Like or Dislike ABS?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 56
From: Knoxville, TN
I know the science behind ABS. It was actually a part of a advanced driving school I took years ago. I can tell you that it would have prevented my last accident. I locked up the rear tire during an emergency stop and it came off track with the front tire. Instictively, I though "oh ****" I need to stop the lock up before I crash. I let off the rear brake, the rear tire gained traction again. The rear tire started going back in the right direction, but my body didn't. I high sided and still have the scar on my knee to remind me. Sure, I could "learn" to ignore my instincts and not let off the brake when the rear tire is locked up. I have practiced but the tire stays in line every time. The complete maneuver is too dangerous to "practice" doing right. ABS would have kept the rear tire from locking up. If it had been offered on the Dyna I just got, I would have gladly paid extra.
BTW, according to the experts if your rear tire locks up and comes out of alignment with the front tire, KEEP IT LOCKED UP until it realigns or the bike comes to a complete stop. You might low side (lay the bike down), but that is ALOT less painful / and less damaging than high siding.
BTW, according to the experts if your rear tire locks up and comes out of alignment with the front tire, KEEP IT LOCKED UP until it realigns or the bike comes to a complete stop. You might low side (lay the bike down), but that is ALOT less painful / and less damaging than high siding.
Last edited by Shaved Ice; Dec 30, 2010 at 06:59 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg
I know the science behind ABS. It was actually a part of a advanced driving school I took years ago. I can tell you that it would have prevented my last accident. I locked up the rear tire during an emergency stop and it came off track with the front tire. Instictively, I though "oh ****" I need to stop the lock up before I crash. I let off the rear brake, the rear tire gained traction again. The rear tire started going back in the right direction, but my body didn't. I high sided and still have the scar on my knee to remind me. Sure, I could "learn" to ignore my instincts and not let off the brake when the rear tire is locked up. I have practiced but the tire stays in line every time. The complete maneuver is too dangerous to "practice" doing right. ABS would have kept the rear tire from locking up. If it had been offered on the Dyna I just got, I would have gladly paid extra.
BTW, according to the experts if your rear tire locks up and comes out of alignment with the front tire, KEEP IT LOCKED UP until it realigns or the bike comes to a complete stop. You might low side (lay the bike down), but that is ALOT less painful / and less damaging than high siding.
BTW, according to the experts if your rear tire locks up and comes out of alignment with the front tire, KEEP IT LOCKED UP until it realigns or the bike comes to a complete stop. You might low side (lay the bike down), but that is ALOT less painful / and less damaging than high siding.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Makes me wish I could add this feature to my '86.
I've experienced a front wheel lock up at a crawl speed and was amazed by how quickly my bike dropped to the ground. It was on gravel which is why it unexpectedly locked. I took quite a tumble even going slow.
I can't imagine that happening at 50 or 60 mph when in a panic to stop.
I've experienced a front wheel lock up at a crawl speed and was amazed by how quickly my bike dropped to the ground. It was on gravel which is why it unexpectedly locked. I took quite a tumble even going slow.
I can't imagine that happening at 50 or 60 mph when in a panic to stop.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 432
Likes: 5
From: Tennessee
This following is from a Department of Transportation study done in 2006. I have repreinted the conclusion for those interested. http://www.msf-usa.org/imsc/proceedi...ngdistance.pdf
CONCLUSIONS
In general, the test results
demonstrated an improvement in braking
performance with the use of ABS, whether
braking on a dry or wet surface even compared
with the best stops obtained without ABS.
Without ABS, the rider required
numerous attempts to approach the maximum
deceleration performance of the motorcycle.
With the use of ABS, however, the rider was
able to quickly obtain consistent maximum
deceleration results, whether the vehicle was
loaded or lightly loaded. Despite this
advantage, the rider must remain alert
because the ABS may not detect dynamic
instabilities such as the rear wheel becoming
airborne, possibly requiring the operator to
reduce the brake control force to prevent a fall.
With respect to CBS, its advantage was most
evident through shorter braking distances,
specifically when braking with the rear wheel
only, whereby the CBS activates a portion of
the front brake to assist in the deceleration of
the motorcycle.
In the real world, the emergency
braking maneuver is likely to be an infrequent
occurrence. Obtaining a high level of braking
performance depends on a multitude of
variables including weather conditions, road
surface, condition and type of motorcycle
brakes and tires, and operator expertise. The
testing described above has shown that the
operation of the ABS may not be as simple as
“slamming on the brakes.” To achieve the best
braking performance, the rider must ensure
that the rear wheel is on the ground throughout
the stop.
However, the results of this testing
make it clear that, of the motorcycles tested,
those equipped with the anti-lock braking
system provide all riders with the advantage of
a high level of braking performance at the time
of need.demonstrated an improvement in braking
performance with the use of ABS, whether
braking on a dry or wet surface even compared
with the best stops obtained without ABS.
Without ABS, the rider required
numerous attempts to approach the maximum
deceleration performance of the motorcycle.
With the use of ABS, however, the rider was
able to quickly obtain consistent maximum
deceleration results, whether the vehicle was
loaded or lightly loaded. Despite this
advantage, the rider must remain alert
because the ABS may not detect dynamic
instabilities such as the rear wheel becoming
airborne, possibly requiring the operator to
reduce the brake control force to prevent a fall.
With respect to CBS, its advantage was most
evident through shorter braking distances,
specifically when braking with the rear wheel
only, whereby the CBS activates a portion of
the front brake to assist in the deceleration of
the motorcycle.
In the real world, the emergency
braking maneuver is likely to be an infrequent
occurrence. Obtaining a high level of braking
performance depends on a multitude of
variables including weather conditions, road
surface, condition and type of motorcycle
brakes and tires, and operator expertise. The
testing described above has shown that the
operation of the ABS may not be as simple as
“slamming on the brakes.” To achieve the best
braking performance, the rider must ensure
that the rear wheel is on the ground throughout
the stop.
However, the results of this testing
make it clear that, of the motorcycles tested,
those equipped with the anti-lock braking
system provide all riders with the advantage of
a high level of braking performance at the time
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 0
From: east cen.miss
ABS is the best thing since wheels.I have it and love it,it is the best option by far you could have.Tell your friend to try an ABS bike in sandy or wet conditions and he'll change his tune.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 421
From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
I hate ABS...I believe it is dangerous. I know that it gives shorter stopping distances on a smooth test track...but I drive in the real world. On a poorly maintained road(which is becoming more and more common) if your tire is bouncing...your stopping distances are much longer.
20 years ago everyone questioned ABS in cars... Now I would not want my loved ones to drive a car without it. I am confident the same will play out for bikes.
By the way last summer I had an accident on my Heritage where during a panic stop the rear wheel locked up repeatedly. I firmly believe ABS would have prevented the accident. Here is a link to the accident thread.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...-accident.html
