Thoughts on ABS?

[Renegade]

So ive been looking around and like the look of the newish bandits and sprints (05+).

Im considering an ABS model, ive had experience with ABS in cars and find it a useful emergency tool but i beleive most people dont understand how the ABS systems work and their purpose.

I would like to hear from those that have or have used ABS on bikes and their opinions on how you find it and if you think it is a worth while accessory.

[Hitcher]

I've ridden about three different bikes now with ABS. I don't like it. I find it vague and unresponsive. I think that a good "natural" braking system is more involving of the rider.

Call me old fashioned.

[zzzbang]

dont know if this helps.. but its interesting stuff. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6kO6...eature=channel

[Ixion]

I think it's excellent and very useful. This is after all the 22nd century , bikes need to get with the times

This question has been posed many time sbefore , the discussion always gets trashed when some racer type barges in and says "Race bikes don't use them therefore they are useless". And it's all downhill from there.

[Renegade]

I've ridden about three different bikes now with ABS. I don't like it. I find it vague and unresponsive. I think that a good "natural" braking system is more involving of the rider.

Call me old fashioned.

i wouldnt have thought it woulb be that noticable, i was under the impression that you would only know it was there when the front locked up or attempted to lockup?

[Ixion]

i wouldnt have thought it woulb be that noticable, i was under the impression that you would only know it was there when the front locked up?

That's my experience. Just like any other brakes until lock up point. But it is necessary to distinguish between ABS and linked brakes. Many ABS systems are also linked.

[Renegade]

That's my experience. Just like any other brakes until lock up point. But it is necessary to distinguish between ABS and linked brakes. Many ABS systems are also linked.

just to clarify the linked brakes, that means what ever pedal/lever you use it activates both brakes together? and ABS would work in conjunction with monitoring both brakes from lockup?

[SARGE]

hated the ones on the FJ when i got it .. was the first thing to go

[Blackshear]

RACEBIKES DON'T USE THEM!

Brought to you by:
USD forks
CF everthing
Treadless tyres
Elbowing down
Slipper clutches, and more!

Having never tried an ABS equipped bike, I can only say that logic would deem it superior.

[Ixion]

just to clarify the linked brakes, that means what ever pedal/lever you use it activates both brakes together? and ABS would work in conjunction with monitoring both brakes from lockup?

Yes. Linked brakes , each lever works both front and back, usually on a split arrangement eg front brake lever works all calipers on front brake only some on rear, foot brake the reverse.

Some bikes have linked wothout ABS, some have ABS without linked (my experience), some have both. Most modern ABS have both.

Only time ABS is not good is on gravel, but you can turn it off so I don't see that as a problem

[Renegade]

Yes. Linked brakes , each lever works both front and back, usually on a split arrangement eg front brake lever works all calipers on front brake only some on rear, foot brake the reverse.

Some bikes have linked wothout ABS, some have ABS without linked (my experience), some have both. Most modern ABS have both.

Only time ABS is not good is on gravel, but you can turn it off so I don't see that as a problem

why would it be know good on gravel, it would stop the front locking up in an emergency unless of course if you want lockup for dirt work.

Im thinking that the positive would be not worrying about lockup, just bang the brakes as hard as you like rain or shine and you know what will happen.....it will stop.

[Ixion]

Yes, on gravel a locked wheel is often a good thing, it acts like a snow plow and shoves down through the loose stones to the hard pack underneath, especially on the rear wheel.

And I agree , what I like about ABS is it's one less thing to worry about in an emergency. Which means more headspace free to figure out an escape route.

People say "Oh I can stop more quickly than ABS". Which may be true, on a race track, with a nice clean surface when you are expecting to brake. But it's another matter in heavy traffic on a wet road, with paint, and random oil patches, when someone races out suddenly directly in front of you. Being able just to hit the brakes hard without having to devote attention to the paint/oil/manhole cover etc etc is valuable.

[Anarkist]

I find if you keep your cardio up and burn off the fat you can get away with 100-200 situps every alternating day.

Keep your protein intake up to boost the metabolism and you should be well on your way in 2-3 weeks depending on what state you're at now.

[Renegade]

Yes, on gravel a locked wheel is often a good thing, it acts like a snow plow and shoves down through the loose stones to the hard pack underneath, especially on the rear wheel.

And I agree , what I like about ABS is it's one less thing to worry about in an emergency. Which means more headspace free to figure out an escape route.

People say "Oh I can stop more quickly than ABS". Which may be true, on a race track, with a nice clean surface when you are expecting to brake. But it's another matter in heavy traffic on a wet road, with paint, and random oil patches, when someone races out suddenly directly in front of you. Being able just to hit the brakes hard without having to devote attention to the paint/oil/manhole cover etc etc is valuable.

yes, it was a contributing factor to my crash 3yrs ago, car u-turn, beach side road with light sprinkle of sand blown on th road from the beach that wasnt visible until it was to late.

hence why im looking at ABS, now its more common on lower priced bikes.

[Motu]

I've never ridden a bike with ABS - but they are crap.So are Harleys,I read it on the internet.