This won't be popular but.......HD ABS sucks
#71
The biggest downside to ABS brakes on Harleys is that you're forced to take it to the stealership to have them bled properly (they need to connect it to their "Digital Technician" in order for the solenoids to open up so that all the fluid may be flushed through).
I do my own work, so if anybody knows a way around this, I'd love to hear it.
I do my own work, so if anybody knows a way around this, I'd love to hear it.
Last edited by dswansbiker; 01-29-2012 at 09:17 AM.
#72
If you just follow the front sensor cable up into the nacelle (fairing) - there is a connector thats really easy to get to.
You unplug the front sensor and that disables ABS on both axles.
Its quicker than pulling the fuse. To reactivate ABS you plug the sensor back in and you have to cycle power off and on for the ABS to work again.
You unplug the front sensor and that disables ABS on both axles.
Its quicker than pulling the fuse. To reactivate ABS you plug the sensor back in and you have to cycle power off and on for the ABS to work again.
Last edited by dswansbiker; 01-29-2012 at 09:18 AM.
#73
"ABS brakes are for the unskilled rider, not for me. I'm much too good of a rider to need or want ABS brakes. I like to ride 'aggressively' (defined as entering turns too fast for the conditions) and I am proud of that."
Such arrogance! The kind of arrogance that gets people killed. I hope that is not your fate.
Such arrogance! The kind of arrogance that gets people killed. I hope that is not your fate.
#74
1. your speed was too great entering the turn.
2. you started braking in the turn. which is what caused you to go down, not the abs.
like the guy said, learn how and when to use brakes( abs or otherwise)
the fact you responded this way to his comment tells everyone else here you how clueless you really are...
not bashing you really, but its not the abs systems fault, you two crucial mistakes...
#75
I agree it has drawbacks, and I wouldn't want it active in an aggressive riding situation, but for regular commuting to and from work or on lazy touring I'm glad my bike has it.
#76
#77
#78
ABS has saved my bacon for sure. Had a Kamikazi deer try to take me out last year and there was no time to do anything but find as much brakes as possible, immediately. I have had the ABS kick in when I didn't like it. Coming to a stop on loose or bumpy surfaces can cause it to activate. Still I love it. A touring bike is not supppsed to be a track bike. It can be done, but why?
#79
A lot of interesting comments.
The best advise given thus far is the benefit of upgrading the suspension to maximize tire to road contact. That is great advise whether you were intending to keep the ABS or not.
I don't much like the idea of turning it off with a switch because nobody can predict when you will need it. Thats the whole point of ABS, to activate when traction is lost. If you have no traction, you have no control. Mine has kicked in a couple of times to my benefit recently. Once on a sand blown stretch leading into a tight turn and a flash frozen bridge overpass. Both times I was oblivious to the road condition when the ABS activated and served as an early warning more or less. Point being, if you don't like ABS eliminate it altogether and just ride the bike within its and your limitations and just hope a panic or surprise situation doesn't get the best of you when ABS could have helped.
The best advise given thus far is the benefit of upgrading the suspension to maximize tire to road contact. That is great advise whether you were intending to keep the ABS or not.
I don't much like the idea of turning it off with a switch because nobody can predict when you will need it. Thats the whole point of ABS, to activate when traction is lost. If you have no traction, you have no control. Mine has kicked in a couple of times to my benefit recently. Once on a sand blown stretch leading into a tight turn and a flash frozen bridge overpass. Both times I was oblivious to the road condition when the ABS activated and served as an early warning more or less. Point being, if you don't like ABS eliminate it altogether and just ride the bike within its and your limitations and just hope a panic or surprise situation doesn't get the best of you when ABS could have helped.