Those of us that have gone for ABS are content to live on the somewhat duller, but safer part.
View Poll Results: Does your Softail have ABS brakes or does not have ABS brakes
Voters: 83. You may not vote on this poll
Softail with ABS without ABS
Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Again, wear what you dig ... I'm certainly no expert.
I've been ridding 90% of my life now and (before kids) logged an average of 15,000 miles a year on my bikes.
I've logged more than a few on the track too
I will say, this... being my first cruiser, the brakes are MUCH different than I'm used to.
I've had to significantly adjust my riding style for the Breakout ... and probably a good thing.
Be safe no matter what you choose.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,501
Likes: 26
From: Sheboygan,Wi
To me ABS is just another step up in brake performance. My 71 FLH had Drum brakes I was hesitant to switch to disc brakes but very glad I did. Any of you who have ridden older Harleys with drums know what I mean.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 7
From: USA
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Australia
I had the unfortunate opportunity to test the ABS on my Slim earlier this year. I was checking out some talent on the side of the road (she was amazing, middle of summer here and she had nothing on but a bikini top and hot pants), doing around 40mph, eventually looked up and saw a red light. I slammed on the brakes and the bike came to a halt in a perfect straight line. I felt the pulsations come through the brake lever. My heart came up to my mouth but it all worked out in the end. ABS saved my life, no question.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
I had the unfortunate opportunity to test the ABS on my Slim earlier this year. I was checking out some talent on the side of the road (she was amazing, middle of summer here and she had nothing on but a bikini top and hot pants), doing around 40mph, eventually looked up and saw a red light. I slammed on the brakes and the bike came to a halt in a perfect straight line. I felt the pulsations come through the brake lever. My heart came up to my mouth but it all worked out in the end. ABS saved my life, no question.
A friend of mine was checking this hot chick out in Diego on PCH, in his car luckily. The car in front of him stopped for a guy jay walking and my friend rear ended him. My friend gets out of his car and turns around to check the girl out. Well, it was not a girl but a card board cut out of a girl...
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
2012 heritage, currently trying to resolve a rear chripping sound from either caliper or bearings. Brake caliper is my guess. So they said further investagation would cost me money. I said it happens after 100 miles of riding, so ride 100 miles go the dealer & declare its happening now. They ignore me for over a hour. Now the bike has cooled down. Even recorded it & still get the " I can't tell from that". Very disappointing. Then they said all Harley's with ABS make that sound!! Sound only started after 4000 miles. Harley doesn't warranty their bikes, the dealers appear to be stuck with bad engineering with no pay to repair.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 7
From: USA
But we have no one but our self to blame as we damn near line up to buy Harley's.
I have said in the past and it continues to be true that Harley's warranty service leaves much to be desired as compared to the auto manufactures.
But Harley still has such a huge market share that they can get away with this kind of sub standard service.