ABS crappy system
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 4,889
From: Missouri City,TX
I get that but right now we still have gravel on sides. Not swept after winter yet.
But if his back brakes have failed completely I certainly do not want him chancing it with only front or a possibility of front only. We have really stupid drivers here in Canada. They pull out in front of transports and I dont mean to cross lanes they pull out in same lane as a loaded transport and become pancakes due to stupidity
But if his back brakes have failed completely I certainly do not want him chancing it with only front or a possibility of front only. We have really stupid drivers here in Canada. They pull out in front of transports and I dont mean to cross lanes they pull out in same lane as a loaded transport and become pancakes due to stupidity
I'm soooooooooo glad my 2003 has no ABS and no key FOB to mess with...I like it that way. Keepin' it simple...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
Not Indian. Independent. Like a guys running a small shop.
You can bypass the rear but the light would most likely stay on. Some people, me included, are perfectly fine without it. Especially a system like Harleys.
You can bypass the rear but the light would most likely stay on. Some people, me included, are perfectly fine without it. Especially a system like Harleys.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,524
Likes: 57,080
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I've been schooled ... Years of mechanical experience and I'm still picking up "lessons"
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
The day I stop learning new things, bury my ***. There's nothing better than being proved wrong and learning something new. If someone thinks they know everything, then don't bother with them.
Can independent shops even do this?
I thought that in order to bleed HD ABS brakes, you need the official "Digital Technician II" device from the MoCo, and they only sell it to authorized dealers.
I thought that in order to bleed HD ABS brakes, you need the official "Digital Technician II" device from the MoCo, and they only sell it to authorized dealers.
Amen, in a million years I would never think you could sell a motorcycle with a brake system that fails like that. Thank god I didn't buy that used Roadking I was looking at.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 915
Likes: 29
From: SE FL & Black Hills SD
Unless the bike is a Road King Special ABS is/was an expensive option. My 2012 RG Special was the first Harley I had with ABS, then my 15 RG Special was the first with linked ABS. I am absolutely certain you need the fluid changed every two years, and you need the dealer to do it. I may have been wrong before, but since I am a Marine, I seriously F'n doubt it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Just the brake (front or rear) than has a corroded valve inside the HCU doesn't work. Could be front, could be rear, you just don't know. The design has allegedly been changed but I've found no real evidence it has, and I've looked. The newer HCUs do have a different part number but that doesn't mean anything in Harley speak.
The valves in the HCU corrode shut because DOT4 brake fluid absorbs water. HD recommends flushing the brake fluid and the HCU (at the dealer) every two years. The dealer can activate the HCU during flushing with DT II. I wouldn't take my bike to the dealer even if it was free.
I flush my ABS brakes EVERY year and then go out and activate the front and rear ABS ten times. Then I come back and flush it once more. EVERY time I ride my ABS bike I activate the ABS over bumps or gravel a few times with hard, ham fisted applications. It might get me, it might not, the brake pedal or lever refuses to engage or move when it fails.
It's criminal that HD designed a system that completely renders one of two brakes completely inop when ABS fails. No other vehicle manufacturer in the world has a system like that. When ABS fails, only the ABS fails and the operator retains complete braking capability. If you were to do a search on it here you'll find that most people accept it and blame who it on who it happens to for not flushing the system often enough.