abs pros/cons
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX - Some call it heaven.
Lots of opinions here. But the only thing that really matters are facts. Does ABS make the bike safer, or not? You can argue your personal results all day long, but it's hard to argue with a 37% reduction in fatalities.
That is comparing crashes for the same model bikes, both with and without ABS. Every time this question is raised, there are always those who claim that they can stop faster on a bike without ABS. Maybe so, but how do you explain the cold, hard numbers? Are they wrong, but you are right? Show me the facts, and I will believe.
http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2012/04...cycle-feature/
That is comparing crashes for the same model bikes, both with and without ABS. Every time this question is raised, there are always those who claim that they can stop faster on a bike without ABS. Maybe so, but how do you explain the cold, hard numbers? Are they wrong, but you are right? Show me the facts, and I will believe.
http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2012/04...cycle-feature/
Last edited by bluffalobob; Apr 21, 2012 at 06:51 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Lots of opinions here. But the only thing that really matters are facts. Does ABS make the bike safer, or not? You can argue your personal results all day long, but it's hard to argue with a 37% reduction in fatalities.
That is comparing crashes for the same model bikes, both with and without ABS. Every time this question is raised, there are always those who claim that they can stop faster on a bike without ABS. Maybe so, but how do you explain the cold, hard numbers? Are they wrong, but you are right? Show me the facts, and I will believe.
http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2012/04...cycle-feature/
That is comparing crashes for the same model bikes, both with and without ABS. Every time this question is raised, there are always those who claim that they can stop faster on a bike without ABS. Maybe so, but how do you explain the cold, hard numbers? Are they wrong, but you are right? Show me the facts, and I will believe.
http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2012/04...cycle-feature/
Riders with exceptional braking skills will benefit significantly less from ABS than a rider with marginal or poor braking skills will benefit. In certain situations ABS can actually be a liability, more often for those with a higher skill level.
For the average rider I agree that ABS is a worthy safety feature - but not for everyone under all circumstances.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 575
Likes: 4
From: SouthWestern Ontario
Ever had an experience when a crash is inevitable and time seems to slow down to allow for a thousand thoughts to rush through your mind? One of those thoughts may be...maybe I should have got the ABS!
As far as an experienced/skilled rider being outwitted by his own ABS, it happens to all of us on occasion but we should know the limitations of the bike and the system, as well as ride within our own skill level. After having the ABS activate unexpectantly a few times, I think it has made me a safer rider, not pushing the envelope, for lack of a better phrase, like I once did.
If I want to ride all out, I will get a bike without ABS and do it on the track.
An advanced skill level in some instances is not enough, when a panic or unexpected surprise situation arises. Thats where ABS shines.
I agree that we can't argue with statistics.
As far as an experienced/skilled rider being outwitted by his own ABS, it happens to all of us on occasion but we should know the limitations of the bike and the system, as well as ride within our own skill level. After having the ABS activate unexpectantly a few times, I think it has made me a safer rider, not pushing the envelope, for lack of a better phrase, like I once did.
If I want to ride all out, I will get a bike without ABS and do it on the track.
An advanced skill level in some instances is not enough, when a panic or unexpected surprise situation arises. Thats where ABS shines.
I agree that we can't argue with statistics.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,282
From: OH, USA
I'm gonna go against the trend. I wont use ABS. I've been riding 40 years, raced hair scrambles and rode a lot of different bikes. And if I can't go into a controlled slide I don't want it. Skidding sideways and laying it down beats centerpunching the obsticle. That ABS wont help if some.one pulls out last second.
But here's a question. Can you lock up your back wheel if you need to? That would sway my decision. And I already don't expect a lot of you to agree or understand my reasoning. If you haven't ridden dirt bikes than the thought of skidding sideways probably never was a thought when it comes.to avoiding something.
But here's a question. Can you lock up your back wheel if you need to? That would sway my decision. And I already don't expect a lot of you to agree or understand my reasoning. If you haven't ridden dirt bikes than the thought of skidding sideways probably never was a thought when it comes.to avoiding something.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,885
Likes: 0
From: Chicago area
That ABS wont help if some.one pulls out last second.
But here's a question. Can you lock up your back wheel if you need to? That would sway my decision. And I already don't expect a lot of you to agree or understand my reasoning. If you haven't ridden dirt bikes than the thought of skidding sideways probably never was a thought when it comes.to avoiding something.
But here's a question. Can you lock up your back wheel if you need to? That would sway my decision. And I already don't expect a lot of you to agree or understand my reasoning. If you haven't ridden dirt bikes than the thought of skidding sideways probably never was a thought when it comes.to avoiding something.
Last edited by oppirs; Apr 21, 2012 at 09:39 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
I know I'll never have the skills that Jerry (Motorman) has so I'll admit that abs has saved my ***. In theory threshhold braking skills beat abs. Thought I had those skills until the abs activated at relatively high speed.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: new york
At the present time I have 2 bikes a fatboy without abs and a roadglide with abs and I don't think I'd buy another bike without abs. For me it stops better in bad conditions and that's when you need it most.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,885
Likes: 0
From: Chicago area
Don't be lulled in a felling of safety, do to ABS. Older bikes lose the ABS factor over time, just like cars/trucks.
When they fail, it just like old time brakes..... Pump in wet, or just be smart! Use back more, but release often. Stopping will increase!
You have a great system for now. But never be complacent!
When they fail, it just like old time brakes..... Pump in wet, or just be smart! Use back more, but release often. Stopping will increase!
You have a great system for now. But never be complacent!
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
Likes: 41
Count me as a big ABS fan. For me, ABS is a deal breaker and my personal choice. I want every advantage I can get. A trip to the ER (or morgue) will be considerably more than the cost of ABS ($1,000). Some riders say they can stop faster w/o ABS and I'm not doubting them, but I'm not superman so I'm going with the ABS. My .02 FWIW.
