How is your ABS?
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,241
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How is your ABS?
Does ABS on the Harley really prevent front wheel lock-up in panic stops? It seems that it's a fact that locking the front wheel up will send you to the pavement and that effective braking is one of the more difficult skills to learn. Do you think that Harley's with ABS are a safer ride for novice and intermediate riders? I'm actually considering selling my 2010 non-ABS Heritage and getting one with it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
ABS does prevent wheel lock up and adds a degree of safety. However locking the rear brake is a bigger concern than the front. If you lock up the front ease up and reapply. If you lock up the rear keep it locked until the bike has slowed and is straight otherwise you could have an unscheduled get-off on the high-side.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
ABS absolutely stops front wheel lockup. Proper technique will also prevent it but, as you say, for novice and intermediate riders ABS is a good option. It's not a replacement for practice though, proper technique in braking, swerving etc. will save your bacon. I would rather rely on my skills than systems that may work so, practice, practice, practice. Take a class too.
If you haven't seen HD's video on ABS, it's worth checking out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ6R8vNm7_M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ6R8vNm7_M
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 57
From: PA
Love my ABS.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
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From: Badlands of ND
ABS works great when your skills do not. It saved me when I panicked when a deer appeared in front of me last year. I swear to God the thing was teleported into my lane directly in front of me. I grabbed way to much brake, but slowed down nice, straight and in control.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Hilliard,Ohio
I've had it kick in a couple of times in panic situations and I love knowing I still have control as I'm stopping. I too would not buy a bike without it. As someone else said......it saves your bacon when your skills don't.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
Isnt it more for REAR WHEEL lockup avoidance, not front? I know it works on both wheels but I was under the impression that it was more for rear wheel skid control.
I have it on my StreetGlide but have yet to have to "use" it (thank God!)
I have it on my StreetGlide but have yet to have to "use" it (thank God!)