2008 Ultra ABS issue
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 2,134
From: W. Texas
I'm certain that the internals have corrosion, however, for the effort of trying to fix the HCU, reinstalling it and working through getting all the air out of the system, I'd rather just put a working unit on it and spend the time riding one of my older motorcycles.
The irony is my 1948 FL has front antilock brakes from the factory.
The irony is my 1948 FL has front antilock brakes from the factory.
@aboatguy
Thank you for the update Glad it went well.
If you not going to do anything with the old HCU I'd be interested in it.
I have been hoping to find one I could tear apart to see about the insides.
WP
Last edited by WP50; Mar 3, 2024 at 06:52 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 64
Likes: 12
From: Franklin, WI
So how can you tell if your bike has ABS or not? I'm picking up an 08 Ultra and I'm curious if it has ABS or not. This will be my first Harley (but not my first motorcycle by far) so I'm just learning about them at a deeper level than I've had experience with. I do all of my own work on all my bikes so this is something I'd like to learn about.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 131
Likes: 64
From: Cleveland
So how can you tell if your bike has ABS or not? I'm picking up an 08 Ultra and I'm curious if it has ABS or not. This will be my first Harley (but not my first motorcycle by far) so I'm just learning about them at a deeper level than I've had experience with. I do all of my own work on all my bikes so this is something I'd like to learn about.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 64
Likes: 12
From: Franklin, WI
I did notice that there was a wire zip tied to the left side brake caliper hose when my buddy and I replaced the pads. We figured it was for some kind of a wheel speed sensor but didn't put two and two together. Didn't follow it though to see where it went. Thought I don't think it went down to the axle. Is there anything else there that would require an electrical connection?
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 896
From: Sacto
I did notice that there was a wire zip tied to the left side brake caliper hose when my buddy and I replaced the pads. We figured it was for some kind of a wheel speed sensor but didn't put two and two together. Didn't follow it though to see where it went. Thought I don't think it went down to the axle. Is there anything else there that would require an electrical connection?
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 64
Likes: 12
From: Franklin, WI
Ah yes, I didn't think about that. It did look like it went up and under the fender so I'll bet that's what it's for. I didn't see any other wires so I'm guessing I'm lucky and this bike doesn't have ABS.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 2,205
So how can you tell if your bike has ABS or not? I'm picking up an 08 Ultra and I'm curious if it has ABS or not. This will be my first Harley (but not my first motorcycle by far) so I'm just learning about them at a deeper level than I've had experience with. I do all of my own work on all my bikes so this is something I'd like to learn about.
Despite the issues with H-D ABS, I wouldn't have another motorcycle without it. It can save your life.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: USA
ABS Lamp See Figure 7. On ABS equipped models, the amber ABS indicator lamp begins to flash at key ON to indicate that the system is operational. It continues to flash until motorcycle speed exceeds 3 mph (5 km/h). Continuous illumination of the lamp will only occur when ABS detects that the system is malfunctioning. In the diagnostic mode, the lamp will also illuminate to indicate the presence of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). See a Harley-Davidson dealer for service.
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From: Oklahoma