A.B.S or DIE!
#11
09-28-2017, 09:14 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
In 3 1/2 months, I have put on over 4k miles on my bike. I ride fast, but carefully and try to anticipate "dumb driver" situations; I have yet to see my ABS activate and, as far as I know, the linking has not affected my ride (I brake as if they are not linked).
That said: some things (like a dear jumping into you path from the woods when you are doing more than 35) can't be anticipated. I am glad to know ABS and linking are there! I hope I never need them.
In cars, it is difficult to gauge whether seatbelts/airbags have saved more lives than ABS; ABS has definitely saved more fenders!
That said: some things (like a dear jumping into you path from the woods when you are doing more than 35) can't be anticipated. I am glad to know ABS and linking are there! I hope I never need them.
In cars, it is difficult to gauge whether seatbelts/airbags have saved more lives than ABS; ABS has definitely saved more fenders!
It's good to brake to the point where ABS engages occasionally.. The valves need cycling.
#12
09-28-2017, 09:15 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
#13
09-28-2017, 09:35 AM
Road Warrior
After building a tree house when I was 10, I learned a life lesson: Never test anything unless you are prepared for the test to fail.
Last edited by hairymoth; 09-28-2017 at 09:39 AM.
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#17
09-28-2017, 09:51 AM
Road Warrior
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That is one opinion. Technically being able to lock your brakes at will is one aspect of complete control that ABS removes from the rider. And harley ABS tends to remove 50-100% of braking control from the rider "when" it fails... So there is that to consider as well....
#18
09-28-2017, 09:56 AM
Moderator
I have ABS on my Road King. I am glad it's there from a safety standpoint but I don't look at it as a feature that means I am invincible. The only drawback to ABS in terms of safety standpoint is that it might give some people a false sense of security. Try grabbing a handful on sand, water, or ice, and you're still probably going down or off the side of the road when the bike doesn't stop in the required distance due to the ABS cycling. ABS isn't a license to not pay attention to road conditions. Still need to give yourself room and an out.
#19
09-28-2017, 10:13 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
My ABS was put to use on two occasions this week. First one was rounding a bend @ 50 MPH to a Doe standing in the road. Hit 'em hard, nice controlled stop. Last night I was on the interstate @ around 70 MPH, and I could see brake lights coming on 1/4 mile ahead. I'm suddenly sprayed with a light mist of gasoline, and before the "WTF" moment showed itself, I rolled through a large pool of gasoline spilled from a can laying in the middle of the road. This would not have been a huge deal, but everybody hit the binders hard because a cop was on the shoulder assisting an unfortunate motorist that hit said can. Again, had to brake hard. ABS does its thing, but remember I have gas on my tires. I can guarantee that without ABS I would have taken a slide. It held straight and true. I'm a believer.
The "linked reflex" braking leaves a little to be desired. I don't care for that much, but the ABS is awesome.
The "linked reflex" braking leaves a little to be desired. I don't care for that much, but the ABS is awesome.
#20
09-28-2017, 10:22 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
FWIW it's good practice to develop panic stop braking skills and learn the limits of traction under controlled conditions. Knowing what the bike will do, is much better than relying on ABS.
Ricky Carmichael once stated in an interview that he could look at any dirt surface and know exactly how much traction was available to him for being the fastest on the track.. While this was primarily along the the lines of racing, the street riders should always be looking at surface conditions and understand the traction that is available simply for their safety.