ABS and Security ?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,097
Likes: 13,030
From: Texas, USA
Just FYI. From the factory, the security system and ABS are packaged together for I think $1200. However, if you decide you only want the security system, you can buy it as a dealer install for about $500 installed. I'm not sure if you can buy ABS as a dealer install item but it's worth asking if the budget is your concern.
So, for all intents and purposes, you buy the bike with ABS or you don't have it.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 75
From: CA
Experiences like these reaffirm my position that ABS is critical:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...-lot-more.html
Last Friday, I don't know what kept me out of a high side event when an EMS vehicle pulled out at the next intersection and had to brake hard. Rear wheel locked up and began to fish tail. As mentioned, have no idea what got me out of that in great shape.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 1
From: Central Alberta, Canada
The fob is basically a proximity sensor that locks out the ignition if you aren't within a certain radius of the bike when someone tries to start it. The factory system doesn't have a siren, but you can add one on to the system as an option through your dealer. If you don't have the siren installed and someone tries to move your bike they won't be able to start it without the lockout code, but the blinkers will flash constantly until either the bike isn't being moved anymore or the fob comes into range again. In terms of anti theft, it's not going to stop anyone who knows what they're doing and really wants to steal your bike, on the other hand, if you have it and are stopping off at the corner store to buy smokes or something on your way home, you don't have to worry about locking your ignition switch when you get off the bike, since the fob will be on you and the ignition will lock until you are back in range - about 8-10 feet on bikes I've had with it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Here's my take...
The security is a nice convenience. I like it! With the new proximity FOBs, you just keep it in your pocket and forget about it. The only time I ever lock my bike is when I'm away at an event or the likes. For everyday use I simply walk away and let the security system do its thing.
The ABS isn't so clear cut. Seems most love it, but I'm not so convinced and am not one of them. Personally I could take or leave it. That said, if I was buying a new bike I would get it simply for resale purposes. If you ever want to sell the bike, the ABS will definitely expand your market of potential buyers.
The security is a nice convenience. I like it! With the new proximity FOBs, you just keep it in your pocket and forget about it. The only time I ever lock my bike is when I'm away at an event or the likes. For everyday use I simply walk away and let the security system do its thing.
The ABS isn't so clear cut. Seems most love it, but I'm not so convinced and am not one of them. Personally I could take or leave it. That said, if I was buying a new bike I would get it simply for resale purposes. If you ever want to sell the bike, the ABS will definitely expand your market of potential buyers.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
Most of the time it's loaded in a truck. The security is good to have though.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 1
From: Central Alberta, Canada
Defeated in 15 seconds and no starter/ECU lock-out? No thanks.
I'd be really curious how many thefts are done by re-enabling the ECU without the code. VERY few I bet, and wires to a hack device or a laptop is going to look pretty suspicious after while...
Most of the time it's loaded in a truck. The security is good to have though.
I'd be really curious how many thefts are done by re-enabling the ECU without the code. VERY few I bet, and wires to a hack device or a laptop is going to look pretty suspicious after while...
Most of the time it's loaded in a truck. The security is good to have though.
Best security is to park the bike where no one can see it's there in the first place, and barring that, the low tech ones work best - big *** chain locked to something that won't move, big angry dog, whatever. If my insurance didn't make it mandatory as a condition of coverage I probably wouldn't even bother considering any sort of electronic security systems on my bike.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,097
Likes: 13,030
From: Texas, USA
There will always be discussion regarding how "secure" a security system is for motorcycles. Nowadays, most vehicle alarms/security systems (even for automobiles) are simply deterrents vs. theft prevention. What do you do when you hear a car alarm going off? Do you look around to see if someone is trying to steal a car?
My '88 Heritage was stolen and the feeling really sucks. Not to mention I felt like I got screwed by the insurance company. By the way, that company is still around today...I won't mention names. Long story. Back then, there were no good security systems for motorcycles other than the .357 on my waist. Even today, if someone wants to steal your bike, say goodbye to it, security system or not.
For me, no matter how secure a security system is, I will install any deterrent I can. I have the HD security system. I will also have a LoJack installed on the bike. The LoJack is about $1000 installed. Not all HD dealers even know about it or install it. The LoJack website has a dealer locator. It is NOT just a glorified GPS device. It can function where GPS can't. They state that if the bike is stolen and can't be located within 24 hours, you get your money back for the LoJack.
For those unfamiliar with it:
http://www.lojack.com/Motorcycles/Lo...for-Motorcycle
Bear with me while I digress: Ask your insurance company how much savings you get on your premium for having a LoJack. Mine, $2 + change. My $1000 install could potentially save them $30,000 so they thank me by saving me $2. I'm appreciative....bastards!
Boog
My '88 Heritage was stolen and the feeling really sucks. Not to mention I felt like I got screwed by the insurance company. By the way, that company is still around today...I won't mention names. Long story. Back then, there were no good security systems for motorcycles other than the .357 on my waist. Even today, if someone wants to steal your bike, say goodbye to it, security system or not.
For me, no matter how secure a security system is, I will install any deterrent I can. I have the HD security system. I will also have a LoJack installed on the bike. The LoJack is about $1000 installed. Not all HD dealers even know about it or install it. The LoJack website has a dealer locator. It is NOT just a glorified GPS device. It can function where GPS can't. They state that if the bike is stolen and can't be located within 24 hours, you get your money back for the LoJack.
For those unfamiliar with it:
http://www.lojack.com/Motorcycles/Lo...for-Motorcycle
Bear with me while I digress: Ask your insurance company how much savings you get on your premium for having a LoJack. Mine, $2 + change. My $1000 install could potentially save them $30,000 so they thank me by saving me $2. I'm appreciative....bastards!
Boog
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 45
From: Long Island, NY
+1 on that. I love the convenience of just walking away and not having to lock the bike. As far as ABS goes its worth every penny.