ABS the question

[Katman]

Fact remains that aside from the revered in his own mind Katman, everyone who has used or tried ABS including the ones in all the links here says it is a good thing, especially those who have had their arse saved by it.

Have you actually looked at the poll?

(As flawed as it might be).

[Edbear]

Have you actually looked at the poll?

(As flawed as it might be).

Have you been reading the thread and the links?

[swbarnett]

They still crash and kill themselves and others with or without the safety features.

Doesn't this prove that, on a population level, they're not working?

My problem with ABS is not that I think I'm better at braking without it. It's that it comes at an enormous cost for very little real benifit. The more complicated vehicles get the more natural resources are required to build one and the dearer they get. Add to that a little risk homeostatis and things haven't changed all that much.

[davereid]

99.9% of the time you won't even know its there for normal road riding, you can still practice heavy braking. ... What's not to like?

I have been riding for more than 40 years, and I have practiced emergency braking on every bike I have ever owned until I'm blue in the face.

But when that dog runs out, that silly old cunt does a U turn, and I hit the brakes, I never seem to get it quite as right as I did when I was practicing.

But, as you say "whats not to like?"

If you are such a good rider that you can apply exactly the correct amount of braking force under all conditions and on all road surfaces, you will never even know if your bike has ABS.

[Edbear]

Doesn't this prove that, on a population level, they're not working?

My problem with ABS is not that I think I'm better at braking without it. It's that it comes at an enormous cost for very little real benifit. The more complicated vehicles get the more natural resources are required to build one and the dearer they get. Add to that a little risk homeostatis and things haven't changed all that much.

No, considering most accidents occur where emergency braking is not the problem, ie: crossing the centre line, running off the road, it remains that active and passive safety features are effective where they do come into play.

I have been riding for more than 40 years, and I have practiced emergency braking on every bike I have ever owned until I'm blue in the face.

But when that dog runs out, that silly old cunt does a U turn, and I hit the brakes, I never seem to get it quite as right as I did when I was practicing.

But, as you say "whats not to like?"

If you are such a good rider that you can apply exactly the correct amount of braking force under all conditions and on all road surfaces, you will never even know if your bike has ABS.

Persackly!

[MaxCannon]

I have it an it's saved my bacon.
Both times in the wet when cars have turned in front of me as if I'm not there.
Could I have stopped in time with it switched off? - maybe.
Would I have tucked the front and kissed the tarmac instead? possibly.
I think for me the most benfit is retaining control in that initial moment of panic braking.

It's switchable and on the track I turn it off as it cuts in too early and ruins the brake feel.
I'm also fairly confident that no taxis are going to cut accross by path as I'm braking for T1 at Hampton.

[240]

kizashi???? What the hells that ?

[jonbuoy]

I have been riding for more than 40 years, and I have practiced emergency braking on every bike I have ever owned until I'm blue in the face.

But when that dog runs out, that silly old cunt does a U turn, and I hit the brakes, I never seem to get it quite as right as I did when I was practicing.

But, as you say "whats not to like?"

If you are such a good rider that you can apply exactly the correct amount of braking force under all conditions and on all road surfaces, you will never even know if your bike has ABS.

If your a new rider what better bike to practice emergency stops on in an wet empty car park. If you feel the ABS kick in your braking too hard.

[Edbear]

kizashi???? What the hells that ?

It's a Suzuki, mate, but not as you know it,

It's our car, actually, but the example was to point out that active safety doesn't detract from the drive/ride as they are only there for emergencies.

[Paul in NZ]

Its a moot point what you personally think of ABS as pretty soon it will be a non negotiable feature of motorcycles. The EU have pretty much already made it mandatory in new bikes and I cant see the yanks being far behind.

Riding a motorcycle isnt like driving a car - it requires a different mindset and a more active involvement. Some would say more skills as well and yet most riders are also drivers at a time when driving a car is becoming easier and easier. Better engine management systems and hardly any manual transmissions are changing driving and changing the skill base. Cars don't pink and stall in the wrong gear, tyres are wider, traction never lets go, brakes work and they are generally much more 'forgiving'. Its inevitable that this moves over to riding as well...

Its unlikely I will ever own one yet both my regular road bikes have a form of ABS. The Triumph 2LS brake is a real peach with lots of servo effect and a wonderful 'feel' allowing the rider to easily avoid lock up. The Moto Guzzi 'linked' brake system is similarly very good and 'squats' the bike nicely while hauling the plot up very smartly (for its age) but I admit both need a sympathetic rider and some time in the saddle...

In the end - if you are a purchaser of new bikes it wont matter - ABS will be standard inside 5 years.

[Paul in NZ]

I was told BMW ABS can cost $3000 to service and having ridden BMW with and without abs (2004 model) the difference was negligable on a dry road and I now have 4 wheels for the wet anyway.

This extra cost IS going to be an issue. Also as these vehicles age they will become illegal and worthless due to failing systems (hmm - might need to reconsider that - lots of old CDI bikes still going)

Motorcycling is on its way to being a very expensive hobby for the wealthy. The EU wont insist on ABS for scooters which is where the huddled masses will end up...

[Mr. Peanut]

Has anyone else noticed the complete lack of women giving a shit?

I think that's because not wanting ABS has more to do with egotistical posturing than rational thought; if it aint that, it's defending your purchase, because we're all fond of our darling and god forbid we ever wake up in the night, drenched in sweat in the realisation that the braking system of our motorcycle might be... inferior!

[GTRMAN]

Has anyone else noticed the complete lack of women giving a shit?

I think that's because not wanting ABS has more to do with egotistical posturing than rational thought; if it aint that, it's defending your purchase, because we're all fond of our darling and god forbid we ever wake up in the night, drenched in sweat in the realisation that the braking system of our motorcycle might be... inferior!

A valid point, but you gonna need this now...

[Maha]

It's a Suzuki, mate, but not as you know it,

It's our car, actually, but the example was to point out that active safety doesn't detract from the drive/ride as they are only there for emergencies.

Learn to park properly will ya Ed?..

[240]

It's a Suzuki, mate, but not as you know it,

It's our car, actually, but the example was to point out that active safety doesn't detract from the drive/ride as they are only there for emergencies.

Aaah yeah sorry man now that you mention it I have seen those around, they are a real cool looking car.
Didn't know the name though