Will I regret not getting ABS?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
I say absolutely get it if you can. The live demonstrations are remarkable on ABS. They can be seen on YouTube.com, and I think BMW has some good ones on video as well. It is a fantastic option, and if you're dropping the kind of dough for a new dresser, you need and will love ABS....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
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.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From:
I have been looking for a new bike for a few weeks now. I sold my 06 1200C last week and now money is burning a hole in my pocket! I have narrowed it down to a 2009 Street Glide in pewter denim. the only problem the ones around here don't have the ABS option. I got a price out the door of MSRP with possibility of a $500 gift card. I need to really be 100% on what bike I want before I do my hard negotiations. I never had a bike with ABS so I don't know that I would regret not having it but then again I have never ridden a bike as big as a street glide.
do I buy it or keep searching for one with ABS?
do I buy it or keep searching for one with ABS?
Buy with ABS. It might save your life. It costs peanuts. Your life is worth more than peanuts, right? Seriously, buy ABS.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 17,717
Likes: 1
From: NY
I have it on my bike and I wouldn't want a bike without it again.
I was out riding a few months ago and 2 dogs darted out in front of me. The ABS kicked in and I was able to avoid the dogs and not dump the bike. Made me even more of a believer real quick.
Since you live in New England I'd take my time to get the best buy possible. You most likely won't be riding much between now and spring so be patient and find yourself a dealer that really values you and your hard earned money and will deal with you.
I was out riding a few months ago and 2 dogs darted out in front of me. The ABS kicked in and I was able to avoid the dogs and not dump the bike. Made me even more of a believer real quick.
Since you live in New England I'd take my time to get the best buy possible. You most likely won't be riding much between now and spring so be patient and find yourself a dealer that really values you and your hard earned money and will deal with you.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 5
From: Oregon
While I have never used it, I have seen something called a Traction Control System that you add to each brake caliper to help control braking. I assume it is for people who didn't get ABS on their bike but want it now. ABS is electronic and the TCS is not.
I have no idea how well they work..
Here is a link in case you are wondering...
http://www.tractioncontrolsystems.com/faq.html
I have no idea how well they work..
Here is a link in case you are wondering...
http://www.tractioncontrolsystems.com/faq.html
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 928
Likes: 0
From: Redmond, WA
Absolutely, you need to get ABS on your next scoot! They are definitely an improvement in stopping ability and therefore, safety. Also, as ABS becomes available on more bikes, bikes without ABS will not be as valuable for resale and/or trade. They may also be higher insurance rates for bikes w/o ABS.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From:
Howdy, me again,
Let's talk resale. You're already finding out that people prefer their bikes with ABS. I truly believe that, in the future, if you sell a bike on which ABS was an option and the one for sale does not have it, you will lose a sale or have to discount your bike a bunch.
Second, what no one has mentioned yet is that ABS will keep up upright but will most likely NOT stop you much slower. It WILL however allow you to keep directional control and drive around an obstacle instead of sliding into one. Hold out for ABS. They're obviously having trouble selling the ones' without it. There are very good reasons why....ABS sells, ABS saves, ABS rocks!
Let's talk resale. You're already finding out that people prefer their bikes with ABS. I truly believe that, in the future, if you sell a bike on which ABS was an option and the one for sale does not have it, you will lose a sale or have to discount your bike a bunch.
Second, what no one has mentioned yet is that ABS will keep up upright but will most likely NOT stop you much slower. It WILL however allow you to keep directional control and drive around an obstacle instead of sliding into one. Hold out for ABS. They're obviously having trouble selling the ones' without it. There are very good reasons why....ABS sells, ABS saves, ABS rocks!
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 597
Likes: 35
From: On the lake, Ohio
I know it's killing ya looking at those new 09's without ABS on the show room floor calling out your name! But if you can hold off wait it out until a ABS equiped one arrives or ORDER a bike with it!
This is my first HD and I insisted it have ABS brakes. This won't be my last HD, but the rest will all have this option. I'm glad many times over I waited it out.
This is my first HD and I insisted it have ABS brakes. This won't be my last HD, but the rest will all have this option. I'm glad many times over I waited it out.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Mooresboro NC
I held out for the ABS but there is a problem with the rear Wheel. Its discussed in another thread so I want go into it here. IMO its the best safety device ever invented for a motorcycle period.
Mark
Mark