First impression: 2008 ABS
#22
01-17-2008 | 08:56 AM
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 634
Likes: 8
From: Plum & Nearly
RE: First impression: 2008 ABS
I don't need insurance on my house cause a tree is never gonna fall on it, a hurricane will never come, tornados are only in Kansas and it only floods near water. I don't need insurance on my car cause I have never got a ticket, haven't had a crash in over 25 years and I only drive about 2 miles back and forth to work.
I don't need ABS either cause I have been riding for over 30 years, I layed the bike down once (NOT-it was a front wheel lock up that slammed me to the ground) to avoid a crash, I only ride when the weather is good and not raining, I always ride with friends who are as capable as me in braking and my car has ABS and4 wheels and the bike has 2 wheels...it's all the same, I don't need it.
Some pretty funny justifications....
I don't need ABS either cause I have been riding for over 30 years, I layed the bike down once (NOT-it was a front wheel lock up that slammed me to the ground) to avoid a crash, I only ride when the weather is good and not raining, I always ride with friends who are as capable as me in braking and my car has ABS and4 wheels and the bike has 2 wheels...it's all the same, I don't need it.
Some pretty funny justifications....
#23
01-17-2008 | 02:07 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
From:
RE: First impression: 2008 ABS
ORIGINAL: XTrooper3936
Other than not having the $795 extra to pay for it, I can't think of a logical reason for not wanting ABS on your bike. Like a concealed firearm, ABS is "invisible" until you need it and has no effect on normal, everyday riding and braking. However, like that concealed handgun, you'll be damned glad you have it (or damned sorry you don't) if and when the time comes you need it. Remember, full panic stops aren't the only situations where ABS can save your bacon. You can be braking lightly for a stoplight on a dry, summer day, on a roadway free of other traffic, and hit a patch of loose gravel, oil, ATF, tar snake, etc and ABS can keep your bike from getting sideways on you.
I had an experience once where I was going down a slight grade at only ~5 mph in anticipation of making a hard right-hand turn. Just before the turn, there was a wide painted line across the road. The instant my rear tire hit that painted surface, the back end of my bike came around and got me sideways. Fortunately, the person coming up the road I was about to turn onto saw what was happening and stopped short of the intersection. This allowed me the room to get the bike back under control and stop safely in the only place available to me, the parking lot of a restaurant that was on the corner. Fortunately, I was going as slowly as I was and managed to keep the bike upright. Had I been going faster or had that driver not seen I was in trouble, things might have turned out a lot uglier. My point being, ABS can help even in a lot of "**** happens" scenarios and not all of them involve slamming on your brakes.
Other than not having the $795 extra to pay for it, I can't think of a logical reason for not wanting ABS on your bike. Like a concealed firearm, ABS is "invisible" until you need it and has no effect on normal, everyday riding and braking. However, like that concealed handgun, you'll be damned glad you have it (or damned sorry you don't) if and when the time comes you need it. Remember, full panic stops aren't the only situations where ABS can save your bacon. You can be braking lightly for a stoplight on a dry, summer day, on a roadway free of other traffic, and hit a patch of loose gravel, oil, ATF, tar snake, etc and ABS can keep your bike from getting sideways on you.
I had an experience once where I was going down a slight grade at only ~5 mph in anticipation of making a hard right-hand turn. Just before the turn, there was a wide painted line across the road. The instant my rear tire hit that painted surface, the back end of my bike came around and got me sideways. Fortunately, the person coming up the road I was about to turn onto saw what was happening and stopped short of the intersection. This allowed me the room to get the bike back under control and stop safely in the only place available to me, the parking lot of a restaurant that was on the corner. Fortunately, I was going as slowly as I was and managed to keep the bike upright. Had I been going faster or had that driver not seen I was in trouble, things might have turned out a lot uglier. My point being, ABS can help even in a lot of "**** happens" scenarios and not all of them involve slamming on your brakes.
#24
01-17-2008 | 03:26 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 3
From: Slidell, Louisiana
RE: First impression: 2008 ABS
ORIGINAL: XTrooper3936
Other than not having the $795 extra to pay for it, I can't think of a logical reason for not wanting ABS on your bike. Like a concealed firearm, ABS is "invisible" until you need it and has no effect on normal, everyday riding and braking. However, like that concealed handgun, you'll be damned glad you have it (or damned sorry you don't) if and when the time comes you need it. Remember, full panic stops aren't the only situations where ABS can save your bacon. You can be braking lightly for a stoplight on a dry, summer day, on a roadway free of other traffic, and hit a patch of loose gravel, oil, ATF, tar snake, etc and ABS can keep your bike from getting sideways on you.
I had an experience once where I was going down a slight grade at only ~5 mph in anticipation of making a hard right-hand turn. Just before the turn, there was a wide painted line across the road. The instant my rear tire hit that painted surface, the back end of my bike came around and got me sideways. Fortunately, the person coming up the road I was about to turn onto saw what was happening and stopped short of the intersection. This allowed me the room to get the bike back under control and stop safely in the only place available to me, the parking lot of a restaurant that was on the corner. Fortunately, I was going as slowly as I was and managed to keep the bike upright. Had I been going faster or had that driver not seen I was in trouble, things might have turned out a lot uglier. My point being, ABS can help even in a lot of "**** happens" scenarios and not all of them involve slamming on your brakes.
Other than not having the $795 extra to pay for it, I can't think of a logical reason for not wanting ABS on your bike. Like a concealed firearm, ABS is "invisible" until you need it and has no effect on normal, everyday riding and braking. However, like that concealed handgun, you'll be damned glad you have it (or damned sorry you don't) if and when the time comes you need it. Remember, full panic stops aren't the only situations where ABS can save your bacon. You can be braking lightly for a stoplight on a dry, summer day, on a roadway free of other traffic, and hit a patch of loose gravel, oil, ATF, tar snake, etc and ABS can keep your bike from getting sideways on you.
I had an experience once where I was going down a slight grade at only ~5 mph in anticipation of making a hard right-hand turn. Just before the turn, there was a wide painted line across the road. The instant my rear tire hit that painted surface, the back end of my bike came around and got me sideways. Fortunately, the person coming up the road I was about to turn onto saw what was happening and stopped short of the intersection. This allowed me the room to get the bike back under control and stop safely in the only place available to me, the parking lot of a restaurant that was on the corner. Fortunately, I was going as slowly as I was and managed to keep the bike upright. Had I been going faster or had that driver not seen I was in trouble, things might have turned out a lot uglier. My point being, ABS can help even in a lot of "**** happens" scenarios and not all of them involve slamming on your brakes.
#25
01-17-2008 | 03:51 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 8
From: Retired and living in the mountains of NE PA
RE: First impression: 2008 ABS
ORIGINAL: captjon37
I'm sorry, did i ask you to provide me with a logical reason. I don't need anyone to convince me about ABS. I feel my riding skills are good enough that i will survive without it but it is sad that you don't have the same confidence in yourself. My choice was just that. I do not need to carry a gun around either. If you feel that you need to maybe you should move out of the hood and provide your family with a more secure place to live. I also made that choice.
I'm sorry, did i ask you to provide me with a logical reason. I don't need anyone to convince me about ABS. I feel my riding skills are good enough that i will survive without it but it is sad that you don't have the same confidence in yourself. My choice was just that. I do not need to carry a gun around either. If you feel that you need to maybe you should move out of the hood and provide your family with a more secure place to live. I also made that choice.
1. You assumed I was speaking directly to you. I wasn't.
2. You assume I care what you do. Fact is, I don't give a rat's ***.
P.S.- I hope your crystal ball never goes on the fritz. Otherwise, you'll be like the rest of us mere morals and won't be able to see the future. You think you're safe because you live in a nice neighborhood? During my long career in law enforcement, I investigated many cases proving this idea nothing but wishful thinking. There's a big difference between confidence and naivety. Knowing what it is separates the men from the boys.
#26
01-17-2008 | 04:14 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,595
Likes: 51
From: South Jersey
RE: First impression: 2008 ABS
All I can say is this: I spent a month in the hospital (summer of '06), I am confident that if I would have had ABS I would have suffered way less damage!
A cage made an abrupt left right in front of me, I was doing 50mph. Locked them up, the back fishtailed and upon impact the rear came swinging back and threw me off the bike. Shattered my pelvis.
I'm now a believer in ABS cause I've seen first hand what can happen without it. Even when you think you can ride, when and if that moment comes you never know how you will react. I have been riding well over 40 years and thought I was experienced. Just wish I had ABS when I needed it!
A cage made an abrupt left right in front of me, I was doing 50mph. Locked them up, the back fishtailed and upon impact the rear came swinging back and threw me off the bike. Shattered my pelvis.
I'm now a believer in ABS cause I've seen first hand what can happen without it. Even when you think you can ride, when and if that moment comes you never know how you will react. I have been riding well over 40 years and thought I was experienced. Just wish I had ABS when I needed it!
#27
01-17-2008 | 04:25 PM
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
RE: First impression: 2008 ABS
ORIGINAL: Aslan
Harley has had ABS for a few months and I'm already sick of reading about them.
They work and that's good. They might help save someone's bacon, and That's good.
They are optional so you don't have to have them if you don't want them, and that's good.
So it's all good.
What else is there to say?
NOTHING, AND THAT IS VERY GOOD !!!!!
Harley has had ABS for a few months and I'm already sick of reading about them.
They work and that's good. They might help save someone's bacon, and That's good.
They are optional so you don't have to have them if you don't want them, and that's good.
So it's all good.
What else is there to say?
NOTHING, AND THAT IS VERY GOOD !!!!!
#28
01-17-2008 | 04:29 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
From:
RE: First impression: 2008 ABS
No matter how much experience you have, in a real emergency (left turn in front of you while going >40 mph), 99% of motorcyclists will jab that foot brake and lock up the rear wheel (we know what happens after that). It comes from driving a heckuva lot more than riding. ABS will keep the bike controllable, in most cases. Very sorry you didn't have ABS, Streetrunner - hope your healing is on track.
#30
01-17-2008 | 04:56 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 8
From: Retired and living in the mountains of NE PA