This won't be popular but.......HD ABS sucks
#81
I've had those unwanted ABS activations going over bumps while slowing down, always just the rear, and it takes longer to stop than you planned. I hate those moments! Usually I just grab more front, which has never given me an iunwanted activation.
But I think you're missing the main point that shows the value of ABS: Although there are moments it activates when you don't want it to, you could always control those moments by riding safer in the first place. But ABS makes those dangerous moments YOU CANNOT CONTROL much, much safer. Which ultimately makes motorcycling much much safer. For example:
As in the OP, you're coming hot into a curve and encounter surface irregularities. ABS activated when you didn't want it to and you had a pucker moment. THIS IS SOMETHING YOU COULD HAVE CONTROLLED by entering the curve at a speed slow enough to anticpate traction challenges until you can clearly see the tarmac and identify there are no problems. If you come in too hot expecting no gravel or sand, then ABS is definitely a problem. But that's you're fault and it is something you could have controlled.
But when a deer jumps in front of you in straight line cruising, this is BEYOND YOUR CONTROL and ABS is a huge benefit.
Driver turns left right in front of you, this is BEYOND YOUR CONTROL and ABS is a huge benefit.
Driver pulls out in front of you, this is BEYOND YOUR CONROL and ABS is a huge benefit.
There was a time when I also wanted to deactivate my ABS, but after thinking it through, I'm glad I have it and would not want a bike without it. It makes the situations that are beyond your control much much safer.
But I think you're missing the main point that shows the value of ABS: Although there are moments it activates when you don't want it to, you could always control those moments by riding safer in the first place. But ABS makes those dangerous moments YOU CANNOT CONTROL much, much safer. Which ultimately makes motorcycling much much safer. For example:
As in the OP, you're coming hot into a curve and encounter surface irregularities. ABS activated when you didn't want it to and you had a pucker moment. THIS IS SOMETHING YOU COULD HAVE CONTROLLED by entering the curve at a speed slow enough to anticpate traction challenges until you can clearly see the tarmac and identify there are no problems. If you come in too hot expecting no gravel or sand, then ABS is definitely a problem. But that's you're fault and it is something you could have controlled.
But when a deer jumps in front of you in straight line cruising, this is BEYOND YOUR CONTROL and ABS is a huge benefit.
Driver turns left right in front of you, this is BEYOND YOUR CONTROL and ABS is a huge benefit.
Driver pulls out in front of you, this is BEYOND YOUR CONROL and ABS is a huge benefit.
There was a time when I also wanted to deactivate my ABS, but after thinking it through, I'm glad I have it and would not want a bike without it. It makes the situations that are beyond your control much much safer.
#82
In 1975 80% of the motorcycle fatalities were in the youngest age groups <29 by 2009 the older age group fatalitles exceeded the younger group.
To many guys that I know practice looking good than learning how to ride their ride and when you exceed their limit then they say you ride too fast.
"Meanwhile, if motorcycles have become less popular among young people in their 20s, the two demographic trends would explain why the share of motorcycle deaths represented by the 50+ age group is increasing, and was greater in 2009 than the younger age group’s share of deaths."
Instead of duck walking the bike, taking bad lines, being unable to turn a bike around, thinking that the rear brake is the primary brake, people should be honing their skills. IMHO
BTW I still like having ABS
To many guys that I know practice looking good than learning how to ride their ride and when you exceed their limit then they say you ride too fast.
"Meanwhile, if motorcycles have become less popular among young people in their 20s, the two demographic trends would explain why the share of motorcycle deaths represented by the 50+ age group is increasing, and was greater in 2009 than the younger age group’s share of deaths."
Instead of duck walking the bike, taking bad lines, being unable to turn a bike around, thinking that the rear brake is the primary brake, people should be honing their skills. IMHO
BTW I still like having ABS
#84
4x4 said perfect, i have abs, they work just fine. i push mine pretty hard, im not a couch rider as you say but two things you said stand out above all else
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...
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...
Last edited by qtrracer; 01-29-2012 at 12:44 PM.
#85
In 1975 80% of the motorcycle fatalities were in the youngest age groups <29 by 2009 the older age group fatalitles exceeded the younger group.
To many guys that I know practice looking good than learning how to ride their ride and when you exceed their limit then they say you ride too fast.
"Meanwhile, if motorcycles have become less popular among young people in their 20s, the two demographic trends would explain why the share of motorcycle deaths represented by the 50+ age group is increasing, and was greater in 2009 than the younger age group’s share of deaths."
Instead of duck walking the bike, taking bad lines, being unable to turn a bike around, thinking that the rear brake is the primary brake, people should be honing their skills. IMHO
BTW I still like having ABS
To many guys that I know practice looking good than learning how to ride their ride and when you exceed their limit then they say you ride too fast.
"Meanwhile, if motorcycles have become less popular among young people in their 20s, the two demographic trends would explain why the share of motorcycle deaths represented by the 50+ age group is increasing, and was greater in 2009 than the younger age group’s share of deaths."
Instead of duck walking the bike, taking bad lines, being unable to turn a bike around, thinking that the rear brake is the primary brake, people should be honing their skills. IMHO
BTW I still like having ABS
#86
There are a few issues at play when it comes to HD and ABS, the ABS on a HD is for the sofa riders (which I have moved on to). It really is more for the wet slick foul weather issues one would have to deal with. IT is NOT for aggressive riding in any factor because 1st the "low rent" suspension. H-D should of addressed that issue. Then moved forward with development of the ABS.
Don't believe me go jump on any BMW with ABS and push it hard across the track (because I wouldn't want to be blamed for a ticket.) That is how motorcycle ABS should work. I really do like Harley but, just a reminder to the Op it is a Harley, slow down enjoy the scenery. Wana go fast in the corners, should of got a different bike.
Btw +1 on trail breaking always a good thing to master no matter the ride.
Don't believe me go jump on any BMW with ABS and push it hard across the track (because I wouldn't want to be blamed for a ticket.) That is how motorcycle ABS should work. I really do like Harley but, just a reminder to the Op it is a Harley, slow down enjoy the scenery. Wana go fast in the corners, should of got a different bike.
Btw +1 on trail breaking always a good thing to master no matter the ride.
Dennis
#87
I agree but many that I've known did not ride much when they were in their 20's and then got rid of the bike and then the kids got older and they got their dream bike and then thought they had 35 years of riding experince, not. Then the first piece of equipment they got was a vest and a HOG patch.
#88
I'll 2nd a few of the comments placing the blame on the suspension. I'm surprised at how bad the stock suspension is on the touring bikes...it's not all that plush, but doesn't handle larger bumps either. On smooth roads I'm happy with the ABS performance... on rougher roads (where car ABS still works fine) the bike doesn't do as good of a job, because the tire isn't being kept in good contact with the road.
Now you guys have me thinking of wiring up the ABS power circuit to the accessory switch in the nacelle.
Now you guys have me thinking of wiring up the ABS power circuit to the accessory switch in the nacelle.
#89
Not sure why anyone would want to ride a touring bike "aggressively", I thought the whole point was to chill out and enjoy the scenery, but each to their own.
What this thread highlights - yet again - is the poor state of the stock suspension on these bikes. Is it really too much to ask HD put decent quality shocks on these bikes considering their price point? Perhaps they should stick a few hundred quid on the price and give the customers the quality components stock, but frankly, they should have got that when they paid top dollar/pounds for a new bike.
There's no good reason why people who've just parted with 20 grand for a motorcycle finding themselves on the Ohlins website within weeks looking for an upgrade. The bike should be at the top of its game OUT THE DOOR.
What this thread highlights - yet again - is the poor state of the stock suspension on these bikes. Is it really too much to ask HD put decent quality shocks on these bikes considering their price point? Perhaps they should stick a few hundred quid on the price and give the customers the quality components stock, but frankly, they should have got that when they paid top dollar/pounds for a new bike.
There's no good reason why people who've just parted with 20 grand for a motorcycle finding themselves on the Ohlins website within weeks looking for an upgrade. The bike should be at the top of its game OUT THE DOOR.
Dennis
#90
If you are 100% certain this disables the entire system and reverts to non ABS then I will accept that, but if in doubt then I would not advocate this approach at all.