abs pros/cons
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From:
Depends. If you have good riding skills you won't need it. If you intend to resell the bike in a few years it will probably make your bike more attractive to a potential buyer.
My 2010 RK came with ABS and I agree with the group that say it's crap, because it is. Way, way too sensitive. I can activate it by braking lightly over a manhole cover on dry pavement.
I recently rode a 2012 Fat Boy Lo and tried to stop it on a dirt rode. The ABS instantly activated and caused me to travel an additional 20 feet before I finally stopped (almost hit a pedestrian!). In non-ABS conditions I could have easily stopped it using the rear brake, but because the ABS kept the rear wheel rotating I had to use the front brake (hard!) to get the thing halted. Front brake braking is something you don't want to do a lot on dirt roads. Luckily, I didn't crash, but it was close.
Bottom line: test ride two bikes, one with, one without, then make your choice.
My 2010 RK came with ABS and I agree with the group that say it's crap, because it is. Way, way too sensitive. I can activate it by braking lightly over a manhole cover on dry pavement.
I recently rode a 2012 Fat Boy Lo and tried to stop it on a dirt rode. The ABS instantly activated and caused me to travel an additional 20 feet before I finally stopped (almost hit a pedestrian!). In non-ABS conditions I could have easily stopped it using the rear brake, but because the ABS kept the rear wheel rotating I had to use the front brake (hard!) to get the thing halted. Front brake braking is something you don't want to do a lot on dirt roads. Luckily, I didn't crash, but it was close.
Bottom line: test ride two bikes, one with, one without, then make your choice.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 345
Likes: 3
I end up riding in the rain more than I want to. It gives me comfort that I'll have the ability to brake hard without having to worry about going down if I encounter that situation. Let's face it, most of us are novice riders (including myself). Very few of us have the riding time to develop the skills that you see in those motocop videos.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington MN
My Ultra Limited is my first bike with ABS and I won't buy another street bike without it.
No downside to me, I'll gladly put up the extra coin for it.
I wouldn't get it on a bike that will see dirt work unless you can turn it off.
No downside to me, I'll gladly put up the extra coin for it.
I wouldn't get it on a bike that will see dirt work unless you can turn it off.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 9
From: Texas
I have adressed this issue before. Harley has the worst ABS system in the industry. BMW being superior. I dont ride BMW, but I compete against them. That being said, Proper braking skills will save you every time. Uncle may have panicked and hit the rear brake only, which launch him into the intersection. just saying.
What percentage of riders think they have your braking skills?
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 11
From: Lorton, VA
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 9
From: Texas
You may be as skilled a rider as you allude to be, and I hope for your sake that you are that good. A less skilled or novice rider's life may be saved by ABS because they do improve the braking distance required when you do not have expert braking skills especially on less than optimum road conditions.
I'm just curious here, do you disable the ABS system in your cars after you buy them?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold, GA
I see and hear both sides about the abs. I was told by a good friend that its the unknown that is what runs people away, just like when fuel injection come out..people didn't like it cause it wasn't a carb, or when points died in cars and electronics took over. I by no means is an expert. Bad thing is I can get the bike with ABS from one dealer and the others are trying to sell me one without for the same price, and they look at me like its a lie about the deal on the ABS bike