fragged my ABS ECU and all I got from HD was "oh well, it's out of warranty, the dealer can fix it for a little over a grand".
Again, I'm not talking about Non-ABS vs ABS, I'm talking about ABS from a company that has done what no other company ever has, which is sell a system that fails and causes the complete loss of braking capability. All the "mine works fine, it's not a real problem" isn't worth anything if it happens to you. As far as I'm concerned, the way HD is handling things right now, the less technology you buy in a new HD the better.
That's my first hand experience.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; May 13, 2019 at 09:06 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 575
Likes: 263
From: Spokane, WA
I went out of my way to get a non ABS Low Rider because I prefer the simplicity and reliability and no need for dealer bleeding of ABS module. I've owned three bikes with ABS and for me it's more about the particular set up than whether or not it is ABS equipped. Everyone here who states that ABS saved their lives, were you panic stopping on sand or oil soaked roads or something?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 1,029
From: East Flanders - Belgium
I bleed all of my ABS systems myself on the Harley's with a regular vacuum system on a compressor, U can bleed as a regular system if leave the contact off and you keep an eye on both
front and rear master cylinder. Also I have a Motoscan 6050 that have the bleeding function on it but as said, not needed for Harley I use it only for my GL1800.
front and rear master cylinder. Also I have a Motoscan 6050 that have the bleeding function on it but as said, not needed for Harley I use it only for my GL1800.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 245
From: Triune, TN
I went out of my way to get a non ABS Low Rider because I prefer the simplicity and reliability and no need for dealer bleeding of ABS module. I've owned three bikes with ABS and for me it's more about the particular set up than whether or not it is ABS equipped. Everyone here who states that ABS saved their lives, were you panic stopping on sand or oil soaked roads or something?
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 860
Likes: 262
From: CA
Start here @ post #38
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ake-fluid.html
then here
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/frame...at-dealer.html
The long story short is Harley designed an ABS braking system that when a part of it fails it results a complete loss of all braking, on that circuit (front or rear). No other motorcycle company in history has designed and put such a system in place. It was made in China by BWI. Bottom line, I flushed my braking system(s) once every 12 months (HD recommends every 24 months) and I went in for a recall flush. Their computer fragged my ABS ECU and all I got from HD was "oh well, it's out of warranty, the dealer can fix it for a little over a grand".
Again, I'm not talking about Non-ABS vs ABS, I'm talking about ABS from a company that has done what no other company ever has, which is sell a system that fails and causes the complete loss of braking capability. All the "mine works fine, it's not a real problem" isn't worth anything if it happens to you. As far as I'm concerned, the way HD is handling things right now, the less technology you buy in a new HD the better.
That's my first hand experience.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ake-fluid.html
then here
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/frame...at-dealer.html
The long story short is Harley designed an ABS braking system that when a part of it fails it results a complete loss of all braking, on that circuit (front or rear). No other motorcycle company in history has designed and put such a system in place. It was made in China by BWI. Bottom line, I flushed my braking system(s) once every 12 months (HD recommends every 24 months) and I went in for a recall flush. Their computer fragged my ABS ECU and all I got from HD was "oh well, it's out of warranty, the dealer can fix it for a little over a grand".
Again, I'm not talking about Non-ABS vs ABS, I'm talking about ABS from a company that has done what no other company ever has, which is sell a system that fails and causes the complete loss of braking capability. All the "mine works fine, it's not a real problem" isn't worth anything if it happens to you. As far as I'm concerned, the way HD is handling things right now, the less technology you buy in a new HD the better.
That's my first hand experience.
Thanks for posting. I wonder what percentage of folks are having issue with ABS?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Beats me, but at my house the ABS failure rate is 100%.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 1,985
From: Cleveland Zoo
I skipped it because of cost and maintenance. Had ABS on my 2014 Street Glide but it also used linked brakes so I don't know if it's the same ABS system.