Anti lock brakes

[Ken 11861]

Would anyone buy a new bike without antilock brakes IF they were available on the model they were interested in ?

[highcountry]

Personally I prefer ABS especially on heavier bikes, therefore would look for models with ABS.

[Disco]

No way.

[LandElephant]

Isn't that really a personal preference by the rider.  I have ABS, but I got then by luck because the Goldwing that I bought was strictly for the color (yes I made that purchase like that but I know the history and had at that time 31 years experience riding flat fours and flat sixes wings and valks).  Didn't look at what it was equipted with.

Now that being said, many experience riders feel they can brake properly without them and on most bike models there is an added cost.

Again I'll use the Goldwing as an example.  To get ABS you have to get the Comfort Package, Premium Audio Package, the Navigation Package before you can add ABS (at least in 2006 when I purchased my Goldwing).  That added qbout $4,000 to the price of the bike.  Some people don't like the add ons or the upgraded cost.

Would I buy another one without them, sure I would but again a personal preference.

Land Elephant

[alph]

Don’t really know.  I’ve never ridden a cycle with ABS so I really shouldn’t make an opinion of it.  I did test drive my dentist’s BMW k1200 and I think that had ABS, not sure only went 12 miles.

As for the ABS on my truck, van, and car, I’m a skilled enough driver to know that if I slam on the breaks, I’ll skid.  So in that sense, I really don’t need ABS on the vehicles either. 

I guess then I would say I wouldn’t go out of my way for ABS on a cycle as a buying point. 

[Valker]

If I'm not going to take it off road, I would always opt for ABS.

[Wingman]

I vote for ABS!
The other night, I was coming home from work in my car. I glanced down at my gauges as I crested a hill, the first thing I saw when I looked up was a car in my lane that was going about 15 mph. Clearly my fault, but I managed to haul that car (equipped with ABS) down in time without skidding or swerving. All things being equal, I don't know if I would have missed him on the Valkyrie! If I ever get another bike, it will have ABS, I know there are people out there that claim to be able to brake as well as ABS but I'm not one of them...

[fudgie]

Correct me if i'm wrong but aint ABS and dual linked brakes different? Seems like most on the thread are talking about DLB's. I thought ABS helps in not locking up the brakes, like in a car. 

[Ratdog]

Correct me if i'm wrong but aint ABS and dual linked brakes different? Seems like most on the thread are talking about DLB's. I thought ABS helps in not locking up the brakes, like in a car. 

Two different animals, both exist in the M/C world.

[TearlessTom]

I have Linked Brakes on my ST. The ABS was available for $1,000 more but as I was buying used I got what was on the bike I could afford.

That said, if I had to do it over again I would prefer a bike with at least Dual Linked Brakes. The bike feels much more stable with them vs a bike without them.

As for Anti-Lock, Well with my Linked brakes I have never been able to skid a tire.

 I am sure ABS are better and give even more confidence. I have had some issues that were down right dangerous with the early ABS on cars. I am sure those kinks have been worked out by now.

So if money was not a concern any new bike I would buy would have ABS, or Linked at the very least and fuel injection.

Tom 

[Trynt]

Last Summer my wife and I were riding in a heavy down pour. We were braking for a turn at about 10 mph and the rear brake locked up on a patch of black top that had experienced " bleeding or flushing" (a condition where the black top is glassy smooth). We were down in a fraction of a second.  That incident convinced me if anti-lock brakes are available, I will have them.

[Disco]

The first time I had to grab/stomp full brakes on the 'wing we were 2-up and I was amazed at how fast I got 12-1300lbs stopped with no skid or wiggle.      Linked + ABS.   

[czuch]

I have a friend who states clearly he is here today because he had ABS.
 I have trouble with them in my Pick-up. Its just a matter of prefrence. I pulled the fuse and like "real" brakes better. That being said, If I was gonna buy a new bike,I'd seriously consider it. Probably a Wing so I can see the benefits.
I have  69 VW van with antilock brakes.
No matter how hard ya stand on em they wont lock up.
Ask me how I know.

[Wingman]

I have  69 VW van with antilock brakes.
No matter how hard ya stand on em they wont lock up.
Ask me how I know.

I remember those brakes... I think they were "anti-STOP" brakes! 

[Oss]

In these snowy hills in my car ABS is a lifesaver no doubt about it

The 1150rt has them and they are impressive  I have tested them out on a stretch of road with sand and she stopped straight and true  couldnt lock em up

I am a believer now

At americade a few years back I tried a k1200LT and halfway thru the ride we were told to pull over  The leader took my bike and showed how he stopped true and steady from 40 on dirt  Unfreakenbelievable   

Come on honda give us a Valkyrie with ABS

[RoboCop]

Would anyone buy a new bike without antilock brakes IF they were available on the model they were interested in ?

I guess the answer would be NO since I bought a VFR w/o the ABS option.  Nothing against ABS but the model on the floor I was dealing on didn't have them.

As far as Linked Brake Systems go, I personally think they are a great feature.  Mostly because after I managed to crunch my right paw I can just cover the rear brake pedal and know that there will be front brake actuation included with mashing the rear pedal.

[PAVALKER]

I have no idea how Anti-Lock brakes work on a bike.... but in my truck I have noticed a pedal vibration and hear a grinding type noise when the ABS is activated.  I am not sure I would like the pulsing feeling on the bike, but understand where ABS could be handy on a bike.  Mixed emotions.

Regarding the Linked brakes, I have them on my VTX 1800R, when depressing the rear brake pedal it is about a 20%F - 80%R brake and 80%F - 20%R when using the front brake lever.  However, believe it or not, I feel I have much stronger brakes and quicker stopping on my I/S than on my VTX (both have dual front disc brakes as well). 

[alph]

I have no idea how Anti-Lock brakes work on a bike.... but in my truck I have noticed a pedal vibration and hear a grinding type noise when the ABS is activated. 

We’ve got a guy from California working in our plant, he’s never driven in snow until last fall.  He was driving home after we got 2” of snow, pushed on the breaks, had the “buzz” noise and he wasn’t stopping!!  He was soooo freaked out he took his car to a shop!!  Shop guy didn’t take his money, just explained what it was…… 

[PAVALKER]

Let me correct myself... I have worked on Anti Lock brakes a long time ago on large commercial trucks and understand the concept and function of them. I know a human could not pulse the brakes as fast and consistently as the ABS does, and appreciate that (at times) in my 4 wheeled vehicles. However, I don't know how they would feel or perform on a bike...  4 wheels is definitely different than two.

Yea, the first time I heard and felt the ABS come on in my vehicles, it was... interesting to say the least.