ABS Good or Better
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 59
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From:
amazing
Really? you can ? those brakes pulse faster than you could ever even think of pulsing. I tell you what ,you and I can go out to any place you want on a wet road and at 50mph going straight towards a car and you have and I to make an Emergency stop. I want every advantage I can get to save my ars. We will see who dumps it or rams the car. My money is going on the bike with ABS.
Last edited by craig4465; Apr 6, 2010 at 01:32 PM. Reason: typo
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 928
Likes: 0
From: Redmond, WA
The download mentioned is a software revision to '08 and '09 models with ABS that improves the sensitivity level affecting when the ABS engages. I would not buy any scoot without ABS and I think it will hurt your resale value if you have an '09 or newer model without ABS. Now, if you plan on keeping your scoot for a long time and have never had ABS, you will probably break even by saving the ~$3K difference.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
Well, with the HD ABS system there's a brake line that goes from your bars all the way back to an ABS module by the right passenger foot peg. Then another line runs all the way back up the neck of the bike and down to the calipers. The ABS module gets input from wheelspeed, yaw and pressure sensors. When the modules determines there's impending lockup, it will pulse the brakes.
On a non-ABS bike, the brake line runs from the bars to a T under the triple tree and to the calipers.
Now, go squeeze the lever on an ABS-equipped bike. Then, squeeze the lever on a non-ABS Harley with Brembos.
You tell me which has better feel. I've ridden plenty of different modern Harleys with and without ABS. In my opinion, as far as feel and control is concerned, the non-ABS bike is FAR superior.
But in an OH CRAP!! moment, the ABS bike is going to help save your skin. Not in all cases, but a lot of them.
It's unfortunate that Harley's ABS system is so crude. But it's better than nothing.
I improved the feel of my bike's ABS system by upgrading the brake lines. It's much better, but nowhere near what the non-ABS bikes are like.
Last edited by JCleary; Apr 6, 2010 at 03:07 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 496
Likes: 20
From: Chardon, Ohio
I surprised to see all the negative feedback. Cycleworld, MotorCyclist, Motorcycleusa.com, and a couple others all liked the HD ABS . (about the only thing they liked) .Victory doesn't offer it, and the Jap clones don't either. You got to buy a Wing or a Beemer to get ABS, and it's a big up charge. As far as feel goes I think the ABS on my 2010 is better then the brakes on my Buell.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 0
From: McHenry, IL
Really? you can ? those brakes pulse faster than you could ever even think of pulsing. I tell you what ,you and I can go out to any place you want on a wet road and at 50mph going straight towards a car and you have and I to make an Emergency stop. I want every advantage I can get to save my ars. We will see who dumps it or rams the car. My money is going on the bike with ABS.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
I surprised to see all the negative feedback. Cycleworld, MotorCyclist, Motorcycleusa.com, and a couple others all liked the HD ABS . (about the only thing they liked) .Victory doesn't offer it, and the Jap clones don't either. You got to buy a Wing or a Beemer to get ABS, and it's a big up charge. As far as feel goes I think the ABS on my 2010 is better then the brakes on my Buell.
It's a linked system, so when you grab the front lever all brakes are applied. But, the rear brake works independently if you just want to use your rear brake to tighten your line a bit or maneuvering in a parking lot. I really miss both the suspension and brakes from my BMW. Light years ahead of Harley Davidson.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 0
From: McHenry, IL
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