How to tell if you have ABS
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
You're wrong.
Proper braking is coming to a stop in the shortest distance without causing either wheel to break traction. If you have ABS and it engages, you broke traction with one, or both, wheels. The technique is the same, ABS or non ABS.
The ONLY difference between the two is what should, or shouldn't, be done after one, or both, wheels break traction. But again, if done properly, that doesn't happen. If you truly think there is difference beyond that, I'd get some rider training.
Proper braking is coming to a stop in the shortest distance without causing either wheel to break traction. If you have ABS and it engages, you broke traction with one, or both, wheels. The technique is the same, ABS or non ABS.
The ONLY difference between the two is what should, or shouldn't, be done after one, or both, wheels break traction. But again, if done properly, that doesn't happen. If you truly think there is difference beyond that, I'd get some rider training.
While I won't disagree with what you said in theory, in practical terms most people don't have the (expert) skills needed to get THE absolute best from their brakes. ABS will prevent lockup in emergency stops with the vast majority of riders. Thus reducing stopping distances in all but the most expert riders.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,788
Likes: 8,668
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Where's MikerR1 when you need him? He could have solved this controversy in 200 pages or less.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,239
Likes: 3,261
From: west Michigan
On my ABS bikes, I brake the same as I would on dry pavement but release a bit earlier when entering a turn.
I've owned ABS equipped BMWs since 1995, and currently own two.
I use the ABS in my Chevy Silverado in the same way.
The use of ABS also depends on one's riding style. I like ABS because it allows me to ride faster and more and more aggressively in the rain and on gravel roads.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
I think you're setting yourself up for failure. abs is not a magic pill to make you a more expert rider and can not overcome the laws of physics. yes, it will keep you from locking up your wheels in less than ideal conditions, but by doing so, it does increase the braking distance.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
While I won't disagree with what you said in theory, in practical terms most people don't have the (expert) skills needed to get THE absolute best from their brakes. ABS will prevent lockup in emergency stops with the vast majority of riders. Thus reducing stopping distances in all but the most expert riders.
If you have ABS and it engages, you braked improperly. I further said, when braking is done properly, there is no difference between the technique used to achieve it, ABS or not. Engaging ABS increases stopping distance.
Then, a fellow said there was a difference technique and I said he was wrong. He still is, by the way.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; May 3, 2017 at 09:34 PM.