How good are the ABS systems on older bikes?

[slowside]

Without getting into a debate about the merits of ABS on motorcycles, does anyone have any experience of how ABS on bikes of say 10 years or so ago compares to modern setups of the last few years since it became mandatory.

Its on my must-have list for my post-125 bike, but limited funds mean I'll be looking at older bikes which will by definition be a generational leap or two behind what you can get now.

Later Hornets (not sure about the C-ABS on this one), SV650 Gladius, FZ6 S2, ER6 etc are in the ballpark of what I'm looking at for perspective.

[barrkel]

You're not going to get fancy cornering ABS even on modern editions of those bikes, but the ABS should be perfectly functional, assuming it's still looped into the hydraulics and powered up. As a safety-critical item, they self-check on startup and you should see (a) the light come on with the ignition, and (b) see it go out once you start moving.

Depending on how it's plumbed in, you may or may not feel pulsing on levers when it's activated. But the fundamental mechanism of basic ABS hasn't changed much in bikes.

Cornering ABS with tilt sensors is a different story, but you're not in that category with those bikes.
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Bikes: S1000R, SH350; Exes: Vity 125, PS125, YBR125, ER6f, VFR800, Brutale 920, CB600F, SH300x4
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[MCN]

I have had ABS on bikes since about 2007. Current bikes 2011 and both ABS.
I don't know what could be done to change ABS.

One of my bikes has 'Race ABS (and DTC)' the other has ASC Automatic Stability Control. Controls brakes and cuts engine power when rear wheel slip is detected.
(I still managed to rip 8" of tread out of two new tires. )

All I could think that may change is tweaked (more intelligent) software and or smaller/lighter braking machinery.

The ABS on my bikes work perfectly.

I haven't sat my arse on a new bike since 2011 so who knows?
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[barrkel]

[Polarbear]

I can't remember the last bike I owned that didn't have ABS. Maybe my ZZR1100?

TBH the amount of times I've activated it on any of my bikes is so few I can't remember the last time it happened. As barrkel said, traction control is a lot more intrusive.

So, to answer your question, I have no idea how much better 2019 ABS is to 2001 ABS.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[slowside]

Cheers for the replies all. Sounds like there isn’t likely to be a vast difference between old and new ABS which is a good thing for my wallet.

[MCN]

[barrkel]

[Fizzer Thou]

I bought the FJ1200 3XW ABS knowing that the standard ABS system is not very good compared to more recent adjustable technology.The pump weighs a ton (just over 7 lbs to be exact) and from what I have been told by other owners is an expensive waste of time when Yamaha then had to cheapen the rest of the bike in order to keep the bike within a reasonable purchase price

https://oi1073.photobucket.com/albums/w384/Rhencullen5/FJ1200/20150624_190413_zpsu2gig5t0.jpg

It was subsequently stripped out and dumped when I rebuilt it back in 2015/16
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