08 vs 09 ABS Brakes
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 84
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From: pa
08 ABS Download
After reading this entire thread, I can detect the riders with a years experience with their remaining years of repetition. When it comes to braking on a motorcycle, ABS or No ABS, braking is the same, regardless. The difference with ABS is that you will not experience "wheel" lockup. Some have described the ABS rear activation at an intersection or washboard surface as a "loss of braking". NONSENSE! The rear brake did what it was supposed to do in a traction loss situation. The rear wheel did not skid or lose traction. Same thing happens in your ABS equipped car.
Now, not that I'm here to rant or get flamed, let me explain that on my 08 Road Glide, I have ABS. And, I have had the Service Bulletin ABS download done. The difference? The new download, now standard on 09 bikes, was to address the 08 models and the application of Michelin tires and run flat tires on the Police motorcycles. Previously Police bikes did not use the new electronic ABS system. In 08, Michelins were not officially adopted yet by HD for touring models. Therefore Harley changed the ABS algorithizm in the 09 bikes to recognize these changes. I have noticed that prior to having the download done, my 08 would activate the ABS earlier than it should have. It didnt mean it was unsafe, just annoying, at best. It still stopped efficiently! With the download, the rear ABS does not kick in under similar conditions. So, practice braking no matter which system you have. But as far as the download, I think it's worth it as a refinement to this system, and definitely worth it, if you ever change to Michelins. Ride safe.
Now, not that I'm here to rant or get flamed, let me explain that on my 08 Road Glide, I have ABS. And, I have had the Service Bulletin ABS download done. The difference? The new download, now standard on 09 bikes, was to address the 08 models and the application of Michelin tires and run flat tires on the Police motorcycles. Previously Police bikes did not use the new electronic ABS system. In 08, Michelins were not officially adopted yet by HD for touring models. Therefore Harley changed the ABS algorithizm in the 09 bikes to recognize these changes. I have noticed that prior to having the download done, my 08 would activate the ABS earlier than it should have. It didnt mean it was unsafe, just annoying, at best. It still stopped efficiently! With the download, the rear ABS does not kick in under similar conditions. So, practice braking no matter which system you have. But as far as the download, I think it's worth it as a refinement to this system, and definitely worth it, if you ever change to Michelins. Ride safe.
Last edited by mtb017; May 27, 2009 at 04:10 PM.
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