<$15k ABS models skipping NZ?

[AGC73]

I'm looking at bikes at the moment and have noticed that Kawasaki seem to have some good deals on however there is an absence of ABS equipped models.

For example the recent stock of 2013 ER6N and 2014 Z800 that have arrived at dealerships around the country. I'd buy an ABS Z800 tomorrow if there was one available close to the price of the non ABS version (I'd stretch to a $1k difference in price maybe) but it seems ABS has skipped the country. The same seems to go for the MT07 too as I have only seen non ABS versions (correct me if I'm wring).

I notice there is an 2014 ABS ER6n on the Kawasaki nz website but it's listed for $11k vs $8k for the 2013 non-ABS.

My guess is these year or two old new bikes are left over stock from Australia or South East Asia that didn't sell because of lack of ABS and were dumped here for a low price.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Could well be just a case of me whining about not being able to get a bargin price on an ABS equipped middle weight(cc) bike.:bleh:

[nerrrd]

I'm looking at bikes at the moment and have noticed that Kawasaki seem to have some good deals on however there is an absence of ABS equipped models.

Don't think the dealers see the lack of ABS as much of a deal breaker for the majority of bike buyers in NZ, so if non ABS versions are cheaper might as well stick with those.

Have you checked out these in the meantime?:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-749930705.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-749930773.htm

[pete376403]

The ER6N LAMS version has ABS. The non LAMs version doesn't, and is $1000 cheaper (plus about twice the power)

[AGC73]

Yeah the non ABS ER6N does look tempting but then I think if I'm going non-ABS why not pay a couple grand more for the Z800 which is a much better bike (unless your bench pressing it) in my mind.

In regards to the Honda 650's posted, the CBR650F is hovering on the top of my list to get and that they have ABS makes them more favourable to me. Still though when I think of the Z800 it's hard to beat.

I could be putting too much emphasis on ABS, I've never had problems on bikes not having ABS before despite riding for years and commuting in all sorts of crap weather and the only time I remember the front going out from under me under brakes was off road in deep gravel.

It's going to be interesting to see if the market changes here when the mandatory ABS comes into effect in the EU on Jan 1st 2016.

[eldog]

It's going to be interesting to see if the market changes here when the mandatory ABS comes into effect in the EU on Jan 1st 2016.

I have often thought NZ follows the Aussie Victorian Traffic regs

I suspect Traction control will become mandatory 2020?

All pushed via technology and SAFETY

thats my own opinion :facepalm:

[pritch]

In the near future (2016?) all bikes sold in the EEC will have to have ABS. All the manufacturers will want to sell in Europe so eventually all bikes will come with ABS as standard.

Some of the cheaper models the OP is looking at come from a bit earlier in the transition period. NZ importers liked to maximise their margins, so some of them have been a bit slow to adopt ABS. Rider safety comes second to profits apparently.

ABS is definitely desirable, but if there are bargains to be had because some models don't have it I wouldn't let the lack of ABS put me off. But right now it's the OPs money and he can make his choice.

[nerrrd]

In the near future (2016?) all bikes sold in the EEC will have to have ABS. All the manufacturers will want to sell in Europe so eventually all bikes will come with ABS as standard.

Wouldn't bet on that; Honda sells ABS only versions of my bike here and in Europe, non ABS in the States (although it's an optional extra).

Similar for the NC series, we get non ABS, States only gets ABS with the Auto version, Europe, Australia and Canada get ABS only.

So doesn't look like it's a big deal to spec individual markets to suit. Maybe if Victoria makes it compulsory we'll do the same...eventually. If ACC haven't priced us off the road altogether by then.

[rastuscat]

Cast your mind back to those posts where the shit hot riders on here insist that they can out-brake an ABS system.

Let's not re litigate that, my point is simply that if people refused to but non ABS models, the importers would stop importing them. However, a lot of us just don't prioritize ABS.

Talking to a MSC member the other day, it's on their radar. Amazing that the Gubbermint has made traction control compulsory from 2017, but I'm not aware of such a move regarding motorcycles.

[James Deuce]

Cast your mind back to those posts where the shit hot riders on here insist that they can out-brake an ABS system.

Let's not re litigate that, my point is simply that if people refused to but non ABS models, the importers would stop importing them. However, a lot of us just don't prioritize ABS.

Talking to a MSC member the other day, it's on their radar. Amazing that the Gubbermint has made traction control compulsory from 2017, but I'm not aware of such a move regarding motorcycles.

Bike ABS used to be Utter Rubbish until the last two or three years and Car ABS, yaw, and traction control systems didn't become reliable and clever and CHEAP until the mid-2000s. Now the capabilities of bog standard entry level learner bike ABS is remarkable and the dynamic stability options of a $20k hatchback like the latest FIAT Punto would put 90s F1 cars to shame.

If we refused to buy bikes without ABS the only people riding Japanese bikes would be the 8-10 people who bought the ABS equipped bikes in the first and only week they were available and those who can afford the top level Adventure, Touring, and Supersport bikes from European manufacturers. I think it highly likely that Blue Wing Honda and Yamaha NZ would simply stop importing road legal bikes and concentrate on killing farmers with quad bikes and townies with water toys. The remaining importers would just add 3-7k to their ABS and TCS equipped bikes.

[scott411]

the older ER6N's and Z800's are older euro spec and a run out special, would guess they only got what they could off a euro distributor,

[Stevee2]

I had the same issue with struggling to find a new ABS bike for <15k. Ended up stretching the budget a little and getting a street triple. Don't regret it for a second given how much fun it is :D

[rastuscat]

I had the same issue with struggling to find a new ABS bike for <15k. Ended up stretching the budget a little and getting a street triple. Don't regret it for a second given how much fun it is :D

Dem Stripples is Da dogz bollix

[AllanB]

$500 upgrade to ABS on most models in the USA.

Just make it standard. Blue Wing Honda would shaft your arse for a 'extra' like ABS - good thing lots of models are coming with it standard now.

[Gremlin]

Don't think the dealers see the lack of ABS as much of a deal breaker for the majority of bike buyers in NZ, so if non ABS versions are cheaper might as well stick with those.
Ah, but speaking to a salesman... When you have customers looking to drop that kind of coin on a new bike... and it doesn't come with ABS? Apparently it is a bit of a sticking point...

As someone who has had ABS on one bike, and ride another without... I'll just point out that when ABS modules fail... hah... I think the BMW is around $4000 for a replacement. :eek:

[nerrrd]

Ah, but speaking to a salesman... When you have customers looking to drop that kind of coin on a new bike... and it doesn't come with ABS? Apparently it is a bit of a sticking point...

Yeah it was for me; coming from 5 or so years on a bike with ABS, and not really needing it, Murphy's law dictated that if I traded up to a bike without it, I would need it. So I ended up not buying the bike I really wanted for that reason, more or less; the dealer still got his coin :) (and might get more if/when the financial stars align again and the bike I do want becomes available with ABS ;) )

[baffa]

My concern with modern electronics, is that drivers and riders learn to rely on them.
Especially on a bike. If you learn to ride on an asthmatic 500 with abs, then upgrade to a 10 year old supersport, you're going to expect to grab the brakes with gay abandon.

I wouldnt mind getting on the ABS wagon, but i'd rate traction control as a much more important feature (assuming I can turn it off :msn-wink: ).

[Ender EnZed]

I wouldnt mind getting on the ABS wagon, but i'd rate traction control as a much more important feature (assuming I can turn it off :msn-wink: ).

I think the reverse. You're much more likely to need to make an emergency/panic stop than an emergency/panic acceleration.

[baffa]

I've locked my front wheel once, trying to do a stoppie. Somehow saved it by slamming my foot down. I'll never be that lucky again.

ABS is a great feature and I am not seeking to understate how useful it can be, but in wet conditions, I'd be more interested in stopping the rear stepping out mid corner.

[nerrrd]

Those who would not risk buying a bike without it are either beginner riders or riders who have a false belief it prevents crashes.

Oh to live in a world of such irrefutable certainty.

[rastuscat]

Oh to live in a world of such irrefutable certainty.

It must be lovely to be better than everything.