Will I regret not getting ABS?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 645
Likes: 15
From:
I traded in my '05 Ultra for an '08 strictly because of the ABS option being available. Some of the real riders here will tell you that they can stop quicker without it, and that might be the case, but not me.
Bill
Bill
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
Do I regret not getting ABS? YES!
To the OP, if you think you'd like to get ABS, I'd encourage you to hold out for it. Hopefully, you'll never need it but if it helps you stay upright and in control under marginal traction condition one time, it will have paid for itself. Just remember that you still have to ride appropriately for the conditions just like you would if the ABS weren't there. The brakes will only stop you as fast as the available traction will allow. It's won't help you if you insist on seeing just how stupid you can be!
Best of luck in whatever you decide!
Steve R.
Last edited by Intrepid175; Dec 28, 2008 at 08:04 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Get the ABS. To test the system I hit both brakes hard at 55mph. I was amazed by both how quickly the bike stopped moving and by how easy it was to maintain control while coming down from speed. Granted this was a non-panic straight line situation but I feel a certain confidece when I ride now.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX - Some call it heaven.
There's been several recent reports that really tout the benefit of ABS on motorcycles. Here's an article that claims a 38% reduction in fatal accidents for ABS vs. non ABS bikes of similar models. It also says that insurance claims are 21% lower for ABS bikes. Hard to argue with those kind of numbers.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 101
From: Portland, OR
ABS is just a smart investment. I would much rather see someone spend their money on ABS, than I would chrome.
Keep looking until you find a bike with ABS. If it had been available in 07, I sure would have spent the money.
Keep looking until you find a bike with ABS. If it had been available in 07, I sure would have spent the money.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 2
From: Broadview Heights, OH
I had to wait 6 weeks for my dealer to get my Ultra with ABS, but I didn't want the bike without it. I have had a couple of close calls on the highway where traffic stopped suddenly and I found myself applying the brakes hard enough to start locking up the rear tire. That's a pucker moment for anyone, and I'd rather not repeat it!
The way I see it, I'd rather pay more for the ABS than some additional bling, and if I didn't get it and needed it later to avoid a crash I'd be kicking myself for not having it. My $.02 - get it!
The way I see it, I'd rather pay more for the ABS than some additional bling, and if I didn't get it and needed it later to avoid a crash I'd be kicking myself for not having it. My $.02 - get it!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 12
From: Commerce, Mich.
Ask yourself one simple question...Have you ever in your riding life, had to panic stop your bike for any reason? If the answer is yes...you want ABS. If the answer is no...you Still want ABS cause its gonna happen sooner or later.
I got my 08 ultra with ABS back in April, this is my third dresser, so I do know how to ride them. Going down a decent blacktop road with my wife following on her Deluxe, van in front of me had to Panic stop cause a kid ran out in the street. I was moving at 45 mph at the time. WIfe and I both hit the brakes (I could hear hers) she skided and had to re-apply in order to stop. I locked them up and stopped on a dime with 7 cents change left over. Road was dry. She went from behind me and to the right, to finally stopping almost a bike length in front of me.
In my humble opinion, I'll NEVER have another bike or car without ABS, and If I could put it on her Deluxe, I'd do it tomorrow.
I got my 08 ultra with ABS back in April, this is my third dresser, so I do know how to ride them. Going down a decent blacktop road with my wife following on her Deluxe, van in front of me had to Panic stop cause a kid ran out in the street. I was moving at 45 mph at the time. WIfe and I both hit the brakes (I could hear hers) she skided and had to re-apply in order to stop. I locked them up and stopped on a dime with 7 cents change left over. Road was dry. She went from behind me and to the right, to finally stopping almost a bike length in front of me.
In my humble opinion, I'll NEVER have another bike or car without ABS, and If I could put it on her Deluxe, I'd do it tomorrow.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 394
Likes: 29
From: Georgia
Old dog
There have been many instances where the rear tire looses contact with the ground (such as train tracks or bumps) so the abs thinks the bike is skidding and therefore releases the brake. When that tire makes contact with smooth ground again it takes a second for the system to recognize that. Abs isn't a cure all.
If you can find one I say get it.
Ben
There have been many instances where the rear tire looses contact with the ground (such as train tracks or bumps) so the abs thinks the bike is skidding and therefore releases the brake. When that tire makes contact with smooth ground again it takes a second for the system to recognize that. Abs isn't a cure all.
If you can find one I say get it.
Ben