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[Claytoninsc]

I am new to ABS breaks and it seems the back brakes do not slow my bike down like my previous bike an 09 ultra classic it did not have ABS brakes. Is this just the difference between ABS and Traditional brakes? Or should I have the dealer check on the breaks at my 1000 mile service?

[SDCVO]

Takes a while for the rear brakes to "seat in". Many threads about it here

[Aussie]

Takes a while for the rear brakes to "seat in". Many threads about it here

+1

[Ironhorse]

Having the dealer check them is not a bad idea, as they have a scan tool to analyze the ABS module for codes and issues. But like the man said it takes time for pads to seat. Also, bear in mind that ABS does not mean the bike will stop faster or quicker than non ABS brakes. All it means is that the wheels will not lock up on low traction surfaces like water, sand, grass clippings, leaves, or whatever. Everyone should practice braking regularly. If you have ABS, it's more important to practice so you can get a feel for what the bike is doing, and how it feels when the ABS deploys.

Mark

[LovemyCVOgirl]

ABS brakes take some getting use to.  Until you do, they will always feel like no matter how hard you stomp on the brake petal you are not going to get stopped.   . Practice and keep practicing. 

[Charlie]

Not liking the ABS at all!
Over here in Dubai we can get a thin layer of sand on the road so the abs kicks in far to easy!

[FLSTFI Dave]

Also, bear in mind that ABS does not mean the bike will stop faster or quicker than non ABS brakes.

Everyone should practice braking regularly. If you have ABS, it's more important to practice so you can get a feel for what the bike is doing, and how it feels when the ABS deploys.

Mark

Are you sure ABS will not stop the bike quicker.  Everything I have seen or read shows it will for 99% of the people stop the bike faster, only professionals can stop a non abs bike as fast as an ABS bike.  I know I sure can stop faster on an ABS touring harley than I can on a non abs bike.

I fully agree on practicing braking regularly.  I think it is even more important with ABS, you have to know what the feed back to the clutch and pedal is like when the ABS is active.  It does pulse and feel different.  If your not expecting it could cause react or release the brake.

Love my ABS, after my 09 with ABS I have never bought a bike with out it. 

[fastfreddy]

it took about 500 miles or so for the brakes to seat in on my new bike, i rode a 2011 RGC 103 to the dealer and rode off on a 2013 RGCSE, more power less brakes, i was thinking WTF! but its all good now. and the ABS is fantastic once you get use to it. check out the DVD that should of came with the  bike it has some good information about the system and what to expect

[Ironhorse]

Are you sure ABS will not stop the bike quicker.  Everything I have seen or read shows it will for 99% of the people stop the bike faster, only professionals can stop a non abs bike as fast as an ABS bike.  I know I sure can stop faster on an ABS touring harley than I can on a non abs bike.

I fully agree on practicing braking regularly.  I think it is even more important with ABS, you have to know what the feed back to the clutch and pedal is like when the ABS is active.  It does pulse and feel different.  If your not expecting it could cause react or release the brake.

Love my ABS, after my 09 with ABS I have never bought a bike with out it. 

Dave,

Good point. I guess I should have added the caveat that with regular practice and proficient skills, one can stop a non ABS bike quicker than, or as quick as a bike with ABS deployed. I saw that back in police motor school where an instructor ran two series of braking tests, one on my BMW with ABS deployed, and one on an old beat up KZ1000 police bike without ABS. Time and again, using good threshold combination braking, the KZ stopped shorter and quicker than the BMW with ABS deployed. And it was a measurable distance. However on a surface with less than ideal traction, ABS wins every time.

This is why practice with ABS is crucial. If under ideal conditions the ABS is ALWAYS kicking in when braking, then the rider should practice braking until he gets a better feel and understanding of the system. The ABS should kick in on surfaces with less than ideal conditions, or during that "Oh $hit" moment of over braking.

This has been my experience.

Mark

[BigLew55]

...I saw that back in police motor school where an instructor ran two series of braking tests, one on my BMW with ABS deployed, and one on an old beat up KZ1000 police bike without ABS....

That could prove that the old KZ was lighter with better tires...

[skratch]

using proper braking techniques, a non abs bike will always stop faster than an abs bike with abs deployed.  however, if you use proper braking tech on both bikes (ie. don't deploy the abs), then both bikes should stop in virtually the same distance.  throw a less than ideal braking surface into the mix, thats where the abs will stand out.

[BigLew55]

using proper braking techniques, a non abs bike will always stop faster than an abs bike with abs deployed.  however, if you use proper braking tech on both bikes (ie. don't deploy the abs), then both bikes should stop in virtually the same distance.  throw a less than ideal braking surface into the mix, thats where the abs will stand out.

I agree.  I'm waiting for someone to prove this wrong.  I'm not holding my breath!

[HogBreath]

I feel ABS brakes saved me from slamming into the side of a car at 40 mph a couple years ago. Car pulled out in front of me with about a half second to react. Grabbed s hanful of front brake, a foot full of rear brake and tried my best to lock it down. I could not believe how fast it stopped... Or almost stopped. I hit the car doing 2-3 mph. Saved my arse. I'd almost trade off a non ABS bike now. I'd recommend practising locking it down hard as you can. Use a back road or parking lot. Get used to the feel of it.

[Ironhorse]

That could prove that the old KZ was lighter with better tires...

Lighter, probably,...but better tires,...NO!
All those bikes had high mileage tires. They were retired from patrol. Most were well beyond the wear bars.


My BMW had much better tires. Newer and better.

[Ironhorse]

using proper braking techniques, a non abs bike will always stop faster than an abs bike with abs deployed.  however, if you use proper braking tech on both bikes (ie. don't deploy the abs), then both bikes should stop in virtually the same distance.  throw a less than ideal braking surface into the mix, thats where the abs will stand out.

I guess that's what I was trying to say, you said it much better.

Thanks!