ABS or not?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
I KNOW that the ABS trigger is STILL substandard to an actual tone ring for the sake of looking retro. Slower to engage and slower to disengage. I have two Harleys, one with "modern" HD ABS and one without. Harley's design is criminal; there is a NHTSA investigation into the fact that at least one version of HD's ABS fails and causes the complete loss of either the front or rear wheel braking. I also know why it fails.
Tell me what YOU know of Harley ABS.
I'm not against ABS; I believe it can be an incredible safety tool IF it's designed and executed properly. However, when a company designs a safety system (such as ABS) and makes how something "looks" one of the chief design parameters it's a compromised design. Think about it; how is it that Harley is the ONLY ABS system on the planet that uses 9 wheel ball bearings as wheel speed sensors (the heart of an ABS unit) and everyone else uses a dedicated tone ring that updates more often? Is it possible in anyone's mind that Harley has it right and all the other manufacturers have it wrong?
I'm just some guy on the internet and my opinion may or may not measure up to the one right before it or right after it. OP, do what you think is best, just understand that Harley's system is substandard to every other system out there. Use it as a tool, practice emergency stops, trying to stop in the shortest distance possible and NOT to engage it. Always keep in the back of your mind that it's possible one day you may wind up losing either the front or rear brake completely when the HCU valve corrodes and locks the pedal or lever.
Tell me what YOU know of Harley ABS.
I'm not against ABS; I believe it can be an incredible safety tool IF it's designed and executed properly. However, when a company designs a safety system (such as ABS) and makes how something "looks" one of the chief design parameters it's a compromised design. Think about it; how is it that Harley is the ONLY ABS system on the planet that uses 9 wheel ball bearings as wheel speed sensors (the heart of an ABS unit) and everyone else uses a dedicated tone ring that updates more often? Is it possible in anyone's mind that Harley has it right and all the other manufacturers have it wrong?
I'm just some guy on the internet and my opinion may or may not measure up to the one right before it or right after it. OP, do what you think is best, just understand that Harley's system is substandard to every other system out there. Use it as a tool, practice emergency stops, trying to stop in the shortest distance possible and NOT to engage it. Always keep in the back of your mind that it's possible one day you may wind up losing either the front or rear brake completely when the HCU valve corrodes and locks the pedal or lever.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; Aug 21, 2016 at 05:56 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 2,876
From: Oklahoma
Two primary concerns. 1. A washboard surface can make a perfectly functioning ABS totally disable your brakes. It has to do with the cycle time and the brakes being turned off by the ABS every time the wheel makes contact with the road. I grew up north of Chicago and know how to drive on snow and ice. Along with that conditioning comes the idea that my brakes won't fail on a 90 + degree summer day as they did on that washboard surface. That is an experience I will never forget. 2. Until the ABS controller is redesigned or has revised parts installed, you stand the real chance of needing to spend $800 to $1600 every 4 years to keep both brakes working. The "hydraulic lock" malfunction is real, but I have never heard of it happening to BOTH brakes at the same time...yet.
I am a hard headed old SOB and if I get killed in a braking situation, I want it to be MY fault, not that some electrons got confused and took away my brakes. If neither scenario seems very likely to you, go with what you want or can afford. ABS is not perfect yet, even less so on Harleys. Your call.
By the way,ABS has a tendency to get people to where they will just grab a handful of brake and stomp on the pedal. No problem for an ABS bike, but might you ever ride one not equipped with ABS? That habit pattern may well get you some road rash on a non ABS bike.
I am a hard headed old SOB and if I get killed in a braking situation, I want it to be MY fault, not that some electrons got confused and took away my brakes. If neither scenario seems very likely to you, go with what you want or can afford. ABS is not perfect yet, even less so on Harleys. Your call.
By the way,ABS has a tendency to get people to where they will just grab a handful of brake and stomp on the pedal. No problem for an ABS bike, but might you ever ride one not equipped with ABS? That habit pattern may well get you some road rash on a non ABS bike.
Last edited by btsom; Aug 20, 2016 at 05:03 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 229
From: Saskatchewan
I ordered my first Harley, which is my present E Glide Classic, with ABS. I had been off bikes for some years and wanted the feature on the new bike specifically for panic braking. I have tested it on dirt however I don't think I have really "used" it yet, even with some pretty hard stops on pavement. It probably did some good without my knowledge but it is still there if I need it.
Thread Starter
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Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 708
Likes: 15
My concern is that my dealer doesn't have a black arak with ABS at Has to find one. The next 2 closest dealers are 1 hour away in opposite directions from my house, and I'm not a fan of either one. The dealer I prefer to deal with will have to find me one, which will effect bargaining. Of course ABS is a good thing, but I've also heard that there are some problems out there with HD's ABS.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 679
From: San Francisco
wanted the feature on the new bike specifically for panic braking
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,537
Likes: 6,412
From: Honah Lee
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,265
Likes: 935
From: Clearwater, Fl
I'll guarantee there's not one person on this forum that can out brake ABS. Especially in uncontrolled situations which is the way we ride.
I've been riding on the road for 51 years. I'm a high mileage rider and won't ride without it. It's a tool that might save your a##.
I've been riding on the road for 51 years. I'm a high mileage rider and won't ride without it. It's a tool that might save your a##.
