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[DCFIREMANN]

I am not sure if this has ever come up for discussion before or not. The new frame CVO Touring bike come standard with ABS. Although it can be disabled. I am wondering how everyone feels about having ABS on a Motorcycle?

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[grc]

Why would disabling the ABS even cross your mind Dawg?  It's not like some of the other stuff Harley has borrowed from the auto industry and promptly screwed up; the ABS seems to actually work now that Harley's first couple of year bugs have been worked out, and if it does fail it doesn't leave you stranded, it just reverts to plain old brakes.  The only downside I can think of is the pump and module assembly does take up valuable real estate in the bowels of the bike.

If we consider the idea that a vast majority of bike riders lock up the rear brake in any sort of panic or near panic situation, thereby losing all control of where the bike is going, I'd say that for the majority ABS is a huge benefit.  Sure, some expert riders can probably come close to matching the performance of ABS on a bike with standard brakes, but I'm betting the percentage is very small, just as it is in the automotive world.

Now if you were to start a thread asking if people would consider disabling ETC and installing a cable throttle, I bet you'd get of ton of positive responses.

Jerry

[JoeVibe]

I love the ABS Brakes!! I had them on my last Heritage and have them on my SEUC. I don't think I'll ever own another non-ABS bike.

[GregKhougaz]

Dawg,  

My $. 02:  There are plenty of studies extolling the virtues of ABS brakes on motorcycles. I have now ridden my bike with ABS since October, 2008 and would not recommend turning it off.  Early on, some people reported feeling the bike actually accelerated when the brakes were applied and ABS intervened.  I have not seen any such complaints in at least a couple of years, however. It can be a bit unnerving when the ABS comes on but that feeling is probably a lot better than having the bike go down.

Keep the change.    

GK

[05Train]

There are a handful of very talented riders with last names like Bostrum that can consistently brake shorter without ABS than with.  Put those riders on unfamiliar public roads with sand, gravel, and other obstacles around blind corners, and they'll all prefer ABS.  I'm not a Bostrum, or a Chandler, or a Duhamel, but I practice threshold braking a lot.  I'll always prefer ABS to standard brakes unless I'm dirt biking.


Sent from my iPad, probably while I'm pooping.

[VaEagle]

I also vote yes for ABS! 

[phato1]

ABS is terrific addition to the bike, had it save my A** (and the BSR) once when a pickup towing a trailer didn't see us and changed lanes from center lane to left lane as I was in the left lane overtaking him - I just happened to be in his blind spot when he decided to to move into the lane I was in. There was a LARGE drop-off to the highway median so I didn't really have anywhere to go to evade him - thankfully the ABS system allowed me to utilize full braking power without fear of locking them up while moving as far left as I could. I can attest that the system will stop these behemoths in a much shorter distance than ever thought possible.

No way would I even think of disabling it.

 The only recommendation I can make is go to an empty parking lot (this is where you should be practicing your slow speed maneuvers and medium speed evasive tactics) and after you get up to a decent speed grab a hand full/boot full of the brakes and get used to the feeling of it engaging just so that when it happens out on the road in an emergency situation you'll have an idea of what to expect - from the braking system anyway --

[Twolanerider]

ABS is the only thing from the newer model bikes that I wish was on mine. 

[dlaws01]

I can't comment as my bike doesn't have ABS.   

[HDultraDad]

When I traded my 05 ultra for the '12 CVO with ABS, I went to an open parking lot and put them to the test.  I accelerated quickly and hammered the breaks as I would if it were a highway start / stop situation.  They were amazingly.  Shortly after, I had the real world experience when a cage pulled out in front of me and traffic locked up their breaks.  Because the cage cut me following distance and then hit brakes, I had to do the same.  The bike handled like a dream.  Very controlled and smooth for 70 mph to basically zero in nothing flat.  Had I been on my '05 I would have locked up the rear wheel even if I had down shifted as I went (which was damn near impossible at the speed in which it all happened).  Just remember to apply both brakes evenly and firmly.

[Puzzled]

After having it I wouldn't want to be without it.

A deer darting out in front of me while I was moving along at a decent speed made me a believer...... 

[MadCVORG]

It's  definitely a proven safety technology.  Had ABS on my '93 FJ1200, and have it now on my 'USE. For those times where traction is iffy, or you lose your concentration for a moment, ABS is invaluable.

[Jswerve]

I am not sure if this has ever come up for discussion before or not. The new frame CVO Touring bike come standard with ABS. Although it can be disabled. I am wondering how everyone feels about having ABS on a Motorcycle?

Be Safe

THE DAWG

Love the ABS. Who doesn't like better security/handling?

[DCFIREMANN]

WOW!!! I would love to keep my ABS active on Saphire but I am having problems with the brakes on the bike. I guess it's time to get AXLE to bring the DT up to the mountain in a few weeks and bleed the system to see if there is air in the system!!!

I know the bike does not want to stop at high speeds. I have the wrecked bike and the bumps and bruises to prove it.

 
Be Safe

THE DAWG

[FlaHeatWave]

'Really like the ABS, especially in wet/slick conditions