ABS on harleys
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 2
From: Florida Panhandle
I don't understand the initial gripe. The last time I checked the ABS was an option. If you don't like it don't buy it. If you feel your crashing technique is superior without it than go ahead and rely on your skill and forego the technology that is available to you.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Denton,Texas
Road Captain
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 645
Likes: 15
From:
This pretty much sums up my response to all of these anti-ABS posts, from Motorcyclecruiser.com:
"Extensive testing done recently disproves this popular notion. Even on clean, dry, flat pavement, skilled, experienced riders (who did hundreds of panic stops for the testing on outrigger-equipped motorcycles) stopped in less distance with anti-lock brakes (ABS) than with conventional or linked braking systems. Though the tests didn't include samples on surfaces with slick, dirty or wet spots, ABS certainly would have performed even better under those conditions while eliminating much of the risk of crashing."
End of argument. The self proclaimed experts here are welcome to their opinion that their superior skills make ABS unnecessary for them, and that's cool with me. Don't buy it for "your" bike, I'll not have another bike without it, we'll both be happy.
Bill
"Extensive testing done recently disproves this popular notion. Even on clean, dry, flat pavement, skilled, experienced riders (who did hundreds of panic stops for the testing on outrigger-equipped motorcycles) stopped in less distance with anti-lock brakes (ABS) than with conventional or linked braking systems. Though the tests didn't include samples on surfaces with slick, dirty or wet spots, ABS certainly would have performed even better under those conditions while eliminating much of the risk of crashing."
End of argument. The self proclaimed experts here are welcome to their opinion that their superior skills make ABS unnecessary for them, and that's cool with me. Don't buy it for "your" bike, I'll not have another bike without it, we'll both be happy.
Bill
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
When, if ever, I get another touring Harley, new or used,
ABS will be a definite requirement,
With my wife riding along as much as she has, I cannot see how two people can slow down quicker without ABS,
The passenger will negate any defensive moves by the driver by slamming into the back of the driver in a panic stop,
My wife's well being is my reason for requiring ABS in the future,
ABS will be a definite requirement,
With my wife riding along as much as she has, I cannot see how two people can slow down quicker without ABS,
The passenger will negate any defensive moves by the driver by slamming into the back of the driver in a panic stop,
My wife's well being is my reason for requiring ABS in the future,
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 317
Likes: 11
From: Arizona
ABS Rocks
Locked wheels cause both high sides (mash the back, it starts to get loose, rider lets up, back wheel now catty-whompus and rollin' again, bingo, tossed!) and low sides (front locks and washes out). ABS can prevent a skid and let the rider maintain control and steer out of trouble if he's alert and skilled...
Riders who talk about "laying it down" discount the capability of ABS to save them in a pinch.
Then it's, "Uh, yeah...right...I ah...meant for that to happen. Yep...it was um...intentional. Damn, I'm good."
Brake and evade works, but most folks never get trained at all, let alone trained in more advanced riding techniques. And that's a shame.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Abs
Been riding harleys for 30 years and just bought an 2009 Ultra. Wanted the ABS but wasnt a deal breaker that the bike I bought didnt have it. I wanted ABS and wish I had gotten it. It has made cars much safer so I imagine the bikes are too. Earlier post mentioned the BMW ABS system and I thought Harley was using the same company so years of bike experience are behind them. Although its an option it was hard to find on the bikes around here. All the Ultras had security but few had the ABS, dealer said alot of the old school guys dont want it. I can live with that but since Ive ridden in almost every state in the US(and Canada) I kinda feel old school. My 1971 Electraglide had a mechanical brake up front and a drum brake in the rear and would not stop for anything. Loved the bike but am never going back to brakes like that...sometimes technology is worth it and other than maybe tires, whats more important than our brakes?
Last edited by WildBillHarley; Jul 6, 2009 at 02:46 AM. Reason: left something out
Advanced
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: New York
I took the BMW riding school class last summer. The GS has ABS that you can switch on and off (GS is a dual sport and ABS doesn't work great in the dirt). But the switch let us do braking runs with and without. Same driver, bike etc. Everyone, from newbies to instructor/racers stopped shorter, and with more control with ABS on.
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