Does ABS on the Harley really prevent front wheel lock-up in panic stops? It seems that it's a fact that locking the front wheel up will send you to the pavement and that effective braking is one of the more difficult skills to learn. Do you think that Harley's with ABS are a safer ride for novice and intermediate riders? I'm actually considering selling my 2010 non-ABS Heritage and getting one with it.

 

ABS does prevent wheel lock up and adds a degree of safety. However locking the rear brake is a bigger concern than the front. If you lock up the front ease up and reapply. If you lock up the rear keep it locked until the bike has slowed and is straight otherwise you could have an unscheduled get-off on the high-side.

 

ABS absolutely stops front wheel lockup. Proper technique will also prevent it but, as you say, for novice and intermediate riders ABS is a good option. It's not a replacement for practice though, proper technique in braking, swerving etc. will save your bacon. I would rather rely on my skills than systems that may work so, practice, practice, practice. Take a class too.

 

Wouldn't get another bike without it!

 

ABS is great. Maybe 10/10 racers don't need it, but for the rest of us it is the greatest thing since sliced bread!
I will never own another bike without ABS.

 

If you haven't seen HD's video on ABS, it's worth checking out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ6R8vNm7_M

 

Love my ABS.

 

ABS works great when your skills do not. It saved me when I panicked when a deer appeared in front of me last year. I swear to God the thing was teleported into my lane directly in front of me. I grabbed way to much brake, but slowed down nice, straight and in control.

 

I've had it kick in a couple of times in panic situations and I love knowing I still have control as I'm stopping. I too would not buy a bike without it. As someone else said......it saves your bacon when your skills don't.

 

Isnt it more for REAR WHEEL lockup avoidance, not front? I know it works on both wheels but I was under the impression that it was more for rear wheel skid control.
I have it on my StreetGlide but have yet to have to "use" it (thank God!)