SG and ABS
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 187
From: Florida
I would suggest you choose a bike with ABS for all the above reasons. If the dealers in your area are like the dealers here in Florida, they don't give any more in trade or charge any more when selling a used bike with ABS. A 2012 Street Glide is a 2012 Street Glide whether it has ABS, a taller windscreen, 2-tone paint or a chrome front end, they all are worth the same. That's to your advantage. Get the ABS.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 226
From: W PA
Anyone that's had their *** saved by ABS is always going to have ABS. If the feeling of that situation could be shared to those that don't have it, I think their minds would change pretty quick. It was a must have on my recent purchase and will be on any in the future.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 717
From: Pennsyleffinvania
BMW first came out with ABS for motorcycles in 1988. It is now standard on all of their models. As of 2016 it is a requirement for all motorcycles 125cc and above in Europe. Harley and many other manufacturers came late to the game, and it took Harley almost 20 years to include it on some models, as an option. Now, some models of HD come standard with abs, all others except for the "Street" series are available as an option.
I believe that the day will come when buyers will expect it, even on used bikes, and those that don't have it will have an even more distressed market.
I believe that the day will come when buyers will expect it, even on used bikes, and those that don't have it will have an even more distressed market.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 55
Likes: 3
From: Mesa, Az
thank you for all the info, truly appreciated, ill keep looking then because there is a few out there for sell but no abs and waited to long on one with abs that sold hehe.. thanks
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,888
From: PNW
Devils advocate here - While in general I agree that ABS is a necessity, I have issue with the ABS systems on pre 14 bikes. Or more specifically, how the ABS system can sometimes be a problem with the suspension. My 11 Ultra with ABS would sometimes coast past a stop sign because it would kick in over stutter bumps ahead of the stop sign. We have crappy streets in Milwaukee and when the tires hop on those bumps, the abs reads it as a slippery surface and kicks in. At 1st I thought it was the fault of the ABS. But after reading of similar instances from others here, I learned that a better suspension made all the difference.
So that said, if you are looking at a pre-14, and live in an area with sh*t roads, you should probably be prepared to upgrade your suspension to get the most out of the ABS, if not just to keep your underwear clean. ymmv.
So that said, if you are looking at a pre-14, and live in an area with sh*t roads, you should probably be prepared to upgrade your suspension to get the most out of the ABS, if not just to keep your underwear clean. ymmv.