ABS > non-ABS
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Clearwater, Idaho
If it fails in the manner discussed-- whether due to improper maintenance or not-- you're without brakes. Your statement "It breaks, you fix it or pay to have it fixed" is moot if you and your bike are laying in the weeds.
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Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Tulsa
This isn't a discussion about cost as far as I'm concerned, it's about safety. I don't know where you're coming from with the whole "If you can't afford it..." bullshit over and over. It's about a malfunctioning ABS system that malfunctions in such a way that not only is ABS unavailable, but so is normal braking function.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Southern California
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Richmond, VA
If the ABS system fails on a Harley Davidson, the exact opposite happens. The system DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO BRAKE the same as a bike without ABS. The brake NO LONGER FUNCTIONS! It doesn't fail safe like a car, you loose that brake entirely.
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From: South Carolina
I'm not sure your really paying attention here.
If the ABS system fails on a Harley Davidson, the exact opposite happens. The system DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO BRAKE the same as a bike without ABS. The brake NO LONGER FUNCTIONS! It doesn't fail safe like a car, you loose that brake entirely.
If the ABS system fails on a Harley Davidson, the exact opposite happens. The system DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO BRAKE the same as a bike without ABS. The brake NO LONGER FUNCTIONS! It doesn't fail safe like a car, you loose that brake entirely.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Richmond, VA
Nope, never even implied that. I was very careful to use the word brake, as in one brake, not brakes, as in the system.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: So Cal The Golden State
I'm not sure your really paying attention here.
If the ABS system fails on a Harley Davidson, the exact opposite happens. The system DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO BRAKE the same as a bike without ABS. The brake NO LONGER FUNCTIONS! It doesn't fail safe like a car, you loose that brake entirely.
If the ABS system fails on a Harley Davidson, the exact opposite happens. The system DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO BRAKE the same as a bike without ABS. The brake NO LONGER FUNCTIONS! It doesn't fail safe like a car, you loose that brake entirely.
This isn't a discussion about cost as far as I'm concerned, it's about safety. I don't know where you're coming from with the whole "If you can't afford it..." bullshit over and over. It's about a malfunctioning ABS system that malfunctions in such a way that not only is ABS unavailable, but so is normal braking function.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; May 20, 2018 at 03:36 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Tulsa
The problem: Deposits may form on components within the brake system if the DOT 4 brake fluid is not replaced for a prolonged period of time beyond the two-year maintenance schedule specified in the owners manual. These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS hydraulic control unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
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From: Richmond, VA
that's the whole point!!!
That's exactly what SHOULD HAPPEN, and exactly what doesn't! When the ABS module sticks (or fails), that brake completely looses the ability to function. That's the whole reason people are bitchen. If it failed safe.... It would just annoy people, not try to kill them. It should never happen that way..... EVER!
completely ilogical.
Last edited by bikerlaw; May 18, 2018 at 03:49 PM.
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From: Midwest
There are valid concerns and then there are worry warts of the OCD variety. Worrying that your brakes are going to quit on you on a fully functional bike that has shown no issues falls into the latter category IMO. If you think your braking system is defective take it into HD for service. If it isn't defective but you just go in and say you read online the ABS system might just fail and you will crash and you want it ripped off the bike, they are going to look at you funny and have a WTF moment.
Personally, I have had no issue on three bikes with ABS. The SuperGlide and my former Limtied which I just sold for a Road King last year. I road the first two to sturgis twice, florida, montana, NY, az...rode in hurricane rain nonstop from Flordia to Ohio two years ago on the limited. My heated grips went out and water got into one of the lighting units and fried a bulb. But the ABS and brakes worked like a charm. I never even think about it. The bike is maintained, it runs fine, have had no issue of any kind with the brakes and have 62,000 miles on the Limited in three years and 30,000 on the superglide. Just hit 5K on the road king and have had no issues either.
Personally, I have had no issue on three bikes with ABS. The SuperGlide and my former Limtied which I just sold for a Road King last year. I road the first two to sturgis twice, florida, montana, NY, az...rode in hurricane rain nonstop from Flordia to Ohio two years ago on the limited. My heated grips went out and water got into one of the lighting units and fried a bulb. But the ABS and brakes worked like a charm. I never even think about it. The bike is maintained, it runs fine, have had no issue of any kind with the brakes and have 62,000 miles on the Limited in three years and 30,000 on the superglide. Just hit 5K on the road king and have had no issues either.
Last edited by MiniWolf; May 18, 2018 at 04:26 PM.