Trade Up for ABS
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Southeast
Trade Up for ABS
I had a good scare last week when a kid texting while driving pulled out in front me me. My 09 with 10k miles does not have ABS. I locked up but was able to recover and avoid laying the bike down. Even though I did not go down, still shook me up a bit. I was just wondering, if anyone has traded up just for ABS? How much am I looking to be out of pocket going up to a 10, or even an 11? I also thought about just waiting on the 12 and see what it has to offer.
My bike has around 3k of accessories in it, which I will probably take most of it off and sell it off separately. I do not want to take a huge hit, but trading up for ABS may be worth it. What do you guys think?
My bike has around 3k of accessories in it, which I will probably take most of it off and sell it off separately. I do not want to take a huge hit, but trading up for ABS may be worth it. What do you guys think?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 7
From: Keene, CA
You will take a big hit - only you can decide if it's worth it or not. If you can't enjoy the one you have 'cuz you're worried about ABS, then it is of very little value owning it. The hit will only get bigger the longer you wait.
I went down on my Wide Glide the first year I had it. Grew up on lighter metrics, found out the heavy HDs don't react well when you lock the rear in a panic stop. Had the bike fixed while I was healing, rode it another year. My '06 Road King and '07 Road Glide didn't have ABS, either - but I'd learned from my mistake and got a LOT better managing the rear brake.
I would have debated ABS long and hard on the 2011 RGU - but the MoCo settled the matter up front by making it standard on the model. Even though it gives me some weird feedback when it engages, I've come to appreciate it. My grandson loves being on the back, so I look at safety a little differently these days.
I went down on my Wide Glide the first year I had it. Grew up on lighter metrics, found out the heavy HDs don't react well when you lock the rear in a panic stop. Had the bike fixed while I was healing, rode it another year. My '06 Road King and '07 Road Glide didn't have ABS, either - but I'd learned from my mistake and got a LOT better managing the rear brake.
I would have debated ABS long and hard on the 2011 RGU - but the MoCo settled the matter up front by making it standard on the model. Even though it gives me some weird feedback when it engages, I've come to appreciate it. My grandson loves being on the back, so I look at safety a little differently these days.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 764
Likes: 42
From: Pensacola, FL
Good to hear you came out of it upright. I have not been in that close of a situation but am also thinking about another bike, but ONLY if it has ABS. I've been looking for an '09 with the ABS option but also one that has less than 10K miles. Not sure I will be able to afford the '12 I want.
If you can afford it, do it.
If you can afford it, do it.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: Stamford, CT
I don't think its worth the loss you will take. ABS is only a supplemental safety system. Your primary safety system is you. I would suggest tacking on a few more reasons for the trade up than just the brakes.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 802
Likes: 2
From: Here and There
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 243
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From: Southeast
Yeah I would feel better about doing it with an older bike. There are multiple improvements. With the minimal changes from 09 to 10, really the only reason I would be doing it would be ABS. Tough call. If I sell it outright, which I probably would, I would take less of a hit, but still have to plop down around 5k for ABS. With an $800 option that is hard to do.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 529
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I had an 09 ultra traded for an 11 Limited didnt trade for the ABS other things I liked bout the Limited that My ultra didnt have figured by the time I spent the money on the ultra just trade and got warranty again.That said didnt want ABS on the 09 but after readin different things and friends that got it I'm glad I did. In my opinion if it makes you feel safer and more comfortable and you can swing it do it.