ABS or no ABS
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
ABS is an absolute lifesaver, and I won't buy another new bike without it. I think the majority of the complaints about it "coming on too easily" are a direct function of the crappy stock shocks not keeping the rear tire on the pavement.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 619
Likes: 0
From:
Get it, if you dont like it then its easy to disable.
if you ride hard you might not like it, the HD ABS has this tendency to kick in when you have the brakes on hard, and the braking force reduces noticably, riding hard in the dry I unplug it.
On the other hand on a wet greasy road it is handy, so it usually gets plugged back in when it rains.
if you ride hard you might not like it, the HD ABS has this tendency to kick in when you have the brakes on hard, and the braking force reduces noticably, riding hard in the dry I unplug it.
On the other hand on a wet greasy road it is handy, so it usually gets plugged back in when it rains.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
Abs?
I got them with my 2010 SG and have not noticed them at all yet. I am still in break in and pretty much not riding very hard, so I can't comment other than to say they have not been annoying to me. If I hit gravel and need them, I know they will be there and surely do better slowing down than what I am capable of. Maybe I don't have the coordination in my right hand like some of you experts out there.
If it isn't out of your price range, then why the hell not?
If it isn't out of your price range, then why the hell not?
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Bremerton, WA
Get them and be done with it. There is nothing but positive from getting ABS. First and most important is they work and when someone pulls out in front of you it's nice to have them. The bike will sit down nice, just like it's suppose to, I know, mine have activated twice and I'm glad. Second, when you decide to trade in your bike, for whatever reason, even 10 years down the road, ABS is going to be a selling point.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 815
Likes: 28
From: Ontario, Canada
I think ABS is the way of the future, most major manufacturers offer them. If they didn't save lives then why would they put them on the bike? If they save your a$$ once they would be worth it IMO.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
It might be an extra expense but it's one well worth it...especially on a heavy touring bike. Although it's 3 years old, check out this video that Harley put together that shows the difference between ABS and standard brakes. It's a no brainer if you ask me...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VaDHxX3kVM
Lindsey :0)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VaDHxX3kVM
Lindsey :0)
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 339
Likes: 199
From: NE PA
When I started looking for a 2010 I noticed that all the stealers I went to around here (Washington, DC area) that had bikes in stock had them with ABS, cruise and security. If I had a choice I probably would have got ABS anyway. With 1 week and 500 miles on the new SG the only time ABS activated for me was when I tested it. It has to help in a panic situation.
The Brembo brakes are amazing! Coming from a 2005 FLHTCI I found myself stopping 20-30 feet short when I first started rding the SG.
The Brembo brakes are amazing! Coming from a 2005 FLHTCI I found myself stopping 20-30 feet short when I first started rding the SG.