ABS - yes or no?
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
There is an update for the 08's. My Dealer did mine. He said it was the latest Upgrade available. I could tell a big difference.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From:
I vote yes. On ABS. Have it on my 09 FLTR. Saved my butt on a rainy day that was interupted by a woman in a minivan not paying attention. First bike I ever had it on. Glad I do. Took some quick retraining to trust it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
I've ridden lots of late model Harleys, both with and without ABS. From a safety standpoint, I say definitely YES on the ABS. I wouldn't have purchased my Street Glide without it. That said...
The brake feel on the Brembo-equipped Harleys is awesome. Period. The brakes are "right there" and very easy to modulate. There's no mushiness, and the lever is almost telegraphic. I really like the riding dynamics of the non-ABS system.
My ABS Street Glide's brake feel sucks. Well, I should say used to suck. With the stock brake lines, my SG (and an ABS Ultra I've ridden) have very a very mushy feel at the lever. Over 4500 miles, I never, ever liked it. The ABS worked fine, but the lever doesn't communicate much.
I replaced my upper and lower brake lines with black steel braided lines when I did my handlebar upgrade. The lever is much firmer now, acceptable even. Not mush like before. I know the stock brake lines are steel braided, but there must be different grades. The new lines firmed up the feel for sure.
So, I say go for the ABS, and upgrade the lines if the feel bothers you.
My $0.02.
The brake feel on the Brembo-equipped Harleys is awesome. Period. The brakes are "right there" and very easy to modulate. There's no mushiness, and the lever is almost telegraphic. I really like the riding dynamics of the non-ABS system.
My ABS Street Glide's brake feel sucks. Well, I should say used to suck. With the stock brake lines, my SG (and an ABS Ultra I've ridden) have very a very mushy feel at the lever. Over 4500 miles, I never, ever liked it. The ABS worked fine, but the lever doesn't communicate much.
I replaced my upper and lower brake lines with black steel braided lines when I did my handlebar upgrade. The lever is much firmer now, acceptable even. Not mush like before. I know the stock brake lines are steel braided, but there must be different grades. The new lines firmed up the feel for sure.
So, I say go for the ABS, and upgrade the lines if the feel bothers you.
My $0.02.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, N.C.
Just as a fyi if you have the ABS and change tire size it will affect the ABS system to work properly. I dont have ABS on 09sg so cant say how they work. The dual rotors up front help alot compared to one.
just my 2 cents
just my 2 cents
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I feel that they are great and were long over due. Sure there are those out there that feel their riding skill out performs abs bikes, but let me share the following:
At one of our local HOG chapter meetings I had the opportunity to visit with the head of our countys sheriffs motorcycle division regarding this subject. He and his offices each spent a week a Harleys riding course under all conditions with and without abs. In short he said that he would never ride a bike without them again.
This is good enough for me!
At one of our local HOG chapter meetings I had the opportunity to visit with the head of our countys sheriffs motorcycle division regarding this subject. He and his offices each spent a week a Harleys riding course under all conditions with and without abs. In short he said that he would never ride a bike without them again.
This is good enough for me!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I have made an appointment for a fuel filter shell recall and they are looking for the update on the ABS, I think I got a lunch fill in when I called and she couldn't find any ABS updates so we shall see if there is one . My bike is still under factory warranty for 7 more days , I go in Thurs, thanks for giving me the idea.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,301
Likes: 1
From: Biloxi, MS
My 2008 came with ABS from the factory, but I haven't had the opportunity to use / experience it yet...
I am wondering if I should go head on a un-traffic'd country rode, force the ABS to kick in, just to see what it will be like, before actually having to activate it in an "emergency" situation...
I am wondering if I should go head on a un-traffic'd country rode, force the ABS to kick in, just to see what it will be like, before actually having to activate it in an "emergency" situation...
