"Given a choice, I really like my ABS."

As do thousands of others. As with all long threads, this one has "morphed" into discussing the general characteristics of ABS but the original subject was the hydraulic lock malfunction with seems unique to Harley. I sincerely hope you never experience that malfunction, especially while moving.

 

Yep, different problem.

Beary

 

Flushing the brake fluid couldn't be any easier, changing oil is harder. Just as easy on ABS bikes, just don't power the bike when your flushing.

 

My understanding that the simple "shade tree" flush doesn't put any new fluid in the ABS unit, or is that just a rumor to get more machines into the dealership?

 

Just curious, what would the consequences be if the switch was accidentally turned on while flushing the system? I have only seen this warning on the forum.

 

That's just a half-flush. You fail to change all the fluid in the abs system that way.

 

I don't think it would have any ill effect if turned on during flushing because you have fluid present and no air in the lines. Only time I've seen this be an issue is during an upper and lower brake line swap like during a bar swap. Cycling the ABS with the lines off or without being fully bled can allow air to get trapped in the ABS module.
On a side note, you have a 2010 Electra Glide in your shop right now with a module failure. Flushing the fluid at home didn't help it any.

 

Was this reported to the NHTSA?

.

 

It hasn't yet but I will make certain that it does. The bike belongs to my wife's uncle.

 

I don't believe it will change the fluid that is in the module at the time of the flush.... not sure that's a significant amount of fluid... I'd love to know for sure..