Abs os no abs
I haven't ridden one of the new models with abs, but i do have ABS on my BMW... it does work when called upon. Before I bought my 2011 FXDF, i considered ordering one of the 2112 models with ABS.
The thing that i find, is the only times I usualy need the ABS is riding in the rain, and finding my self needing to make a panic stop. I ride year around, and living in the pacific north wet, i ride in lots of rain. Yes, it will kick in on the dry stuff if you grab too much break.
If I had planned on riding the FatBob in lots of rain, i would have probably ordered the ABS. But i find that I enjoy riding with out the ABS, it had caused me to sharpen my riding skills, and pay attention when hard breaking. So in my case I'm glad i didn't order it. for an inexperienced rider, who dosen't plan on riding a lot, it might be a good idea. But if your an experienced rider, who rides a lot, and likes having complete control, then i wouldn't buy the ABS.
The thing that i find, is the only times I usualy need the ABS is riding in the rain, and finding my self needing to make a panic stop. I ride year around, and living in the pacific north wet, i ride in lots of rain. Yes, it will kick in on the dry stuff if you grab too much break.
If I had planned on riding the FatBob in lots of rain, i would have probably ordered the ABS. But i find that I enjoy riding with out the ABS, it had caused me to sharpen my riding skills, and pay attention when hard breaking. So in my case I'm glad i didn't order it. for an inexperienced rider, who dosen't plan on riding a lot, it might be a good idea. But if your an experienced rider, who rides a lot, and likes having complete control, then i wouldn't buy the ABS.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Jensen Beach Florida
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 894
Likes: 11
From: Canton, Oh
Your also getting the security package with that $1200. May get a discount on your insurance for having it as well.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 177
From: Tipp City, Ohio
I don't know if it would have saved me or made it worse when I had my wreck. I slid sideways before hitting the side of the car. With ABS I would have hit head on. My next bike will have it regardless.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 1
From: -
I wanted it but it wasn't available when I bought my '11 FXDC. Later last year I then tested a 2012 Road King Classic with ABS.
It happened that while I was riding I had to brake (normal braking, not a hard one) to stop behind a van. The front wheel happen to be on top of a tram railway as I was going across it: the ABS engaged and the bike stopped braking completely for about 3-4 feet. I must have been 20/25 mph max. The back of the van was approaching fast and my 20k $ borrowed RKC wasn't slowing down, 3-4 seconds that seemed like minutes. Then it finally disengaged and I manage to stop by breaking very hard. It scared the hell out of me.
Had I been on my Dyna the wheel would have locked for 4 inches worth of travel, i.e the width of the rail and therefore for a fraction of a second and then it would have continued braking normally, relaxed. By the time I'd realize the wheel is locked it would spin again, tried many times, sometimes on purpose. I never had an issue with railway crossing and braking before.
Sure the ABS is great on the rain, but it won't beat experience. And when it happens to rain while I'm riding, extra prudence a bit of experience/sensibility on the front brake lever will compensate for the lack of ABS. I'd rather have double disc on the front than ABS. Not for me, thanks.
It happened that while I was riding I had to brake (normal braking, not a hard one) to stop behind a van. The front wheel happen to be on top of a tram railway as I was going across it: the ABS engaged and the bike stopped braking completely for about 3-4 feet. I must have been 20/25 mph max. The back of the van was approaching fast and my 20k $ borrowed RKC wasn't slowing down, 3-4 seconds that seemed like minutes. Then it finally disengaged and I manage to stop by breaking very hard. It scared the hell out of me.
Had I been on my Dyna the wheel would have locked for 4 inches worth of travel, i.e the width of the rail and therefore for a fraction of a second and then it would have continued braking normally, relaxed. By the time I'd realize the wheel is locked it would spin again, tried many times, sometimes on purpose. I never had an issue with railway crossing and braking before.
Sure the ABS is great on the rain, but it won't beat experience. And when it happens to rain while I'm riding, extra prudence a bit of experience/sensibility on the front brake lever will compensate for the lack of ABS. I'd rather have double disc on the front than ABS. Not for me, thanks.