ABS - yes or no?
Stage I
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I'm with you. Did not have them on my 07 Ulrta when I need a controled braking and spent 5 days in the hosiptal and 4 and half months before I could go back work. Have them on my 09 FLT. Yes ABS is will worth the the money.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 104
From: Mississippi
Although it's a good thing for some, I prefer to go without. It's an expensive complicated system which is not understood by many, therefore dangerous in itself. If everybody understood the system and how it works it would be good all around, but most know not, therefore it becomes more dangerous.
Not just a personal opinion!
aka Bob[/quote]
Plus one on that...I couldn't have said it better.
Not just a personal opinion!
aka Bob[/quote]
Plus one on that...I couldn't have said it better.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: East Tennessee
I used my ABS two days after picking up my '09 ULTRA. I came around a slightly downhill right curve to find a flagman standing right in front of a backhoe! The flagman shoulda been up the hill and around the curve some. Anyway, I gripped the brakes ( forgetting I was on the new bike) and felt the pulsation. I stopped w/room to spare. I was moving too fast for the road but, I was checking out the cornering you know? ABS was one reason I wanted a new bike ( old one an '91 FLHS). I like it, good breaking is a must. Get it!....
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 743
Likes: 0
From: Morris, Il
I have it on my 08 Ultra Classic, I as of yet not need to use it. But I don't feel it is a wast of money because when the time comes, and it will come, I would prefer to have it then wish I had it. Plus might help with resale value, might help.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX - Some call it heaven.
I read your accident report, and I'm glad you're ok.
I hear lots of folks say: "I've been riding for years, I know how to stop, don't need ABS," etc.
Your story is a typical example. You are an experienced rider, but in an emergency situation, you only had a split second to react, and you had to execute perfectly. To me, this is where ABS is worth it's weight in gold. I had an accident similar to yours on my 07, and promptly traded for an 09 with ABS. Yes, I practiced panic stopping before the crash, and still do, on a regular basis.
NHTSA is looking at making ABS mandatory on all motorcycles. Studies have shown they reduce fatalities by 28%, compared to the same bikes without ABS. Pretty hard to argue statistics like that.
I don't think passing a law making ABS mandatory is in our best interest - first ABS, then full face helmets, then full body armor...well you get the picture. But it just might make your bike worthless come trade in time if it doesn't have it.
I hear lots of folks say: "I've been riding for years, I know how to stop, don't need ABS," etc.
Your story is a typical example. You are an experienced rider, but in an emergency situation, you only had a split second to react, and you had to execute perfectly. To me, this is where ABS is worth it's weight in gold. I had an accident similar to yours on my 07, and promptly traded for an 09 with ABS. Yes, I practiced panic stopping before the crash, and still do, on a regular basis.
NHTSA is looking at making ABS mandatory on all motorcycles. Studies have shown they reduce fatalities by 28%, compared to the same bikes without ABS. Pretty hard to argue statistics like that.
I don't think passing a law making ABS mandatory is in our best interest - first ABS, then full face helmets, then full body armor...well you get the picture. But it just might make your bike worthless come trade in time if it doesn't have it.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 236
Likes: 2
From: Hawaii
I traded that old 2008 ultra for this limited. Now if I could only get rid of that ABS, Fuel Injection, belt drive, electric start, Oh and that dumb electronic ignition that sets the timing itself. THEN I could have some real fun WORKING on my bike instead of RIDING it.
There is a security video of the wreck I was in a couple of years ago. This video shows the Road King my wife and I were on when I wrecked. There were puffs of smoke coming from the rear tire of the bike as I tried to stop to avoid the delivery truck that made a left turn in front on oncoming traffic. There was no smoke from the front tire though I do practice using the front brake (Been riding 20+ years, many safety courses, understand that most of your braking power comes from the front). MAYBE ABS would have kept one or both of us out of the hospital. Neither of us remember the wreck. my first memory was about four days later waking up and asking the nurse where was I and what happened.....
I could not upgrade my 08 to have ABS but the limited is all set up. I have tested them under "Controlled conditions" and feel that they really do compensate for changes in surfaces (dry, wet, sandy....) and will work when needed.
There is a security video of the wreck I was in a couple of years ago. This video shows the Road King my wife and I were on when I wrecked. There were puffs of smoke coming from the rear tire of the bike as I tried to stop to avoid the delivery truck that made a left turn in front on oncoming traffic. There was no smoke from the front tire though I do practice using the front brake (Been riding 20+ years, many safety courses, understand that most of your braking power comes from the front). MAYBE ABS would have kept one or both of us out of the hospital. Neither of us remember the wreck. my first memory was about four days later waking up and asking the nurse where was I and what happened.....
I could not upgrade my 08 to have ABS but the limited is all set up. I have tested them under "Controlled conditions" and feel that they really do compensate for changes in surfaces (dry, wet, sandy....) and will work when needed.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 9
From: NYC
Have it on my RKC and love it. It really works to get you stopped sooner. I don't have it on the Sportster Roadster, but at least it dual front discs! And I've slid the rear on the Sporty a few times. Dirt bike experience and the lighter Sportster help me out there but with the weight, bulk and speed of Road King I'm glad I have the ABS.
