Sorry but no it's not. Will find proof..not to prove anybody wrong, but to provide good info for reference.

 

I've been riding machines (mostly BMW) with ABS since the mid 80's. Wouldn't be without it. Sooner or later it will save your A__!

Since I bought my RK I have a lot of discussions with cruiser pilots about brakes. Many of them tell me they never use their front brake! This is hard for me to believe. I have been riding for 40 years and only use my rear brake to keep the bike straight in a panic stop, or going downhill on a gravel road, or while I'm turning tight in a parking lot. At first I thought they were kidding but I've learned since that they are serious. Its a good way to get killed in my opinion. I'm wondering if this may be one of the reasons for the mixed reaction on ABS. I have never seen a condition like some of you describe. But I use my front brake almost 100% of the time.

 

some reading...

http://www.aaafoundation.org/resourc...utton=abs#stop

http://www.ibmwr.org/prodreview/abstests.html This one has a good chart in the real truth heading further down.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/proble...absbrakes.html

Depending on the emergency situation not all riders or car drivers know how to perfectly use their brakes to their full advantage, or think that fast. That is were the solenoids are better to pulse the brake line pressure better than a person. But when it comes down to it a vehicle with good traction rated tires and a good driver can stop faster on most surfaces but not all. In the rain for example, abs will help dramatically for almost everybody.

 

Because the front brake provides about 2/3 (60% or so) of your braking ability. I dont want to debate benefits of ABS because I know for myself all about it. Lots of inaccurate info floating by many people who don't even know how to properly use their brakes. Sad but true. I've seen some guys who never touch the front brake lever. They are "statistics" waiting to happen... My last post on this topic and good luck to you all however you brake.

 

Why not, it's good to read and get test data, or facts from different sources. Like I said I wanted abs brakes but got screwed. Abs will help you dramatically to avoid collins or a fall. But that does not mean they stop faster. Safer, YES. Stops faster?, only some conditions.

 

Hope you enjoy your future bike!!

 

Def buy an 09. I was sold on the 09 when I went around my mate on a sportster nightster on the outside on a 75 k/h posted corner at 135. He was doing about 125 and scraping, i had more to spare.

On the old tourer frame the wobble would have been terminal at that speed.

Even if you dont ride it hard the extra stability is there if you need it. And the big back tyre (sorry, tire) looks and feels so solid.

As to what model, the King is called the King for a reason.. Best bang for your buck. But each to their own.

 

awesome, smooth, ABS well worth it...opt for the cruise to...TRUST ME>...you will NOT regret it...

 

Just picked my 09 Road King w/ABS today. I love my 07 Street Glide. But after only clocking about 120 miles there is in my opinion a significant difference. From here forward I will not buy a bike unless it has ABS. It works and is worth it. The bike stops straight on asphalt or concrete. The 3 inches on the wheel base and larger rear tire adds to the looks and handling and stability. Bottom line there is a difference between the two bikes. If you find a deal for the bike you want I would say go for it now. Less production next year means a potential higher cost.

No one knows what next year brings in model changes.

 

Congratulations! Got to love the Road Kings.