ABS- Worth the Cost?

[Andrew]

Are ABS brakes worthe the extra cost? They can add almost $2k on to a bike. I'm sure they increase safety, but how much of a difference do they really make?

-Andrew

[jpaul]

While waiting for a demo ride at the Honda Hoot in 2001, we got hit by a downpour. While waiting for the rain to let up, one of the BMW employees grabbed a K1100LT and started running back and forthe through the area. He'd get up to 50-60 mph and then hit the brakes, hard. Every time, he stopped quickly, with no lock-up, swerving, or any excitement at all. It was impressive, to say the least.

[BigChickenStrips]

im not an expert on the subject, but i would say if you have a bike that weighs a lot like a goldwing they would be helpful. on smaller, lighter bikes, i think they would not be as nesicary.

[dieziege]

The usual problem with ABS, at least with cars, is that it can do more harm than good on surfaces you *know* are slippery (e.g. sand/gravel)... that's why the BMW GS/dual-sport bikes have the ability to turn off ABS.

That's what I'd want... switchable ABS...but that's just me.

Personally, I lock the rear wheel on my ex250 at least once a day, usually twice. Of course, that's usually when I'm riding on a dirt road and it ain't exactly accidental.

[sapaul]

The common perception is that ABS will stop you quicker, to a degree that is true but only from a confidence level. The other consideration is that you have to learn how to use ABS, let me tell you the first time I was going down a hill and hit the ABS brakes hard and they came on and then let go to stop the lockup, well let me tell you my pants were brown. From an upright, slam them on, no lockup, point then they are worth every penny. Best thing you can have for panic braking. The downside is that if you are leaned over, the brakes will pull you upright and that is not a good thing in a corner.

[Lion_Lady]

I love mine. They're partially linked. Grab the front brake lever and the ABS system adds in 20% rear braking action. Hit the rear brake pedal and you only get rear braking.

No need to switch the system on/off. (My BMW is a street only, R1150R Rockster).

The trade off is that on washboard type surfaces (as you'll find where trucks/heavy vehicles have rippled the asphalt) they can act a bit "hinky" as your tires bump across the surface. At least thats been my only "issue" with the system. I don't really consider it a problem, since I know its there.

P

[Andrew]

Good to hear. I'm in the process of buying a used bike that has ABS, but it really didn't seem to effect the price all that much. From what I've read/heard I'll be happy with it. Thanks for the help.

-Andrew

[sapaul]

I love mine. They're partially linked. Grab the front brake lever and the ABS system adds in 20% rear braking action. Hit the rear brake pedal and you only get rear braking.

No need to switch the system on/off. (My BMW is a street only, R1150R Rockster).

The trade off is that on washboard type surfaces (as you'll find where trucks/heavy vehicles have rippled the asphalt) they can act a bit "hinky" as your tires bump across the surface. At least thats been my only "issue" with the system. I don't really consider it a problem, since I know its there.

P

Mine are the same on the K1200S and differ hugely from the behavior of the RT, so get to know how yours behaves.

[Andrew]

It's an RS, but I'm sure it'll be different either way

[sapaul]

Great bike, much quicker than they look or feel. They are heavy and the thing you really need to get used to is how quick those servo's pull up the bike. It is really not noticable on your own because the are super smooth, but ride in a pack or have cars in a line behind you and watch out in your mirrors. This bike stops quickly, you run the risk of someone up your "O Ring".