ABS Brakes
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 14
From: Yokohama
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 827
Likes: 5
From: Ohio
I wonder why you have encountered "enough small events" that require the ABS to kick in in 5 mos than someone that has ridden many many years. In the last 7 yrs I have not needed ABS, but know I may need it tomorrow. I agree bikes are much safer with ABS and also agree the very next mile we ride we may need it, but I have to wonder if you are riding above your skill level and rely on technology to save you. Not bashing or flaming anyone but if you have encountered enough small events that require the ABS to bail you out in 5 mos, you may want to look at your riding style. Our first line of defense is to stay out of those situations (look ahead 3-4-5 cars slow down at intersections and watch like your life depends on it which it does) and second is to rely on the bike to help you if the occasion rears it's ugly head. RIDE SAFE!!
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,310
Likes: 1,079
I wonder why you have encountered "enough small events" that require the ABS to kick in in 5 mos than someone that has ridden many many years. In the last 7 yrs I have not needed ABS, but know I may need it tomorrow. I agree bikes are much safer with ABS and also agree the very next mile we ride we may need it, but I have to wonder if you are riding above your skill level and rely on technology to save you. Not bashing or flaming anyone but if you have encountered enough small events that require the ABS to bail you out in 5 mos, you may want to look at your riding style. Our first line of defense is to stay out of those situations (look ahead 3-4-5 cars slow down at intersections and watch like your life depends on it which it does) and second is to rely on the bike to help you if the occasion rears it's ugly head. RIDE SAFE!!
In any case, I had 3 separate events this Fall of single file deer herds that jumped out of the woods with no advance notice in front of the guys I was riding with. One of those rides I was leading. All 3 events activated the ABS brakes. None of the 3 "required" abs to safely stop but it was comforting to have it activate. I've never dropped my bike or had an accident in all my years of riding although I know it could happen on my next ride. I wouldn't say I do extensive annual riding however I do between 5 & 10K miles a year with long rides from NJ into Western Pa, Maine, NH and Canada just about every year.
I also know what it's like to drop a bike as I still do alot of dirt biking (Honda CRF230) with my son (Honda CRF 150) where dropping a bike happens on just about every ride.
I consider myself an aggressive but safe rider and IMO if you have the choice of a bike with or without ABS brakes there's simply no reason to buy that bike without abs. If on the other hand you think your riding and braking skills are superior to a bike's abs computer....by all means....knock yourself out...just try to avoid it literally.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
I have an 2009 RKS with almost 20,000 miles on it. I like others have had issues with the HD ABS system. I first noticed that brake lever would almost jump out of my hand when braking hard on an irregular surface. I got "Service Bulletin" M-1251 here and took it to my dealer. First they denied any knowledge of it but when I pushed the issue they came up with it. They down loaded the 2010 map with the new calibration. It helped, but still not totally right in my opinion. Got the gas tank recall yesterday and made an appointment today to have it taken care of. Asked the dealer to look into the ABS again. They found the brake pads worn badly but not metal to metal. Mechanic put new pads on but the problem still existed. The Service Manager test rode it and said the rotors were warped and asked it I wanted them replaced. I asked if they were considered a warranty item and was informed that they were not because the pads were so worn. Remember its not metal to metal. At the thinnest point I would say its about the width of a credit card. I protested and told the Service Manager I was taking it to the HD for appeal. There is no signs of excessive heat on the old pads.
I will appeal to HD. Needless to say I'm not impressed with my dealer, and the Service Manager in particular. This is not my first run in with him, and because of my experiences will not use them for anything but warrenty work (they are the dealer that sold me the bike). I won't mention their name here until this plays out. I will let every one here know the outcome.
I will appeal to HD. Needless to say I'm not impressed with my dealer, and the Service Manager in particular. This is not my first run in with him, and because of my experiences will not use them for anything but warrenty work (they are the dealer that sold me the bike). I won't mention their name here until this plays out. I will let every one here know the outcome.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 827
Likes: 5
From: Ohio
Fair point. I live in a heavily deer populated suburb and the Fall is a wicked time. My perspective on ABS and braking in general is a result of riding in some of the most heavily deer populated riding in the country. Something like 70% of all the body shop revenues in NJ are generated between late Sept and early Dec as the deer are chasing each other and trying to avoid the few hunters the state still allows in our area. You wouldn't believe the explosion of Black and Turkey vultures populations in NJ from all the carcasses they have to feed off. Supposedly NJ now has one of the largest populations of these types of vultures in the country. Who would have thought?
In any case, I had 3 separate events this Fall of single file deer herds that jumped out of the woods with no advance notice in front of the guys I was riding with. One of those rides I was leading. All 3 events activated the ABS brakes. None of the 3 "required" abs to safely stop but it was comforting to have it activate. I've never dropped my bike or had an accident in all my years of riding although I know it could happen on my next ride. I wouldn't say I do extensive annual riding however I do between 5 & 10K miles a year with long rides from NJ into Western Pa, Maine, NH and Canada just about every year.
I also know what it's like to drop a bike as I still do alot of dirt biking (Honda CRF230) with my son (Honda CRF 150) where dropping a bike happens on just about every ride.
I consider myself an aggressive but safe rider and IMO if you have the choice of a bike with or without ABS brakes there's simply no reason to buy that bike without abs. If on the other hand you think your riding and braking skills are superior to a bike's abs computer....by all means....knock yourself out...just try to avoid it literally.
In any case, I had 3 separate events this Fall of single file deer herds that jumped out of the woods with no advance notice in front of the guys I was riding with. One of those rides I was leading. All 3 events activated the ABS brakes. None of the 3 "required" abs to safely stop but it was comforting to have it activate. I've never dropped my bike or had an accident in all my years of riding although I know it could happen on my next ride. I wouldn't say I do extensive annual riding however I do between 5 & 10K miles a year with long rides from NJ into Western Pa, Maine, NH and Canada just about every year.
I also know what it's like to drop a bike as I still do alot of dirt biking (Honda CRF230) with my son (Honda CRF 150) where dropping a bike happens on just about every ride.
I consider myself an aggressive but safe rider and IMO if you have the choice of a bike with or without ABS brakes there's simply no reason to buy that bike without abs. If on the other hand you think your riding and braking skills are superior to a bike's abs computer....by all means....knock yourself out...just try to avoid it literally.
I live and ride 15-18k yr mostly in Ohio, PA, NY, and our deer population is way up there also, so I know your concern, in fact I ran over one with a Goldwing 6 yrs ago with my wife on the back. (it was already dead but laying in the road, at night, in the bottom of a steep dip starting up the other side. I held the grips tight, no brakes, or turning, and went over it with a big thud) this was about 75 miles into the ride and 2 miles from home, so until you get in your driveway don't let your guard down.
In any event don't let ABS give anyone a false sense of saftey when defenseive riding habits MAY allow us to avoid any the situation entirely. RIDE SAFE!!
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,310
Likes: 1,079
Like I said in my last post I agree ABS is much safer, but don't want to lead anyone to believe that it is a catch all and allow poor riding habits to develop. The riders brain and common sense are the first line of defense. ABS is second.
I live and ride 15-18k yr mostly in Ohio, PA, NY, and our deer population is way up there also, so I know your concern, in fact I ran over one with a Goldwing 6 yrs ago with my wife on the back. (it was already dead but laying in the road, at night, in the bottom of a steep dip starting up the other side. I held the grips tight, no brakes, or turning, and went over it with a big thud) this was about 75 miles into the ride and 2 miles from home, so until you get in your driveway don't let your guard down.
In any event don't let ABS give anyone a false sense of saftey when defenseive riding habits MAY allow us to avoid any the situation entirely. RIDE SAFE!!
I live and ride 15-18k yr mostly in Ohio, PA, NY, and our deer population is way up there also, so I know your concern, in fact I ran over one with a Goldwing 6 yrs ago with my wife on the back. (it was already dead but laying in the road, at night, in the bottom of a steep dip starting up the other side. I held the grips tight, no brakes, or turning, and went over it with a big thud) this was about 75 miles into the ride and 2 miles from home, so until you get in your driveway don't let your guard down.
In any event don't let ABS give anyone a false sense of saftey when defenseive riding habits MAY allow us to avoid any the situation entirely. RIDE SAFE!!
Absolutely agree. Good riding skills are the critical first step in safe riding. Poor riding skills are dangerous with or without abs brakes. Good riding skills combined with abs brakes makes for an even safer riding experience. Something I would think we are all seeking.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 8
From: Creola, AL.
I do not have a electronic copy of the Service Bulletin M-1251. I do have a hard copy and can fax it to anyone that wants it. E Mail me with your fax #. My E Mail is below.
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Member
Joined: Jul 2009
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Interestingly enough, this is the exact experiment that HD conducts and portrays on their ABS DVD. They put 2 riders side-by-side. One is inexperienced on an abs bike and the other is an experienced rider on a non-abs bike. The inexperienced rider on the abs bike wins (stops in a shorter distance) than the other more experienced rider on a non-abs bike every time.