Jump at this RK?
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 473
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels TX
If you don't have ABS now you won't know the difference, but once you get that new ABS or even the older ABS most would not go back.
However, if you have the coin, buy the bike there is more there than the ABS, lots of changes you will enjoy, just consider it the frosting on the beater you get to lick off as a new gift to yourself. Buy it and enjoy it if you can afford it.
However, if you have the coin, buy the bike there is more there than the ABS, lots of changes you will enjoy, just consider it the frosting on the beater you get to lick off as a new gift to yourself. Buy it and enjoy it if you can afford it.
For me, no ABS would be a deal breaker.
Tell the dealer that, and see what he can do with an ABS equipped bike.
You may be surprised what they come up with when they think you are heading out the door.
....but be prepared to walk out if you do.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,087
Likes: 1,962
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by jeffreydsilver
For me, a Road King without cruise control would be a deal breaker, not ABS so much.
IMO, for as much as H-D charges, ABS should be standard on all touring bikes.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 268
Likes: 5
From: SC
I wouldn't let ABS get in the way of buying a new bike. Just me......
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,170
From: SE Michigan
i had ABS on my 2011 SG, chose to go without it on my RG, it worked well but i could not get comfortable with it when had to use it. feel much better without it. have had to lock them up a few times on both bikes. strictly a prefrence thing for me. my abs light always randomly came on since the bike was new. harley couldnt find a problem, just annoyed me
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 317
Likes: 11
From: Arizona
BMW used to demo their ABS at the rallies. It was damned impressive. Stopped bikes quickly and with stability.
They did this this solo and two-up on dry pavement, and then on a section of wet pavement, with the K1200 LT and an R1150 RT, I think.
Everyone who watched, and a lot were Harley riders (this was at Laughlin), was impressed.
That was back in 2000.
They did this this solo and two-up on dry pavement, and then on a section of wet pavement, with the K1200 LT and an R1150 RT, I think.
Everyone who watched, and a lot were Harley riders (this was at Laughlin), was impressed.
That was back in 2000.
Last edited by rnothog; Sep 30, 2014 at 09:27 AM.
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,469
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
At the last riding course I took, a former Motor Officer instructor did a demo...he poured a patch of sand on the pavement, spread it out, and took a run at stopping a motorcycle in it. One run with regular brakes, one with a bike with ABS.
Straight, true, and steady stops. Impressed me, that's for sure.
Straight, true, and steady stops. Impressed me, that's for sure.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 783
Likes: 1
From: Oxford, GA
Many here are experienced riders and I know that as a matter of daily riding routine, we practice accident avoidance every time we get on our bikes. But, I wonder how many of us can honestly say that we regularly practice and are proficient in stopping our bikes as fast as we can? I know I can't. This is where I feel like linked/ ABS brakes gives me the edge. I have become a stronger advocate of linked/ anti-locked brakes based on at least three close calls I had on a previous bike I owned that was equiped with them. In each situation, one of them on wet pavement, I believe I stopped much quicker than I could have stopped without them. I felt strongly enough about their benefits on a Harley that I wanted them on my Harley. So, I waited for Harley to put linked/ anti-lock brakes on the ultra limited before buying one. I will never have another bike without them, but that's just me. Good luck in your decision!