I purchased a 2008 Road Glide with Brembo ABS recently. Having traded from an 06 Wide Glide, of course the difference is night and day. I had spent some time on Road Glides in the past, and as most, fell in love with it's comfort, ride and handling. Not that the Wide Glide wasn't a blast for what it was. The new (finally!) black motor with the Brembo ABS, along with the sweet deals being offered this time of year on the 08's,prompted my decision to make the switch at this time. The new 08 is even more of a pleasure to ride than the last RG i was on, which was an 06. In the first several hundred miles I have put on the bike, I have noticed that on at least 3 occasions, the ABS has activated, ever so slightly. I have felt the Harley described "click" when stopping at a few intersections that are slightly coated here in the northeast this time of year with sand and debris. Now i know that I have not applied any more brake pressure than I would normally at such a stop, but I am guessing that getting used to the more powerful Brembo brakes requires a little less pressure than standard Harley brakes. I just found it interesting that the ABS system is very adept at picking up the slightest lossof traction at a stop. So far, it has made me glad that I chose this option. While not having used them yet in a full out " panic stop" (and hope I don't have to), I believe this system has merit both for the well experienced rider and that "casual" rider as well. While not a cure for bad riding habits, and proper braking technique, it is a worthwhile addition for anyone who has faced the "oh S#*t" or "murphy's law" situations in the past. (and I think most of us who have ridden any length of time, have!). These are my first impressions, and I feel that the $800 option is money well spent (over chrome), and should be consdired in your purchase. I hope that Harley will make this option, standard,on models in the future. Anyone who has experience with the system, in full lock situations, please share your experiences as well. I hope that this post will help other members here in their purchasing decision. Thanks to all the members here, who help each other out! Ride safe.

 

Why would you not try it youself? After a couple hundred miles on mine I went to a parking lot and tried em out. No only do you need to do it just to feel what happens you will be more impressed than you are now. Go somewhere safe and get it up to 35-40 and do a all out panic stop.

 

Yes, I have tried them in a parking lot situation, to get a "feel" for the full activation. I was quite impressed as you say. I was just looking for anyone who may have experiences with them in a real world panic situation, and their impressions. Thanks for your reply though, and good advise to anyone with them!

 

TheONLY reason that I would trade my 02 Ultra for a 08 would be to get theABS.Ya can`t go wrong with ABS!

 

The whole braking system on the touring bikes (08) is impressive. Very responsive and smooth. Glad I got the ABS, glad I got my EG.

 

I had a Road King Custom last year and decided that I wanted a Street Glide instead. Thought about looking for an 07 SG, but decided to pony up for an 08 so I could get the ABS option. If it saves your **** once it is worth it, if just keeps you from dumping your bike once it has paid for itself due to repairs.

 

Lets all hope it's false security and never needed. I can't wait for the Harley roll cage option... or a big transparant bubble to ride in.

 

The debate will never end. We heard the same argument regarding seatbelts in cars and helmets. I'd be willing to bet that at least half of all motorcycle accidents where damage occurs to both rider and bike are caused by locking up the rear wheel and then releasing the rear brake. We saw plenty of that this past summer when we were getting 6 crash bikes in a week to try to fix (average repair time was 2 months before all parts were in and repairs were made). Now I'll stand back - have a nice day.

 

Nice report on the ABS. Sure wish it was available when I bought my '05. The ABS on my BMW saved my bacon a few times in the rain.

 

any safety improvement if you can have a chance to get go for it be safe ride long.