So I was reading about the new 2011 models and found out that ABS is optional on Softails for 2011. It's probably been discussed here. I have an '07 and am perfectly satisfied that I have all the important new thingies (96ci, 6 speed) that I figured I'd have it forever. The ONLY thing that would tempt me to upgrade would be the ABS. Not that I have the money to do it right now but further on down the road....
The main reason I'm all for ABS is that I hit a car when someone slammed on his brakes when I thought we were both going to go through the yellow....@%*hole. Scared the crap outta me as my bike slid for a good 40 feet. Luckily me and the bike were fine as I hit my engine guard on his bumper. Got a new engine guard but my insurance co. put out about $2k for the damage to his bumper. Now quick stops make me nervous which is probably a good thing.

 

Yes...ABS would be nice to have. No...it's not worth upgrading JUST for that feature. You've already got a nice bike. Why make it more expensive!!

 

I would agree. Looks like you've got your ride where you want it, is ABS worth giving all that up to start over? Probably not, I think, anyway. I was looking at adding a second front disc to my '08 Classic but will take the forum advice and go for an upgrade to a Brembo or other high end front single disc unit.

 

ABS doesn't stop the bike in a shorter distance if you can keep from locking up the front brake yourself. My next bike will have it because I ride in the rain occasionally.

 

Please see the videos below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ6R8vNm7_M
They show the diference from 5:25min on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6kO6ltk3a0
They show the diference from 2:30min on

ABS does stop the bike in a shorter distance (even in dry condicions)

 

how hard/expensive would it be to retro fit the abs system on an older softail?

 

Hi Rob,

I have the same question. I love my 2008 but would really like to have abs. Anybody have any suggestions?

 

I don't think the retro-fit would be an easy thing. I know on the touring bikes there were a lot of mods that could or couldn't be done depending on if you had ABS, wheels, handlebars, a lot of stuff is different depending on if you had the option or not.....

 

Does anyone know if its available for the 2011 Rocker?

 

I get the feeling (Though i'm unlikely to try it) that in the dry it would be impossible to lock the front on a bones ... rear maybe so but less concerned about a rear wheel lock up. If thiis true then don't see the point of ABS from a loss of control perspective, though I get that maybe you could stop a bit quicker ....