Struggling ABS
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 670
Likes: 22
From: Umatilla, Fl
I'd suggest test driving a different streetglide just for a comparison. ABS modulates the pressure of the brake fluid to the caliper based on inputs from a speed sensor. If during "normal" braking you feel the pulsating of the brakes (typically felt through the lever or pedal, a completely different feel then rotors being out of parallelism (warped)) then I would say your waiting too long to brake. I notice on mine a momentary loss of brake if I downshift and apply the brakes at the same time. Nothing I can't live with, just different, especially compared to my wing with ABS and a linked brake system.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Papillion, NE
Abs
+1 Rikl
When I downshift and hit the rear brakes, or go over a bump or a "rise" in the road and hit the rear brakes I also get the momentary loss of braking...and no the brakes are not locking up. Not sure mine are working correctly...but will have them checked when in this winter for cams...
Steve O!
When I downshift and hit the rear brakes, or go over a bump or a "rise" in the road and hit the rear brakes I also get the momentary loss of braking...and no the brakes are not locking up. Not sure mine are working correctly...but will have them checked when in this winter for cams...
Steve O!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
I've wondered if I got some quality rear shocks that hold the tire on the road better, would this solve the problem or at least make it better?
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 670
Likes: 22
From: Umatilla, Fl
I think you missed what I stated. I have no problems braking. It's just that occasional "slip". I am well versed with ABS and have no problems using them. In fact that is why I moved to the streetglide, to get ABS. I also stated that I know my wing has a better ABS system as it is a linked system.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
not necessarily better, just different. some people may prefer a linked system, while others prefer not. me, i prefer not.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 1
From: Port St. Lucie FL
I've had my '12 UC since last December. The ABS has gone off once in all that time. I've noticed no difference between these brakes and the brakes on my '10 Classic. As others have said here, during normal braking the ABS should be a non-event.
Honestly this does not sound like an ABS issue...another issue with the brakes possibly, but not ABS.
Honestly this does not sound like an ABS issue...another issue with the brakes possibly, but not ABS.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
ABS is an integral part of the braking system, not something that sits on the sidelines waiting for it's chance to work. It is feasible that it's very presence is affecting the way the brakes work while riding, even though the brakes are being used gently. Certainly the only ABS bike I have owned had unsatisfactory feel which I consider compromised their functioning.
Removing the ABS fuse, to electrically isolate it, is worth trying, but I suspect it won't have any affect, nor identify if the rotors are defective. What is needed is a competent ABS expert!
Removing the ABS fuse, to electrically isolate it, is worth trying, but I suspect it won't have any affect, nor identify if the rotors are defective. What is needed is a competent ABS expert!