Never having ABS on any bike I find this new system a huge improvement in what I'm use to. Took no time at all the get used to it. The real test will be when the brakes have to be used hard on you know, the first start of wet roads with the oil and antifreeze leakers. Another will be a test in the tight twisties like the devils triangle.
Overall a great job by the engineers at Harley.

 

Just ride & brake as normal, and you can still trail brake like you use to, I tried it a few times.
The bike didn't do a nose dive due to linked rear & one front rotor, like all things with brakes
care must be taken. Learn what the bike will do by trying trail braking where it is safe to do so.

 

I tested the braking on my sgs. While going straight from about 35 mph on dry ground, using about 90% heavy braking on rear brake pedal, the bike stopped amazingly fast. Faster than other bikes I have owned by far. I think due to the beefed up front suspension and linked brakes.
Really impressive with no front dive to speak of.
Check out the dvd given to new touring owners on 'linked braking system' that shows the linked brakes in action. I am a believer ( having gone further than I wanted to into an intersection during an emergency stop one time ).

 

the liked brakes are the biggest feature that would have me looking at a 14 , had linked or integrated brakes on my wings and loved them , bout time HD got them

 

The ABS and linked braking is the thing I most covet on the new bikes. My 07 FLHTCU is of course the last touring model w/o ABS. The other night coming home from the Molly Hatchery concert at Destination Daytona, it had rained and the roads were wet. Heading South on Nova RD I deliberately ran a red light because to stop in time I was afraid I'd lock it up on the wet. I knew there were no cars waiting to turn or cross the road before I made that decision, but all the red light cameras flashes went off behind me. Hopefully they can't see my tag tucked up under the tour pack. That's when I really wished I had it though.

 

The biggest Part of my relearning process has been the front brake. When I first got the bike I grabbed the front brake like I did with my 2007, the bike would stop so fast that my wife would slide into me. Much stronger and more sensitive braking than my "old" 2007 SE Ultra. Now I use the front brake but much easier on the lever. You know when you have braked correct when the front end does not dive much, the bike just stops quickly. Very controlled.

Scott

 

The HD linked ABS system is very well thought out. Experienced riders will adapt very quickly. Rear brake only, and the system is rear biased. Front brake only and it's front biased. Under 25 mph, it's unlinked. If you apply both brakes as you're used to, you'll notice no difference other than the real wheel never locks up. Been riding for 40+ years and love the brakes on this bike.

 

That's reassuring! I haven't seen any demo bikes over here yet to try, in fact only one 2014 Touring in the metal so far.

 

Agree 100% ( and homeless shelters could use the food too.)

 

Yeah, the herds are getting out of control. Probably due to less numbers of hunters then ever. Feeding the needy with the harvest would be a great thing too.