What is needed to by pass ABS
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 377
From: Georgia
When HD's ABS fails the accuator (lever or pedal) locks up leaving you with little to no control. And since HD is failing to acknowledge a problem and blaming the consumer and charging upwards of $1200 to put the same questionable parts in it's not hard to understand why people want to bypass the system.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Very true! I've only ever owned one ABS bike, in over 50 years and don't own one at all at present. Frankly I don't feel any less safe on any of my three current bikes....
Last edited by grbrown; Dec 15, 2017 at 09:43 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
Originally Posted by Oko
So, if you bypass the factory ABS, & get into an accident. The insurance company detects that youve bypassed it, well.....
Good luck with that.
Me, Id get it fixed.
Me, Id get it fixed.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 377
From: Georgia
Too many bikes built with ABS as optional equipment to make that argument.
Bypass just needs done in competent manner.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
A month ago I picked up a 08 Road Glide and the front brake is hard to pull now, so with everything I have read, it points to the ABS unit. I would like to by pass the system with a new front brake line.
I know I need the brake line for a non ABS bike, would I have to change out the front wheel bearing also.
Thanks for any help, been reading about all the failed systems and have not found a lot on by passing it.
I know I need the brake line for a non ABS bike, would I have to change out the front wheel bearing also.
Thanks for any help, been reading about all the failed systems and have not found a lot on by passing it.
I'd fix it, myself though. Dont care if "you" dont.
No need to change out wheel bearings, just leave the sensor installed because that is also a type of spacer.
It is possible to bypass only the front brake portion per the link sbates provided. The abs diags only test electrical, not physical abs solenoid lockup. In other words, go for a ride without your front brake and the abs diags will pass - very pathetic diags! Anyway, bypass front abs module circuit and you will still have rear abs. I'd rather have rear then front anyway. And rear abs is better then no abs imho.
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Club Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,550
Likes: 5,892
From: Syracuse NY
So your an insurance agent? Perhaps a personal injury lawyer?
Because I actually called my agent & asked before I posted. He said they could look at all modifications to see if it was a contributing factor to a crash. Removal of any OEM safety device, car or bike, could cause denial of a claim. Either for vehicle damages or medical claims. He said it would more likely surface in a large medical claim.
So yeah, I stand by my post.
Because I actually called my agent & asked before I posted. He said they could look at all modifications to see if it was a contributing factor to a crash. Removal of any OEM safety device, car or bike, could cause denial of a claim. Either for vehicle damages or medical claims. He said it would more likely surface in a large medical claim.
So yeah, I stand by my post.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 1,754
From: New Bern NC
Me three. I have an 08 touring bike. The ABS was optional, I don't have it on my bike. As many know the first years systems are prone to fail in very unsafe ways. I don't blame the OP for his decision to remove it.