ABS Brakes

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Oct 31, 2008 | 03:03 PM

#11

Bluzmn59

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 2,754

Likes: 4

From: GA

I have ridden for 30 years and used to think I could handle a bike pretty well, but now that I have ABS, there really is no comparison.

Oct 31, 2008 | 03:35 PM

#12

sunsound

Novice

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

From: Portland, Or.

abs brakes

Bought my FLHPI new in 05. Had a choice of two bikes ABS or non. Got the one with ABS. Was told at that time it was the first bike in the area to have it. Within the first week with rain and wet roads, early morning and dark I had some joker pull out right in front of me of course. I am fully confident that the ABS saved my a**. I could feel it working and was able to maintain control and do some avoidance maneuvering. I strongly believe given the same circumstances with no ABS it would have been a real mess. Have been in a couple of other situations where I feel they helped also. A few days ago a buddy and myself were doing some parking lot practice and working on emergency stopping among other things. Let him ride my bike so he could see the difference since his is non ABS. He is getting a new bike.

Oct 31, 2008 | 03:45 PM

#13

OldDog

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 102

Likes: 0

From: Chattanooga, TN

I currently ride a 97 RK (still love her) and have an ABS Classic on order. When the RK was 6 months old, I got into a turn lane where a semi had lost the plug out of the oil pan. You couldn't see the oil. As soon as I lightly applied the brakes, the rear tire locked and broke free and the bike ground looped. (I hardly gor scratched because I slid in the oil). Don't know for a fact, but I suspect that the ABS might have saved the day. Skill is one thing, but you have to be able to see the slick.

Oct 31, 2008 | 03:58 PM

#14

rostius

Intermediate

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

I ride an 05 FLHTPI and it has ABS. I also feel that it has helped me in different situations especially in the city riding that I do...cagers who stop for no apparent reason. I'm not saying they are a replacement for being safe but in those hard braking situations they do make a difference. Takes getting used to though...

Oct 31, 2008 | 04:16 PM

#15

petemac

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 9,335

Likes: 13

From: MA

ABS is a no brainer for me. Next bike will have it.

Oct 31, 2008 | 07:17 PM

#16

IzzoQuazzo

Retired Admin

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 21,865

Likes: 9,046

From: Wisconsin

I've had it for 2 weeks and I can see the difference. It isn't just on a panic stop. A number of times I've gotten to an intersection just after the light turned yellow. In the past, I just gunned it rather than lock them up. With ABS I can put both brakes on hard and come to a good controlled stop in a short distance without squealing the brakes.

Nov 1, 2008 | 08:40 AM

#17

Hawgnut

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 328

Likes: 1

From: South Central Virginia

just remember ABS do lockup momentarily as I found out doing a right hand turn with the road wet, Jeez I going a little to fast for this turn so I apply some rear brake and all of a sudden my a$$ end is going to to the left. Rememering what the cd that harley sent with the bike is to straighten up to stop I did it and yes it did ok but I was already across the double yellow lines into on coming traffic, Luckily there was no one coming but after 16 years on my Conventional braking system with my Low Rider I cant remember ever having the rear end slide out from under me in that kind of situation scared the bee jeeves out of me. I know now I have more learning to do with the ABS...

Nov 1, 2008 | 09:11 AM

#18

ArgyleRider

Tourer

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 335

Likes: 0

From: So. Calif.

I ordered a '09 RKC Thursday with ABS. I passed up one on the floor that did not have it (plus it was the wrong color). But after reading this, I am going to make sure I understand, test and practice with the different handling characteristics. May have to retrain some old reflexes.

Last edited by ArgyleRider; Nov 1, 2008 at 09:12 AM. Reason: typo