Take two identical Baggers side by side at 65 mph, one with ABS and one without and do a full on panic stop and see which one stop in the least distance. The ABS will win every time. Now put some sand on the pavement and do the same. ABS wins again. Now put a little oil on the pavement..you get the idea?

Do you need it? I don't know....Do I need it?....You bet!

 

I have been riding since I was ten. I have a RG with the ABS option. I can't say that it's saved my life, but I can say that during a couple of stop light situations it may have saved a ticket or two. One time I probably missed a t-bone when a broad ran right out in front of me with a crossing gaurd telling me to go. I love the brakes on my 08 RG and am very glad I bought them. I have nothing to compare with though as this is my first and only modern Harley. The only other one being one with drums.

 

Been riding a good while, ange over 15K per year in Michigan... I have the ABS on my latest ride, a 2008 Ultra, and I will say cayuse I mean it...ABS IS A MUST HAVE.

Friends and I tested it on a closed course. 2 identical bikes, one person standing by to signal the stop, 15 times we tried, and 15 times the ABS stopped at least 4 bike lengths faster at speeds over 40 mph. Switched riders and tried it all over again so no one culd say tyhe ABS rider was any better...Results were nearly identical ABS stopped faster EACH AND EVERY TIME at speeds above 40. Below that speed, you MIGHT be able to stop faster than me with my ABS, but I would not bet on it.

 

its less than 800 dollars... that will MORE than pay for itself (how much is your life worth) in one precarious panic stop... I've locked my Nightster brakes up more than once on loose/greasy surfaces, and i can tell you its a scary scary SCARY and dangerous thing... and worth 800 dollars

 

I've been wearing seat belts for 45 years and haven't needed them yet. Same for safety glass in the cars I've owned! I think they're overrated as well!

 

same with condoms... not quite for 45 years though

 

Figured that chances are ABS is going to save lives so decided to get into the drawing.

Also felt ABS and cruise would help resale.

 

I love to read oil threads and Abs threads. I got to go make some popcorn!

 

Can ABS be installed post factory installation?

 

I think a lot of you guys are missing the point; he already has the bike and is having second thoughts about not getting ABS. He has what he has and unless he is willing (and has deep enough pockets) to take a beating on trade in and buy a new bike less than one year after his present bike then his only option is to try:

http://www.tcbbrakesystems.com/index.html

I would be interested in knowing if anyone has tried this system. For good or ill I have ABS but I have a friend in much the same position.