ABS new believer
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 7
From: Keene, CA
ABS new believer
Two days before we left on our week-long summer ride, I damaged the ring and middle fingers on my right hand. Thirteen stitches in one, ten in the other, splints on both. First thing I did after the morphine wore off was take the RGU out on a trial run. Convinced myself that I could ride the trip safely, so off we went.
While in northern California on Hwy 299, we rode past one of those portable warning signs sitting on the shoulder, turned off and facing away from traffic. A mile or so later, as I was exiting a blind 55 mph curve, I found a line of stopped traffic ending with a travel trailer. The road was reduced to a single lane by construction - guess what that sign was supposed to say! This resulted in me having to stop in a very short distance, as there was no safe escape on either side. I engaged both brakes as hard as I could and aimed for a spot between the bicycle rack and the right corner of the travel trailer - figured it was probably the softest spot. Much to my surprise, the Brembos and ABS got me stopped with 4 or 5 feet to spare.
I've logged many miles over the last 35 years of riding, and was on the fence regarding ABS. Not any more. I don't believe that I could have safely stopped the RGU in the available space without the ABS. I'm certain I could not have stopped my '07 RG as quickly. No wobble, no tire smoke, no pumping the brakes - just hit them hard and steer as desired. Felt like I'd dropped an anchor and was stretching the nylon anchor line....
While in northern California on Hwy 299, we rode past one of those portable warning signs sitting on the shoulder, turned off and facing away from traffic. A mile or so later, as I was exiting a blind 55 mph curve, I found a line of stopped traffic ending with a travel trailer. The road was reduced to a single lane by construction - guess what that sign was supposed to say! This resulted in me having to stop in a very short distance, as there was no safe escape on either side. I engaged both brakes as hard as I could and aimed for a spot between the bicycle rack and the right corner of the travel trailer - figured it was probably the softest spot. Much to my surprise, the Brembos and ABS got me stopped with 4 or 5 feet to spare.
I've logged many miles over the last 35 years of riding, and was on the fence regarding ABS. Not any more. I don't believe that I could have safely stopped the RGU in the available space without the ABS. I'm certain I could not have stopped my '07 RG as quickly. No wobble, no tire smoke, no pumping the brakes - just hit them hard and steer as desired. Felt like I'd dropped an anchor and was stretching the nylon anchor line....
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Stops like that were the selling point on my 09 on the test ride.
I hauled on the brakes at 55 and stopped in about 1/2 the space I would have estimated based on my Evo bagger at that speed.
Could just be a lifesaving option.
Mike
I hauled on the brakes at 55 and stopped in about 1/2 the space I would have estimated based on my Evo bagger at that speed.
Could just be a lifesaving option.
Mike
Yep, as much as I resisted the idea of ABS on a bike, I am sure glad I got it. Amazing how well they work!
Kevin
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
You can thank the police departments across the country for ABS on Harleys. HD was forced to put ABS on the police bikes or lose the contracts to BMW or Honda. Eventually ABS was offered on civilian HD bikes.
Glad it worked well for you. I would never buy a new motorcycle without ABS these days. Ride safe.
Glad it worked well for you. I would never buy a new motorcycle without ABS these days. Ride safe.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 930
Likes: 4
From: Jacksonville, FL
Glad it worked out. I am also a believer in ABS and would not even consider a bike without it. Your scenario is exactly what they are designed for, an unexpected and panic stop. Sure, a profesional rider may be able to outbrake a ABS bike on a controlled course, but its the real world where the ABS really comes into play.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 471
Likes: 9
From: Far NorCal
Glad all came out and the ABS did in fact save your a$$.
BTW, that occurred near me.
I love ABS and have been promoting it for yrs. Catch a lot of heat too!
read this to the end:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...-girl-evo.html
BTW, that occurred near me.
I love ABS and have been promoting it for yrs. Catch a lot of heat too!
read this to the end:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...-girl-evo.html
Last edited by Holster Maker; Aug 8, 2011 at 03:25 AM.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
That was the one thing that I really felt I needed, especially being a newer rider. I had to hold off to find a road king that came from the factory with one. Definitely worth the money.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 757
Likes: 4
I searched high and low for a used RKC that had ABS and they were few and far between. Budget didn't allow for a new one so I had to settle for a bike without it. I still love the bike but anyone who buys a new bike without it is entirely misonformed and foolish. Thats my 2 cents.
Good for you on getting home in one piece.
Good for you on getting home in one piece.