ABS question
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 356
Likes: 1
From: Port Ludlow, Wa.
ABS question
...have ABS for the first time on my new Limited. Is it normal for there to be more front lever brake travel than with the non-ABS bikes I'm used to?
If I release the lever and apply the front brakes again, the lever then has less travel and feels "normal" to me. It almost feels like there is air in the lines?
Thanks again!
If I release the lever and apply the front brakes again, the lever then has less travel and feels "normal" to me. It almost feels like there is air in the lines?
Thanks again!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
I came off a non ABS bike and onto a 2008 Ultra Classic POE with ABS. To tell you the truth I don't notice the ABS or any difference except for the couple times I have clamped down hard for a panic stop. I am sure there was a difference between the two bikes, but apparently wasn't enough for me to notice.
used to be a deputy Mike
used to be a deputy Mike
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Joined: Jan 2010
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Since your brakes "pump up" that is (to me anyway) proof positive of air in the lines. Bleed the system. ABS brakes should feel the same as non-abs except when using the ABS system in a hard stop.
Also, I am not sure with ABS bikes, but with ABS cars, they claim that you have to have a special bleeder system to cycle the ABS to bleed it properly. Well, I have been bleeding ABS brakes for years on cars, and they always bleed just fine. Not saying that the "proper" system shouldn't be used at some point, but for your situation, if you can do the work yourself, bleed them the old fashioned way, and see if it helps. Don't hesitate to flush through a full can of proper fluid but I bet it won't take that to get your brakes feeling better.
Don
Also, I am not sure with ABS bikes, but with ABS cars, they claim that you have to have a special bleeder system to cycle the ABS to bleed it properly. Well, I have been bleeding ABS brakes for years on cars, and they always bleed just fine. Not saying that the "proper" system shouldn't be used at some point, but for your situation, if you can do the work yourself, bleed them the old fashioned way, and see if it helps. Don't hesitate to flush through a full can of proper fluid but I bet it won't take that to get your brakes feeling better.
Don
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,639
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From: Australia
I would talk to your dealer and get it bled.
There shouldnt be any more travel, it should just pulse back on your fingers.
The only time I get more travel is when the brakes are blue-hot after being worked very hard down a mountain pass. Then the lever travel is noticably more.
There shouldnt be any more travel, it should just pulse back on your fingers.
The only time I get more travel is when the brakes are blue-hot after being worked very hard down a mountain pass. Then the lever travel is noticably more.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
From: Australia
I would talk to your dealer and get it bled.
There shouldnt be any more travel, it should just pulse back on your fingers.
The only time I get more travel is when the brakes are blue-hot after being worked very hard down a mountain pass. Then the lever travel is noticably more.
There shouldnt be any more travel, it should just pulse back on your fingers.
The only time I get more travel is when the brakes are blue-hot after being worked very hard down a mountain pass. Then the lever travel is noticably more.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 522
From: Dutchess County, NY
I have ABS on my 09 FLHX and never noticed this. However I was at the dealer yesterday and looked at two Limited's and I noticed that the front brake lever did this on both of them.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Port Ludlow, Wa.
Think since it's brand new, I'll just run her by the dealer...I hope I don't get a bunch of crap.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Greenwood, Miss.
I had the same problem as the original poster on my 2010 Limited. My dealer did not know what to do other than follow the prescribed, computerized bleeding procedure, after which the problem still existed.
I knew there was a real problem and insisted they contact the factory.
They did and were told to repeat the computerized procedure as many as 7 or 8 times. If that doesn't work to drain and refill the system.
They corrected my brakes without having to drain the system.
The factory is well aware of the problem.
I knew there was a real problem and insisted they contact the factory.
They did and were told to repeat the computerized procedure as many as 7 or 8 times. If that doesn't work to drain and refill the system.
They corrected my brakes without having to drain the system.
The factory is well aware of the problem.
