Today was the first time I had the ABS on my bike kick in.
I was making a quick stop when a old guy pulled out in front of me.
Not a panic skidding type of stop but a quick stop.
I applied the front then the rear brake almost at the same time.
The interesting thing is the rear brake ABS kicked in but the front brake ABS didn't kick in. The front wheel didn't skid.
So my question is does it take more for the front ABS to kick in as the weight transfer to the front wheel causes the rear wheel to be light hence starting to skid first?

 

ok,

this is basic motorcycle 101- and you should know this...

when the bike slows the weight shifts forward, OFF of the rear wheel so that it can lock or skid easily--- this weight transfer allows MORE stopping force from the front tire

the brake and abs systems are independent front/rear


mike

 

ABS only activates when it senses one of the wheels locking up.
As you noticed, since your front wheel didn't lock up ABS didn't activate on that wheel.

What you describe is perfectly normal, and what you would expect.

 

Not only is it basic motorcycling 101...if your back tire skidded your ABS malfunctioned. The whole point of ABS is it never lets you skid.

 

All of the above answers are correct, and there's another factor:

Most motorcyclists don't practice braking. That giant HD Touring brake pedal just invites a person to think of a 1955 Buick, and stomp down on the brake. Getting guys to use the correct amount of rear brake is a challenge.

Since you have ABS, you can practice braking very safely. You should go to a good spot, and see what you can do with the front brake, and then practice adding in the rear to get the hang of it.

Harris
Denver, CO

www.youtube.com/conedown

 

This video shows braking without using the ABS, but you get a good idea of how much weight transfer gives power to the front brake. Watch the forks compress during the braking portion (see how the lights come down toward the fender).

It's easiest to see in the first part of the video, when the forks rebound as I come off the front brake; and easier still if you watch it in full screen.


Harris
Denver, CO

www.youtube.com/conedown

 

you can ignore anything I wrote- pay careful atention to Harris.

and send away for his Lessons.

he is smarter than the average...Bear.

Mike