Trade Up for ABS
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 2
From: scurry, TX
I traded my 08 Ultra for an 11 Ultra for ABS. That was the only reason. I loved my 08, but I really wanted the benefits of ABS. Thats the only reason I traded and never looked back. I love my 2011 although I liked the ride better on the 08.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 3
From: Central North Carolina
I just bought a 2011 Ultra Classic. Even though there were two bikes sitting in the dealership that were exactly what I wanted...except for ABS...I had them locate one that did have it. I had learned enough about the system to know that it's something that I want on any bike I ride. There is a DVD that comes with the ABS-equipped bike that shows a demonstration of ABS-equipped vs non-ABS-equipped. It's pretty convincing...
I've been riding for 25 years and have only gone down one time. That was 2 years ago. If the bike I was riding at that time had been equipped with ABS brakes, I feel that I would not have gone down.
Is ABS a substitute for riding skills.....absolutely not. However, I think that, in an emergency situation, it might give you the edge of safety that keeps you upright. I always wear a full-face helmet and either leathers or a Joe Rocket mesh jacket. I want every possible thing stacked my way if I'm facing an emergency situation. ABS is just icing on the cake...
I've been riding for 25 years and have only gone down one time. That was 2 years ago. If the bike I was riding at that time had been equipped with ABS brakes, I feel that I would not have gone down.
Is ABS a substitute for riding skills.....absolutely not. However, I think that, in an emergency situation, it might give you the edge of safety that keeps you upright. I always wear a full-face helmet and either leathers or a Joe Rocket mesh jacket. I want every possible thing stacked my way if I'm facing an emergency situation. ABS is just icing on the cake...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Southeast
Yup, watched it yesterday. You are right.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
there was a guy who had a 1 year old bike that he was able to trade for a new model and was only out of pocket $600. you never know what the dealer is gonna do, you might get lucky. all you can do is try, if you don't like what he says, you don't have to buy.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
I traded my 2005 Heritage Classic (loved it !) for a 2011 Road King Classic to get the ABS... and the 103... and all of the other upgrades that come with the 11 Road King Classic. I would never look at another bike without ABS !!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Bethesda, MD
I did the trade largely for ABS with my KTM 990 Adventure...before I had a 950 without ABS. Aside from ABS the 990 has fuel injection instead of carbs and a slightly bigger motor (no noticeable bump in HP though). I wound up taking about a $2500 hit, but figured that was the cost of having used the 950 for 2 years before I did the trade.
I've made a point of checking the ABS option when available for every bike I've bought since 1991.
I've made a point of checking the ABS option when available for every bike I've bought since 1991.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Allow me to give you my .02...
Life is short....damn short. If you can afford it financially, not scraping by, but can do it and still be comfortable, then by all means do it.
You will be much happier. If you are stuck on Ultra, then let me suggest the Limited. Might as well get the 103 and allt eh other goodies.
Might also be the perfect time for you to test ride a Road Glide.
You would be surprised what the dealer may be willing to do.
I certainly was. I took a hit....but big deal....as I said, life is short, and I wanted it.
The ABS, 103, security, and cruise are WAY too nice for me to ever go without again.
I will always get an ABS bike from here on out.
~Joe
Life is short....damn short. If you can afford it financially, not scraping by, but can do it and still be comfortable, then by all means do it.
You will be much happier. If you are stuck on Ultra, then let me suggest the Limited. Might as well get the 103 and allt eh other goodies.
Might also be the perfect time for you to test ride a Road Glide.
You would be surprised what the dealer may be willing to do.
I certainly was. I took a hit....but big deal....as I said, life is short, and I wanted it.
The ABS, 103, security, and cruise are WAY too nice for me to ever go without again.
I will always get an ABS bike from here on out.
~Joe
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
The only "rumors" I've heard about 2012 is some different colors and possibly the 103 becoming standard.
The upgraded frame is still real new.....so can't imagine anything changing on that point.
Personally, I'd like to see a 7 speed. Baker makes one you can add....but it is VERY expensive.
As nice as my new 2011 is....for me to trade in....I can't imagine what they would have to offer....this bike is perfect.
....but want a 7 speed.....or 8 speed......gears are good, can never have enough.......
~Joe
The upgraded frame is still real new.....so can't imagine anything changing on that point.
Personally, I'd like to see a 7 speed. Baker makes one you can add....but it is VERY expensive.
As nice as my new 2011 is....for me to trade in....I can't imagine what they would have to offer....this bike is perfect.
....but want a 7 speed.....or 8 speed......gears are good, can never have enough.......
~Joe
Last edited by traveler; May 18, 2011 at 10:14 PM.