Is ABS worth it?
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 2
From: iowa
Is ABS worth it?
Getting ready to pull the trigger on a 2010 Ultra this week and would like the opinion of all those who have ABS:
1. Do you think it has ever helped you in an emergency situation? 2. What were the facts leading up to the situation?
3. Would you spend the $845 again if you were buying another bike?
I am having a hard time justifying the money on it, I have been riding for 25 years and I can honestly say that ABS would not have helped me in any situation... so far. Basically, I don't need to hear the sales pitches, just the facts.
Jeff
1. Do you think it has ever helped you in an emergency situation? 2. What were the facts leading up to the situation?
3. Would you spend the $845 again if you were buying another bike?
I am having a hard time justifying the money on it, I have been riding for 25 years and I can honestly say that ABS would not have helped me in any situation... so far. Basically, I don't need to hear the sales pitches, just the facts.
Jeff
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
Getting ready to pull the trigger on a 2010 Ultra this week and would like the opinion of all those who have ABS:
1. Do you think it has ever helped you in an emergency situation? 2. What were the facts leading up to the situation?
3. Would you spend the $845 again if you were buying another bike?
I am having a hard time justifying the money on it, I have been riding for 25 years and I can honestly say that ABS would not have helped me in any situation... so far. Basically, I don't need to hear the sales pitches, just the facts.
Jeff
1. Do you think it has ever helped you in an emergency situation? 2. What were the facts leading up to the situation?
3. Would you spend the $845 again if you were buying another bike?
I am having a hard time justifying the money on it, I have been riding for 25 years and I can honestly say that ABS would not have helped me in any situation... so far. Basically, I don't need to hear the sales pitches, just the facts.
Jeff
Nothing more to say............
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,884
Likes: 75
From: Goldsboro, NC
Getting ready to pull the trigger on a 2010 Ultra this week and would like the opinion of all those who have ABS:
1. Do you think it has ever helped you in an emergency situation? 2. What were the facts leading up to the situation?
3. Would you spend the $845 again if you were buying another bike?
I am having a hard time justifying the money on it, I have been riding for 25 years and I can honestly say that ABS would not have helped me in any situation... so far. Basically, I don't need to hear the sales pitches, just the facts.
Jeff
1. Do you think it has ever helped you in an emergency situation? 2. What were the facts leading up to the situation?
3. Would you spend the $845 again if you were buying another bike?
I am having a hard time justifying the money on it, I have been riding for 25 years and I can honestly say that ABS would not have helped me in any situation... so far. Basically, I don't need to hear the sales pitches, just the facts.
Jeff
I can sit here and say the same thing, I have been riding for nearly 35 yrs on the road, accumulated over 300,000 miles on two wheels. I have never hit anyone or anything, so I guess ABS would never have helped me either, (I HAVE flat spotted a tire two different times. (Skidded probably 80' each time) Interstate speeds, and panic stops at 70+)
So, it wouldn't have "Saved" me either, but it may have saved a couple tires....
Now, IMHO, I am glad I have it on this bike. It's the first one with it, and if I only use it ONE TIME, it's worth it to me....
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 650
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
I chose not to buy it. I had two incidents requiring full brake stops. Both times the rear wheel locked and slid several feet. With ABS I'd bet I could have stopped 2-3 feet sooner, but it wouldn't have made a difference in those cases. With more experience on the Ultra I would have been better at controlling the rear brake too.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Resale + plus that one chance I'll need the ABS = worth it to me. Its been proven that you can reproduce shorter stops with the non-ABS bikes in dry/ideal conditions. But this takes much practice and very good control of your rear brake. Id rather not rely on my gross motorskills in a panic situation to get me through, nevermind gravel/sand on the road, wet roads, etc. But hey, your mileage may vary!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 0
From: east cen.miss
Yes Yes Yes it is totaly worth it,probably the best safety option Harley ever offered.If you don't get it you'll forever wonder why.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 3
From: Victoria, Australia
I was a naysayer for years but as it comes as standard issue on bikes sent downunder I had no choice.
I haven't used it in anger yet and hope I never have to but while testing and learning how the system reacts I realized I wouldn't do without it.
It's one more thing you DON'T have to think about while implementing your "accident exit strategy"-- just get on them and look for a way out/around....
I haven't used it in anger yet and hope I never have to but while testing and learning how the system reacts I realized I wouldn't do without it.
It's one more thing you DON'T have to think about while implementing your "accident exit strategy"-- just get on them and look for a way out/around....
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 25
From: se michigan
never considered them until I rented a 09SG in nov of 08 in az. Was running down a mountain pass near tucson when I encountered sand in a critical braking area (sharp turn/ major dropoff) got on the brakes hard while thinking ohs**t the bike tracked straight and true not missing a beat. Without ABS I'm sure I would've locked up the tires and put er in the weeds. Got them on my new SG and after a period of adjustment and practice time in the parking lot I'll never have a bike without them. Been riding 30+ years without didn't feel I needed them either, but now I ride in the rain with confidence that I'll be able to stop if I need too
Last edited by flhxkiller; Feb 7, 2010 at 08:54 PM.
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
Yes, Piece of mind knowing I can grab a handful of brake and stop without skidding and possibly going down, worth it to me! Go on youtube and watch the video. Those are professional riders doing the test.