Abs feedback
Retired Admin
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 21,865
Likes: 9,047
From: Wisconsin
This is my first ABS equipped bike. I swear by it. It has saved my bacon a few times. Last year I rode 500 miles in the rain on the way back from Sturgis. Just having the ABS (and new tires) made me feel safer. Last week I was on a 4 lane city road doing the 35mph speed limit. I was in the right lane in moderately heavy traffic approaching an intersection. There were a couple of SUV's in the left lane waiting to turn left so I could not see traffic coming from the other way. As I came close to the intersection, a blonde babe in a mid-size SUV decided to turn left even though she couldn't see. I locked them up, front and back, and the ABS kept me upright and stopped in a straight line about a foot or so away from her bumper. I wished her a nice day (yeah right) and she mouthed 'sorry' with a big smile. Without ABS I would have probably gone sideways and slid under her bumper.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 585
Likes: 3
From: Holland, Ohio
I agree. The first time I activated it, it felt a bit strange, but I love it and wouldn't get a bike without it anymore.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 483
Likes: 4
ABS = 
First time you REALLY lay on the brakes and get the ABS to kick in = 
, the bike stopped completely straight and true. The sound that it made and the way that it felt, something way different.
I agree, go to a parking lot and grab both sets of brakes so that you know what to expect. Congrats on your pending purchase!
First time you REALLY lay on the brakes and get the ABS to kick in = , the bike stopped completely straight and true. The sound that it made and the way that it felt, something way different.I agree, go to a parking lot and grab both sets of brakes so that you know what to expect. Congrats on your pending purchase!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
In my opinion, it's not an option. It's a requirement. I had ABS on two BMW's, and wouldn't go without it on my Harley.
I don't like the brake lever feel compared to the non-ABS bikes, but I'll trade a little brake feel for the overall safety improvement. Just improving my odds of keeping the rubber on the road...
I don't like the brake lever feel compared to the non-ABS bikes, but I'll trade a little brake feel for the overall safety improvement. Just improving my odds of keeping the rubber on the road...
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 503
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
2011 Street Glide 103
Had mine a week and a half some idiot pulled out in front of me and I've been riding since I was a kid but 10 years has gone by since this new bike..... the ABS saved my bikes *** I would of been alright but the bike wouldn't of faired well. The was stopped 5 ft from the side of the car.... I like them already
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Two weeks ago I was in a line of bikes on a curved entrance ramp getting on the highway. It was raining lightly. I saw the first bike start to slide about the same time I smelled diesel fuel. The second bike locked his front brake and lowsided right in front of me. I looked in my mirrors as I tried my brakes and saw the bike behind me slide out on its right side. Of the four bikes, mine was the only one to stay upright. I never felt the ABS kick in but I came to a nice safe stop. I'd like to say it was skill that kept me up, but it probably was the ABS.
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