Stopping Distances
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Banned
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Macon GA
Stopping Distances
Growing up I was always told that motorcycles stop faster than cars.
My recent observations and experience makes me conclude that cars with ABS now stop faster than motorcycles. Ive never had an ABS equiped motorcycle, but I have had Hondas with linked brakes.
The data I found on auto stopping distances was about 130ft or less for sedans and small cars. I didnt find any data on Harley stopping distances.
Ive had a few close calls and in two incidents I had to go on the shoulder to keep from rear ending the car in front of me. So Im thinking that future bikes will be ABS equiped, but I would like some data on ABS vs non-ABS equiped motorcycles.
Some smartass will tell me to increase the distance between me and the car in front of me, try doing that in Atlanta or Memphis when everyone is moving at 80+ mph and lane hopping to get around trucks.
My recent observations and experience makes me conclude that cars with ABS now stop faster than motorcycles. Ive never had an ABS equiped motorcycle, but I have had Hondas with linked brakes.
The data I found on auto stopping distances was about 130ft or less for sedans and small cars. I didnt find any data on Harley stopping distances.
Ive had a few close calls and in two incidents I had to go on the shoulder to keep from rear ending the car in front of me. So Im thinking that future bikes will be ABS equiped, but I would like some data on ABS vs non-ABS equiped motorcycles.
Some smartass will tell me to increase the distance between me and the car in front of me, try doing that in Atlanta or Memphis when everyone is moving at 80+ mph and lane hopping to get around trucks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
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From: Colorado Springs CO
Sure looks to be a ton of discussions on this topic when I googled it. My personal belief is that a big heavy Ultra Glide will not stop as fast as a sports car. In general driving I have to say a motorcycle CAN stop faster but will it depends on lot A. the car B. the motorcycle C. the drivers of both vehicles.
Not sure I answered your question but if I had to pick one I would say the car ahead of me is going to be able to stop faster than me so I will stay farther back, even if that means people jump in front of me, I just keep moving back...
edit: I am not envious of those riding conditions you speak of, they make for an uncomfortable ride.
Not sure I answered your question but if I had to pick one I would say the car ahead of me is going to be able to stop faster than me so I will stay farther back, even if that means people jump in front of me, I just keep moving back...
edit: I am not envious of those riding conditions you speak of, they make for an uncomfortable ride.
Last edited by glide2meetu; Jun 28, 2011 at 10:26 AM.
Thread Starter
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Banned
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Macon GA
We avoid heavy traffic when possible but sometimes you just have to suck it up and run the gauntlet. I find as I get older Im not as attentive as I used to be when riding alone, when the misses is with me Im a wreck, she has been riding for about 3 years and hasnt seen anything bad happen on the road yet, so she isnt as defensive as I think she should be.
Two things I believe about motorcycles:
1. Motorcycle riding isnt for ******.
2. Nothing good happens next to an 18-wheeler.
Two things I believe about motorcycles:
1. Motorcycle riding isnt for ******.
2. Nothing good happens next to an 18-wheeler.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Depending on how old you are, when you were young disc brakes may not have been common on either bikes or cars and most bikes were probably a lot lighter than a full dresser! Frankly ABS does not stop any vehicle more quickly, except in extreme cases, so what you observe is that a four wheeler with modern brakes and modern wide grippy tyres can stop pretty darned quick. Even though we bike riders also have wider tyres they don't have the footprint of a four wheeler.
Another consideration is, how many brakes do you use? On the Sportster forum a rider recently complained about his brakes, then it turned out he mostly uses his REAR brake, FFS. I hope you use both of yours and with gusto?!
Another consideration is, how many brakes do you use? On the Sportster forum a rider recently complained about his brakes, then it turned out he mostly uses his REAR brake, FFS. I hope you use both of yours and with gusto?!
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
A modern Sport bike can stop faster than many cars. A modern Sports car can stop faster than many bikes (especially Touring bikes).
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Yeah it's difficult to push it to that extreme just to test it out. I know I can stop on a dime on my little DR650 but that's a whole different beast than my RK. I've had a few close call with the RK but have never had to REALLY bite down on the brakes yet. I would be a bit intimidated of locking them up as well. Just have to wait and see how they/I do when the real time comes. Hopefully it never does, but it most likely will eventually. Even after all these years.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
For many years I had a BMW bike with ABS and when I first bought it took it down some quiet roads to try it out. I never did get the ABS to kick in, but did learn the bike will stop remarkably fast and I could use the brakes much harder than I expected. Worth a try!
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 76
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From: S.E. Lower MI
One place to get some info on vehicle performance is the Michigan State Police web page:
http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7...6274--,00.html
They objectively test performance for candidate vehicles for police work and post their results. There is a section for cars, SUVs and bikes. You can search to your hearts content and make your own determination. I believe CA does this also.
http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7...6274--,00.html
They objectively test performance for candidate vehicles for police work and post their results. There is a section for cars, SUVs and bikes. You can search to your hearts content and make your own determination. I believe CA does this also.