ABS - What's the scoop
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
RE: ABS - What's the scoop
ORIGINAL: maxum96
I did some research on the HD ABS before buying my 08 Ultra. My conclusion was that while ABS is a benefit and can help you out in certain situation, it does have limitations. If you watch the HD video they clearly tell you that you must be upright and going straight for the ABS to operate properly. How many times have you needed to hit the brakes hard in a turn versus going straight? There are other limitations to ABS on a motorcycle too. If you do your own wrenching (like I do), you'll have to take your bike to a dealer to have them reset the ABS computer whenever you change the brake pads. While I do feel that the ABS is a definite benefit, I felt it's limitations did not justify it's cost to me when I orded my bike. But I wouldn't talk someone out of it that wanted it.
Just my 2 cents
I did some research on the HD ABS before buying my 08 Ultra. My conclusion was that while ABS is a benefit and can help you out in certain situation, it does have limitations. If you watch the HD video they clearly tell you that you must be upright and going straight for the ABS to operate properly. How many times have you needed to hit the brakes hard in a turn versus going straight? There are other limitations to ABS on a motorcycle too. If you do your own wrenching (like I do), you'll have to take your bike to a dealer to have them reset the ABS computer whenever you change the brake pads. While I do feel that the ABS is a definite benefit, I felt it's limitations did not justify it's cost to me when I orded my bike. But I wouldn't talk someone out of it that wanted it.
Just my 2 cents
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
RE: ABS - What's the scoop
ORIGINAL: rrhall
I'm looking to upgrade from a wide glide to steet glide. The dealer this week was telling me not to bother with the new ABS on the 08's. Said too much money with too little benefit. Thoughts on this greatly appreciated. (Ya, in Montana, with or without is no good on the ice, but what about the roads in fair weather America?). Thanks
I'm looking to upgrade from a wide glide to steet glide. The dealer this week was telling me not to bother with the new ABS on the 08's. Said too much money with too little benefit. Thoughts on this greatly appreciated. (Ya, in Montana, with or without is no good on the ice, but what about the roads in fair weather America?). Thanks
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9,486
Likes: 4
From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
RE: ABS - What's the scoop
Just FYI for more info on the differences in the 08 model:
http://www.coastriderschapter.nl/200...%20Touring.pdf
http://www.coastriderschapter.nl/200...%20Touring.pdf
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,989
Likes: 11
From: Right Coast
RE: ABS - What's the scoop
ORIGINAL: petemac
My two cents would be that the dealer is trying to sell his non-ABS bikeswhich don'tappear to be selling as well as the ABS bikes. Rule # 1 when a salesman tells you anything....don't believe it.
My two cents would be that the dealer is trying to sell his non-ABS bikeswhich don'tappear to be selling as well as the ABS bikes. Rule # 1 when a salesman tells you anything....don't believe it.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Northern Colorado
RE: ABS - What's the scoop
ORIGINAL: Jim Dawson
You should research some more and read the service manual before making incorrect staements like above.
ORIGINAL: maxum96
I did some research on the HD ABS before buying my 08 Ultra. My conclusion was that while ABS is a benefit and can help you out in certain situation, it does have limitations. If you watch the HD video they clearly tell you that you must be upright and going straight for the ABS to operate properly. How many times have you needed to hit the brakes hard in a turn versus going straight? There are other limitations to ABS on a motorcycle too. If you do your own wrenching (like I do), you'll have to take your bike to a dealer to have them reset the ABS computer whenever you change the brake pads. While I do feel that the ABS is a definite benefit, I felt it's limitations did not justify it's cost to me when I orded my bike. But I wouldn't talk someone out of it that wanted it.
Just my 2 cents
I did some research on the HD ABS before buying my 08 Ultra. My conclusion was that while ABS is a benefit and can help you out in certain situation, it does have limitations. If you watch the HD video they clearly tell you that you must be upright and going straight for the ABS to operate properly. How many times have you needed to hit the brakes hard in a turn versus going straight? There are other limitations to ABS on a motorcycle too. If you do your own wrenching (like I do), you'll have to take your bike to a dealer to have them reset the ABS computer whenever you change the brake pads. While I do feel that the ABS is a definite benefit, I felt it's limitations did not justify it's cost to me when I orded my bike. But I wouldn't talk someone out of it that wanted it.
Just my 2 cents
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 1
From:
RE: ABS - What's the scoop
I was in my dealer's for service and asked the sales manager how ABS was being received. He said great, most bagger buyers were requesting it. He also said he had an occasion to use the ABS and he was sold--his next bike would definitely be ABS.
Also asked him if he had heard if HD was putting the ABS option on the soft tails and Dyna's-he had not heard anything.
Also asked him if he had heard if HD was putting the ABS option on the soft tails and Dyna's-he had not heard anything.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 361
Likes: 4
From:
RE: ABS - What's the scoop
I suspect what everone else is saying, "the dealer is trying to move stock in hand". But I would not go to another dealer until you get a quote from this dealer on his bottom line number out the door on the Harley you want with the options you want.
All dealers have some snake oil tendencies in them, it's part of their DNA make up. The better ones have it under control, but theirvodoo logic can pop up at any time. I would be willing to bet that informed consumers know this going into the process of buying a new vehicale.At best,don't let his lack of knowledge or at worse, his "trickery" sway you from your goal,which isto buy the bike you want with theoptions that you want at thebest price.
So get his bottom line number out the door and make your decisions based on the best numbers for you and your family.Just be aware of his propensity for the quick buck,after all you don't have to sit at the dinner table with the jerk. I enjoy the relations I have with my steeler but their basic make up is to get my money and I know that walking into the business. Plus, there are some within the Steelership I deal with that I avoid, that's life.
ABS is a good thing in my opinion (what ever that's worth) and that is why I made sure my 08 Ultra has it. Good luck in finding the best deal for what you want.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 629
Likes: 3
From: Mission, Texas
RE: ABS - What's the scoop
I wouldn't buy an '08 w/o ABS. In mho it's worth having. Look at the viedo, makeup your own mind, but don't listen to the guy that gets paid to sell what's on the floor.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
RE: ABS - What's the scoop
ORIGINAL: Jim Dawson
It sounds like either you have a stupid saleman or he doesn't have an ABS bike to sell you and is scared you'll find one elsewhere.
ORIGINAL: rrhall
I'm looking to upgrade from a wide glide to steet glide. The dealer this week was telling me not to bother with the new ABS on the 08's. Said too much money with too little benefit. Thoughts on this greatly appreciated. (Ya, in Montana, with or without is no good on the ice, but what about the roads in fair weather America?). Thanks
I'm looking to upgrade from a wide glide to steet glide. The dealer this week was telling me not to bother with the new ABS on the 08's. Said too much money with too little benefit. Thoughts on this greatly appreciated. (Ya, in Montana, with or without is no good on the ice, but what about the roads in fair weather America?). Thanks