Sorry, but no ABS can't be added even to an 07 or 08...it is a factory install option only.

 

I have an 08 UC and ABS is one of the options I wanted on the new bike....that being said I don't think I would take the loss on an 07 and trade it in just to get a new bike with ABS....but rather just put it on my list of what to get the next time you get a new bike. Instead sign up for an MSF ERC cource and get a refresher course on panic stops....then practice....practice. The fact is its not how far you can skid your locked up front wheel that makes you a good rider.....its how good you are at stopping quickly without locking it up that makes you a top notch rider....and if you do happen to lock it up by accident.....how you handle it.

 

Unwillingly tested the ABS on my 08UC 2 days ago when someone pulled in front of me, worked perfectly seemed to be ALOT smoother and more controllable than when I had to do the same type manuever on my 85 fxrs a few years back. Didn't have to clean my shorts this time, so I had that going for me.

 

NOPE.....2005-2007as an option on POLICE bikes....completely different system than the 2008 models...2005-2007 Nissin system.....2008 Delphi

There is no retrofitting and you CAN NOT get it except if it is OEM from the factory.

 

The longest front wheel skid mark on a tourer that I have ever seen was 23 feet....then the gouge marks from the engine guards are seen.
At 60 MPH....do you know how long in time that is?
That would be 88 feet per second.....
or 0.25 seconds maximum (for 23 feet) to fix your front wheel skid...before the horizon looks a whole lot different. That is why the ABS controller modulates 7 times per second.

 

A better pad will not fix the problem of co-efficient of friction betweenthe size of the contact patch (tire on road) and the road surface conditions.

 

ABS along w/ the Brembo brakes was what sealed the deal for me, I wanted a "big" bike w/ ABS.
Best upgrade MoCo has done IMO!

 

Having a chopper with 40* rake and 6" over forks, I have encountered slick surface braking on a number of occasions. Thankfully the long trail(6") has allowed me to recover when the front locks and skids. As soon as I get off the brake, the front end kicks back to straight. This has happened on oil slick wet roads as well as loose sand/gravel. At least I haven't had to avoid hitting something in those conditions. I have mixed feelings about ABS until I have a chance to experience it.

 

Newbie question here!
So what is the proper brake technique for a road king with no ABS brakes (2002)? I remember from the MSF safety class that if you lock up the rear wheel and release it, it will toss you (high Side you), so what is the proper technique for a panic stop?
Both brakes equal, but not locked,
Heavy front, but not locked and rear brake,
More rear than front. More front than rear?

Once I hit the rear brake too hard and it locked up, but I let off the brake, gave it gas, and it straightened out and was fine.
So whats the official panic brake technique????

 

Couldn't agree more. The dealer had the same bike I wanted on the floor (no ABS) but I ordered it instead to get ABS. I used the ABS yesterday for the first time. Teenage idiot (redundant, I know) pulled out in front of me. I have a headlight modulator and I know that was why he stopped halfway out in the intersection-I saw recognition in his eyes. Yes, I was expecting him to pull out. Since this was the second time I rode my new bike after my wreck in September, I was very sensitive to any movement. I saw him move and I grabbed both levers and hit the rear brake. Absolutely no drama. It just stopped VERY quickly. I was very impressed, to say the least. And the Brembo brakes! Wow. Nothing like my 07 Dyna Superglide (it was always wanting to lock the rear brake).

The throttle (fly-by-wire) is no different than my Superglide cable was. Very smooth and responsive.

By the way, I took a $2000.00 hit on my 07 Superglide on trade-in. I paid $12,000 and the dealer gave me $10,000 on trade-in for the 2008 Streetglide. Well worth it-I rode the Superglide for a year and 9,976 miles for $2000. Your mileage may vary. Hope this helps someone come to a decision if you're thinking about buying a 2008 Touring model. No other way to say it-they are really great bikes.

Edit:

Just as an afterthought, every bike Harley sells with ABS has a DVD in the saddlebag that explains how the ABS works and how to use them. I believe if all the dealers played that DVD on a continuous loop, at the dealership, very few touring bikes would leave the place without ABS. The DVD demonstrates stopping on slick surfaces and sand/gravel. It will make a believer out of you. One of my riding buddies watched the DVD at my house, Saturday, and said, "I guess I'll have to trade my Road King(2007) in!". It really impressed him.