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[Midnight Rider]

I always try and do a few panic manuevers in a large parking lot when I'm out riding by myself, and with the SERGU, I try and get a good feel for the ABS kicking in so I won't  be surprised if/when the time comes to need it.  It is VERY difficult NOT to lock up the rear wheel in a full blown panic stop without the ABS...been there, done that, got a t-shirt.  ABS is the best thing since pajamas with feet in 'em.  You lock up the front wheel on a bike and you're going down almost every time.  I'm always amazed at the folks who say they "hardly ever use the front brakes", when at least 70% of your stopping power comes from their use.  I use the front brakes more than I do the rear in normal riding...I use the rear as well, but just don't let that be my main stopping power.  In fact, 80% of the time, I have the front brake lever covered with two fingers...I know that's not taught these days, but it used to be, and I personally think it's a good practice IF you practice.

Totally agree with you.  And, it's exactly how I ride, two fingers and all.  I'm probably older than you.  One thing I struggle with is ABS.  When they kick in my brain says the rear is locked and I let off.  I've seen many good riders lock 'em up MOMENTARILY, then let off and control the stop. 

Not sure anyone else has this "problem".  Soooo many years (I'm in my 50th year of ridin' "sickles") of trying to avoid locking up the rear tire has not trained me well for ABS.  Funny, in a car I can stand on the ABS and let them work.  My CVO RG (2011) is my first with ABS.

I need to practice but it kind of bothers me to tear up equipment while training!

I'm 61, so I'm pretty much an old fart...   My '11 is the first bike I've had with ABS.  Like you, I've had several cars with it, and I will say without any hestitation that the ABS has saved me on more than one occasion.  On the bike, I haven't needed it thus far (knocking on wood), but one of the first things I did when I got this bike was take it to a large High School parking lot near my house and quickly get the bike up to 50-60 mph and then apply maxium pressure to both brakes to get a feel for the ABS system, while practicing swerving manuevers at the same time.  That allowed me to get into my old head that I can have complete confidence in the bikes brakes, and it WILL stop quickly while still allowing moves that normally have negative consequences.  I've locked the rear brake up on a bike several times in my life, and fortunately had the presence of mind to get off of it before the rear end got crooked.  Jerry is right...in a lot of cases, locking up the rear end results in it trying to come around on you, then when you let off and it regains forward traction, you'll high side.  I'll never own another vehicle without ABS, if I have a choice in the matter.

[ultrafxr]

I'm 61, so I'm pretty much an old fart...   My '11 is the first bike I've had with ABS.  Like you, I've had several cars with it, and I will say without any hesitation that the ABS has saved me on more than one occasion.  On the bike, I haven't needed it thus far (knocking on wood), but one of the first things I did when I got this bike was take it to a large High School parking lot near my house and quickly get the bike up to 50-60 mph and then apply maximum pressure to both brakes to get a feel for the ABS system, while practicing swerving maneuvers at the same time.  That allowed me to get into my old head that I can have complete confidence in the bikes brakes, and it WILL stop quickly while still allowing moves that normally have negative consequences.  I've locked the rear brake up on a bike several times in my life, and fortunately had the presence of mind to get off of it before the rear end got crooked.  Jerry is right...in a lot of cases, locking up the rear end results in it trying to come around on you, then when you let off and it regains forward traction, you'll high side.  I'll never own another vehicle without ABS, if I have a choice in the matter.

I got away with it once - letting off a locked rear wheel without high siding but it was pure luck.  Things happen so fast and when the pucker factor sets in my old brain can't process all that quickly enough.  So I've trained myself that should I lock the rear wheel (my '07 does not have ABS) I'd better just stay on it.


Agree about the ABS.  I think it can help in an emergency.  But I've always heard and been taught to separate braking and swerving.  There is only so much traction available and if truly doing maximum braking making a swerve at the same time could take you over the edge of available traction and cause you to wash out.