Do you like ABS?

[kawashima]

Do you like ABS on bikes? Have you ever tried one?
____________________
own:2020 Serow 250
owned: 2012 YB125SP, 2008 TDM900, 2005 W650, 2002 LS125R, 2002 CB400SF, NS50F, C50 / Trip to UK(2009), Hokkaido touring(2013)

[G]

I have ridden a BMW K1200s with it on track; it didn’t cause any problems, but I didn’t try and ‘test’ it with harsh braking on slippery sections. There was some people taking the same bikes around very quickly and it didn’t seem to be causing them problems. This was on a dry track.

Initially, I didn’t like the idea, but I’m coming around to it if it works well in the wet etc. However, the rider will have to be very aware that you still won’t be able to grab a big handful of brake in all conditions. I’m pretty sure you’re still going to be on the floor if you try and use too much braking force while near the limits of traction through cornering, especially in the wet.
However, for day-to-day riding, going to work or the shops through town, I could see it would be very useful to allow very good braking despite bad weather conditions.
Definitely has to have an off-switch, so you can still do stoppies!

I quite like the look of the new BMW1000SS, which has traction control and ABS. If some people crash them after using harsh braking mid-corner like you can in a car, I might pick a damaged one up cheaply in a few years time for a commuter .

[LeeR]

Most of the courtesy bikes I've ridden over the last year have had ABS and to be honest I didn't notice the difference, but then again I didn't do anything stupid like grab a fistful of front brake.
____________________
My claim to fame: Austin Vince nicked my pen...

[chris-red]

Good for commuting and what not I wouldn't want it on a fun bike though. My next TDM900 will hopefully have it.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[kawashima]

Bike shop clerk told me, "If you use rear brake when you enter the corner, you'll feel strange on ABS bike" and I believed it. But now I regret that!
____________________
own:2020 Serow 250
owned: 2012 YB125SP, 2008 TDM900, 2005 W650, 2002 LS125R, 2002 CB400SF, NS50F, C50 / Trip to UK(2009), Hokkaido touring(2013)

[chris-red]

The ABS only comes into play when you lock the wheels, I lock my rear often (most of the time not on purpose) But have never done it in a corner.

I can't see how it would feel weird unless you are locking the wheel going into a corner.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[G]

I wonder what happens if you use engine braking to get the rear wheel going slower than the front (as I do with some regularity ), then use the front brake. Presumably the opposite (doing a doughnut etc) would cause problems as it might think the front is locking up.

[chris-red]

[Acemastr]

Generally it'll kick in when a certain pressure is applied to the brake and the wheel is beginning to slow down enough to stop turning. Doesn't work like traction control with regards to different wheel speeds
____________________
2017 KTM 350 XC-F - 2014 Yamaha R6 - 2005 Yamaha YZ125
2016 Toyota Tacoma Limited

[Chris750]

If it helps prevent a few offs it can only be a good thing in my mind.
As long as you have the ability to turn it off when not required.
You may not want it in a race situation but I imagine when it becomes more common on the road it will be more commuter style bikes that have it.

I agree G, that new BMW looks really nice, I never thought I would ever find myself saying that about a BMW

[tatters]

I had a bandit 1200 hire bike for a month a few years ago which had ABS, did,nt like it at all felt like it cut in too soon which got really anoying, other bikes probley have better systems.
____________________
Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV

[Skudd]

I have ABS and linked brakes on my Varadero, it isn't intrusive and only kicks in when it is useful to do so. It will not save you when there is no grip at all, ie ice, snow, deep mud, slippery grass that sort of thing, but will save you on those SMIDSY moments. It can sometimes lengthen your stopping but it will keep you more in control.
Would I get it again? Yes!
____________________
Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[The Shaggy D.A.]

Not needed any so far, so for me it'll be an extra expense and something else that can go wrong.
____________________
Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[G]

How is it when it's really wet and cold? Can you still pull the lever as hard as possible and let it sort it’s self out.
Generally, I’m ok braking hard (from the racing and stoppy practice etc) in the dry, but naturally more cautious in less favourable conditions.

[D O G]

I'd say yes, even tho I normally dislike 'driver aids'. Read about them in PB, where an ABS fitted beemer tourer stopped in very wet conditions in 70% of the distance a non-abs CBR600RR managed.

It's in low grip situations like those where I would like its backup, I doubt it would make much difference on dry roads in normal riding conditions.

[twostroketit]

I've never ridden an ABS equipped bike myself,but i can certainly see where the merit lies.
I don't tend to use my brakes very often but just occasionally the situation may arise when i need to stop quickly.
If the road surface isn't what it should be ABS would be invaluable but i have wondered what it would be like riding quickly on perfect roads.
I do remember when BMW first marketed ABS in the late eighties a journalist managed to stop quicker on a "normal" bike against an ABS one.But that's not really getting the point, ABS is designed to be dormant until the need arises, then it kicks in.
I think if i was buying a new machine and i had the option then i would get ABS.
The first time you use it it should pay for itself.
____________________
sup up your beer and collect your fags

[chris-red]

When I had it on my hire bikes I was testing it all the time It deffiantly saved me on 1 occasion, it is loud and is not a nice feeling when the brakes are adjusting themselves but I never found it interfered.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[colin1]

[G]

It's actually on quite a lot of lighter bikes these days - I think the G650 (real weight around 145kg) I tried had it, I was trying to remember how much I 'tested' it, but again I didn't really try and push the front.
The new BMW sports bike I'm pretty sure doesn't have linked brakes, the Hondas ae more likely to, as Honda loves sucking the fun out of biking .

[27cows]

No, I don't. If I was an eejit incapable of using normal brakes, I'd retire from riding and be done with it I think ABS is a good idea on cars, though, as most drivers seem to be eejits incapable of using normal brakes etc

[chris-red]

[Adrian]

Pro ABS here
____________________
DAS 18/06/09 Off The Kerb Motorcycle Training. Proud owner of a Honda CG125 & a Honda Hornet

[ClaireBear]

The bandit I ride has ABS. I havent noticed any problems with it- but then again I havent slammed the brakes on lol

[hellkat]

Ooo, 'e's GOOOOOORGEOUS.

And so damn nice, too.

____________________
Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[c-m]

why wouldn't you want something that will allow the bike to brake when on the absolute limit? surely its it allows you to brake harder and faster, since you won't be locking brakes which slows you down.

Of course most people are skilled enough not to lock their brakes, but they are probably not on the absolute limit of traction. doesn't ABS allow you to be on this limit?