Absolutely, get them. My brother went down on a rental because he used too much rear brake when a dumb bastard pulled out in front of him. I believe he would have not got in any accident if he had them. The guys who think that you should learn how to ride trust themselves to give just the right amount of brakes in a PANIC situation. I think the electronics give everybody an edge when the time comes

 

Hey, arther nice to see you again!

I picked up an 08 Ultra over the weekend. I decided to go with the Anti-locks which was the main reason I didn't just buy used.

I know how to ride, practice my stopping regularly, and have had at least one OMG back wheel lock stops. Isimply choose the safety factor of theABS considering the weight and height of the bike compared to my softail.Having ABS is not a replacement for good riding skills and it tells you so in the video they give you.

Congrats on the new bike what ever you decide

 

Hi there. Congratulations on the bike. I see you went with the 'Christmas Edition' package!

Yeah, think I'll get the abs. Then 'll learn how ot ride and maybe then I can take those training wheels off.

 

on the skidpad under ideal situations, you dont need them...
in the real world, you can beat em..

 

There doesn't seem to be a lot of bikes with ABS on dealer floors. Every dealer I go to, very few(if any) have ABS. Seems like you need to order one if you want the ABS. All the salespeople I talk to seem to think that the dealerships underestimated the popularity of ABS and didn't order that many.

 

I didn't want it on my SG. I feel that they were primarily designed for riding in wet or on otherwise less then ideal traction surfaces. I dont ride in the rain. If I am on a trip and I do get caught in the rain, I will either pull off and wait it out, or get a room...and wait it out in comfort. Besides that, I still got quite a bit of kid in me, and I like to play around locking up the rears on purpose, putting the bike into a controlled skid as I am coming up to a red light and such. By getting very familiar with the way my bikes handle with the rears locked is one way of making the panic stop when it happens less stressful, and more controllable.
Also, I didn't want to get the ABS with the new system just yet....I will wait a few years to see if there are any real bugs and what it takes to work them out.

 

Just picked up my '08 Ultra 2 weeks ago.Had to order it due to high demand of ABS. ABS was a definite yes for me and one of the main reasons for buying this year (the 6 gallon tank isa big plus as well). I've been riding since I was a wee, little moto-crosser so I don't have an ability deficit; I'm just too good looking to want to mess withroad rash. The ABS system is the same that HD has been putting on its police bikes for over a decade so I'm not to worried about "gremlins in a new system". At 7 pulses per second the ABSwill out perform my hand and/or footany day. Given the dangers out on the road,anything that increases my margin of safety is an easy decision to make. At 850lbs, my Ultra isn't going to be making any wild controlled skids for fun; notwhile I'm at the controls anyway.I ride all-weather (minus ice storms), cross-town, cross-countryand all-year so having extra safety features is a must.

 

Picking up the new Ultra today with ABS. I've locked up due to others stupidity and my inexpirience. I'm not afraid to admit that I'm not the most expirienced rider because there is always a new situationgoing to be thrown at you.
I traded a RKC that I loved due to the availability of the ABS. Hated to see that one go.
Get the ABS. And biz44, HD has been using ABS on police bikes for a few years now. Hopefully most of the bugs are worked out.

Bob

 

I will take my chances on the ABS any day. I have a gravel driveway and have locked up the brakes in my RG at about 10 MPH. Nothing but a little jerky movement on the handbrake and a funny feeling on the foot pedal. Try that without ABS and see what happens. I don't like them on my car either. Because most of us spend more time in cars than on bikes, the natural reaction after a brake lockup is to release the brakes. I think that most people high side for this very reason. In a matter of seconds under stress it is hard to remember to do everything just right. Some do and live to tell about it. Some don't and are hurt very seriously. If the ABS gives me an edge I'll take it. T.

 

Hell Yes! They're way safer.

I wish it would have been an option in 07.