ABS will not compensate for poor driving and yes very good drivers can do w/o it or maybe out do it. That said I have it on all my vehicles even the burgy. Yes, it has paid for itself on more than one occassion in the cage and the on the burgy. My FIL has the regular 650 and I love driving it. I wanted all the extras of the exec. and therefore spent the extra money. I'm short and the elec. windshield meant I didn't need to buy Aftermaket, I use the mirrors everyday, and the ABS saved me alot of bucks in replacement bodywork twice. Both times was for a panick stop in the rain in standing water. So instead of hydroplaneing I was able to control the bike to a stop w/o hitting anything or losing control and dumping it. The newer microprocessors in the current ABS systems are almost fool proof and 100 times faster then any human can pump the brakes. Only you know your driving skills and money situation. Buy the best you can for what need and for what you can afford.

 

Think of it like this;

ABS makes the brakes act the same way as if you trained every day at making panic stops.

Think of how good you would be able to brake, if every day, you trained at threshold braking, at bringing the tires up to the limits of adhesion, in dry, rain, dirt, sand, shell...

The average rider will never be able to outperform ABS. We had a very experienced rider, Fred H., who some may have heard of here, if you ride a Gold Wing or Concours. He is not a racer, but he has a lot of miles under his belt, and a lot of experience riding fast. He made a bunch of stops with ABS, and then disabled it, and did his best to beat it. This was on dry pavement under ideal circumstances. He could not beat the ABS.

Have you ever made your tires sing, both of them, on dry pavement? I have. Without ABS, that is a heart-stopping moment, but at the same time, one to make you proud, at least if you don't drop it... I can do that at will with ABS, and it just brings a smile to my face, no heart stops.

If you have ever practiced threshold braking, you know that it takes a lot of concentration. That concentration is better used elsewhere in a panic-stop situation.

I have not used ABS, "in anger" or when it counted, on a motorcycle. I have used it in a car on one occasion where I am dead-certain that it saved my car, and possibly my life. I have used it on several other occasions where it simply took a high-pucker moment and made it into a no-pucker moment. You almost feel like a god, when you slam on the brakes to avoid the car that spun out in front of you, see that you are falling back from them, so you can look in the rear-view and ease off the brakes because the guy behind you is about to rear-end you. You modulate the brakes to hold yourself between the two vehicles, not worrying about locking up and spinning out.

Basically, what I'm saying is that ABS gives you a major edge that is often neglected in these discussions;

1; ABS allows you to concentrate on situation awareness during a panic stop moment, rather than concentrating on braking.
2; ABS allows you to initiate braking as quickly as you can pull the levers. That saves time "creeping" into the threshold zone. This saved time is when you are moving the quickest. At 60 mph, 1 second is 88' traveled, so if ABS lets you get on the brakes a 1/4 of a second faster, you just saved 22 feet, at 60.

It is often mentioned how ABS can be bested by highly experienced riders. The problem is that we are talking about the best riders in the business, and they are given multiple tries to beat the ABS. The real world ain't perfect, and you are not going to get more than one chance, when the stuff hits the fan.

For the average rider, who wrarely, if ever, achieves maximum braking, the ABS is going to cut down on the stopping distance from the moment the brakes are activated AND from the moment YOU REALIZE YOU NEED TO STOP. The second one is huge. ABS cuts down on your reaction time because you have no anxiety about dropping the bike due to locked brakes, and you do not have to "creep" into the zone.

Many people say that, if you are aware of your surrounding, and ride safely, you won't need ABS. Well, guess what? The average rider has moments when they are distracted, and when they are not aware of their surrounding...

More than a few people have dumped the Burgman due to locking up the front brake. For them, ABS probably would have paid for itself in one use, if only for the cost of the tupperware, and the mental anguish that a dump causes most people.

ABS will not save you if you grab the front brake in a sharp turn. ABS does not repeal the laws of physics. ABS will not make you rich and attract a desirable mate to you. ABS will shorten your stopping distances in the real world, and that might save your tupperware, life or hide. ABS will allow you to increase your situational awareness when the stuff is hitting the fan.

 

Check this out....ABS vs Non ABS Honda

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zv3Sacl7JQ

Clearly the Executive might be worth the coin.

 

Despite never dumping my PC800, even in the wet, in a panic, and even braking so hard to "hop" the rear end (spooky on a bike as butt-heavy as a PC800), I bought the Executive SOLELY to get the ABS (though the rest of the goodies turned out to be very nice too). I'm no pro, but I ride year-round and given the panic braking I've had to do in the wet, I figured it was worth the money, just in case.

I didn't choose the Burgy for the ABS though, and considered a number of ABS-less models. But since I liked the Burgman and ABS was available, I think I would have been a fool to pass it up.

I've had it activate twice...as I was getting used to the Burgman and people did stupid stuff in front of me. Never had it activate since. Yes, being aware and being careful means I'll likely only have it activate once in a blue moon, but I figured I was stupid NOT to get it, since it was available, for those rare times. What's $1000 (the basic premium for the Executive) versus crashing? Priceless!

 

Wayne, compliments on a very well written thesis for ABS. I haven't seen too much that is better.

I'm another Exec owner, purchases partially for the red color, but primarily for the ABS. From accounts on here from people who have had even simple accidents with their Burgman, that cost of repair is well over $2K with 4 weeks of down time. Hmm, $1000 to prevent that headache is worth it, and that's not even counting medical. I'm sure that, like me, most Exec owners never thought they would use and like the extra features as much as they do.

Most people don't give a second thought to ABS on a car, when it seems like you need it the MOST on a motorcycle! Those that argue against it often poorly cite tests that Wayne mentioned above, or are purist snobs that think that if you aren't good enough to ride without ABS, then you shouldn't be riding at all. Even they were newbies at some time!

At a year and 8,600 miles of owner ship, I have yet to use the ABS, and I still think its worth, especially with my fiancee on the back.

 

I had a standard 650 and now wish I had spent the extra $1000 for the Exec. The trick windshield and mirrors don't do a lot for me, but I added the passenger backrest later, and having the ABS would certainly be a big safety factor. I drive a Subaru Forester with ABS and AWD and feel that gives me a significant edge.

 

Wayne, VERY nice write up.
I bought the Exec mainly for the adj. windscreen, not the abs. At 5'8" the adjustment was just right for me. Can look over the screen( my usual method), or can raise it to the point I'm looking totally through it (nice on occasion). I can totally eliminate buffeting in almost all wind conditions.
But if I was buying the Burgman again, the #1 reason would be for the abs.
I guess you could say I'm a very experienced rider, started out on a mini scoot when I was 4-5 years old, and I've been riding two wheels ever since. Did my share of racing in the seventies, and I practice emergency stoping numerous times through out the season every year.
Can I out stop the abs ? The simple answer is no, period. Maybe can come close on a dry road under perfect conditions with full concentration on nothing but the brakes. But as Wayne stated, in a real emergency situation, there are a lot of other things going on.
Then there is the unexpected gravel or sand or oil slick....you get my meaning.
On wet roads, the abs wins every time, I don't care who you are or how well you ride.
The bar weights are also nice.
The included passenger back rest is a must if you're going to be riding two up, unless you're adding a top box as I am.
The fold in mirrors are James Bondish, but they could of kept them and given me a couple more gallons of space in the tank.
YMMV....but the Exec was well worth the extra bucks.
Just my opinion of course. There are many riders here on the forum just as happy with their standard 650 as I am with the exec I'm sure.
I know you just asked about the brakes, the rest was for free
Enjoy the one you pick....and ride safe with that Burgman smile.
Blue Sky's,
LongRider

 

YES!!!... it's worth it 8)

 

I'm getting a 650 for sure, but cannot decide on the extra value/cost benefit of ABS or not. Is it worth the extra $$$$ for the Execvutive model?? I don't wish to have this question answered with the psychological effect know as "the Emporer's New Clothes" meaning that everyone who HAS the ABS already might try to tout ABS as wonderful simply to reassure themselves they did the right thing. It would be great to hear how often the ABS has actually kicked in or has been necessary is real world situations.

THat's all you're gonna get from ABS owners is how "it saved thier butt". Well, I will tell you as a non ABS owner that I have had numerous instances that I had to make panic stops, and my brakes on the Burgman have never failed me. The only time my back tire has locked up is the day after I bought a brand new one. And the bike still stayed in a straight line. Just this a.m. on my way to work I had to make a panic stop and the breaks performed flawlessly. If you are the type of person that wants the extra safety factor then go for it. All I can say is the standard breaks are very good. If you plan on riding alot in the rain get the Abs.

Just thought I'd give you a different opinion.

 

All are terrific answers from this group!! Thanks to everyone for their input.

I was actually sold on the idea of ABS when I looked at that youtube video I posted. Suzuki also has a video of bikes in a similar test ABS vs Non-ABS on wet and dry pavement. I can tell you that the ABS bikes never waiver from a straight course, and that the Non-ABS bikes fishtail or skid sideways in the tests. I looked at these videos after I asked the question, of course.

If ABS can keep my bike upright and straight ahead in a non-collision panic stop, or help me stop faster, it may just save $$$$$$$ on body work for me AND my bike!!!!In other words, the Executive definitely appears to be worth the extra $1000.

 

THat's all you're gonna get from ABS owners is how "it saved thier butt". Well, I will tell you as a non ABS owner that I have had numerous instances that I had to make panic stops, and my brakes on the Burgman have never failed me. The only time my back tire has locked up is the day after I bought a brand new one. And the bike still stayed in a straight line. Just this a.m. on my way to work I had to make a panic stop and the breaks performed flawlessly. If you are the type of person that wants the extra safety factor then go for it. All I can say is the standard breaks are very good. If you plan on riding a lot in the rain get the Abs.

Just thought I'd give you a different opinion.

+1

 

the abs is nice, but I like the electronically adjustable windscreen as well

 

THat's all you're gonna get from ABS owners is how "it saved thier butt". Well, I will tell you as a non ABS owner that I have had numerous instances that I had to make panic stops, and my brakes on the Burgman have never failed me. The only time my back tire has locked up is the day after I bought a brand new one. And the bike still stayed in a straight line. Just this a.m. on my way to work I had to make a panic stop and the breaks performed flawlessly. If you are the type of person that wants the extra safety factor then go for it. All I can say is the standard breaks are very good. If you plan on riding alot in the rain get the Abs.

Just thought I'd give you a different opinion.

Speed, I agree with you that the brakes on the standard 650 are very good. I had an 05 and like you I had done a number of panic stops and the bike behaved very well every time. Then I had that one instance when the conditions were just right to allow both wheels to lock at a braking level lower than they ever had before. Very windy conditions and a passenger on the back made controlling the resulting slide very difficult and the resulting low side laydown convinced me to get an Exec with ABS when I replaced the 05.

 

This is a question that can go on forever. Ask 50 people and get 50 different opinions. Let’s be realistic and look at some facts. But first ask yourself a few questions. How tall are you? If you are short, the adjustable windshield might be nice because you will not have to buy an aftermarket windshield. Of course the additional cost of the bike would buy you several windshields. Are the added chrome pieces worth the big bucks? To you, they might be. Not to me! Will you ever sell or trade-in your Burgman for either another bike or something else? You WILL NOT get that extra money back on a resale or trade-in. Most people think the great little scooter is over priced anyway. Paying upwards of 10k for one is not a good idea if you plan on ever trying to sell it or trade it in. Now let’s address the most important, the ABS. OK, ABS is the hottest thing going…….right? Well if the manufacturers have their way, it’s an easy $1000+ easy money they will make off of you. So the next question is: How much riding experience do you have? If you are new to riding, the ABS will probably never help you much. Why? Because statistically speaking, in the event of a near or actual accident, you will most likely freeze up and not do the right thing anyway. If you are an experienced rider, you will not slam on your brakes; you will take evasive action to avoid the accident. According to most DOT statistics, in that split second prior to an accident, most people grab lots of brake but because of the horribly short notice motorcyclists have prior to impact, they smack into whatever it was anyway. You are not in a car; therefore, your visibility is ten times better than those driving an automobile. Most cycle accidents occur because some bone-head pulls in front of you making a left turn. Either turning into a driveway or coming from a driveway out into the street, again, making a left turn in front of you. Now let's discuss part two of this question. How many professional riders (Super Bike, Super Stock) have ABS on their bikes? Answer………..NONE. Why, because they know how to react to the many different circumstances surrounding high speeds in high traffic situations. Professional riders pull hard on the brakes before hitting the turn, then ease off and glide through the apex. Unless they over-shoot the turn by going into it way too fast, they usually don’t grab a handful of front brake in the middle of a turn. ABS prevents your tires from locking up. So if you constantly ride your street bike on roads covered in sand, then by all means pay the extra money for the ABS. If you want to go to your local donut shop with the other scooter riders on Sunday morning and be the “Cool Guy with ABS” then by all means spend the money. But if you believe you are a competent rider with enough riding experience to know what to do and how to react in the event of that near imminent collision, you really don’t need the ABS. Save your money. If you are like many people that buy a bike and 2-3 years down the road might want to trade it in on another new bike, don’t expect to get your money back. Instead, you can expect to take a royal bath on what you paid.
I’ve been riding large street machines since 1971 and I’ve had my one turn at going down (knock on wood). I’ve ridden many bikes with ABS but would never waste my money on it. Personally, I feel it is just another way for bike manufacturers to separate another grand or so from us. Another one of those whistles that we really don’t need.

But the bottom line is; it’s your money and your decision. I’m sure you will make the right choice. I know, I know, ABS sounds great doesn’t it? However, until the official numbers come out, it would be my guess that if those numbers show a decrease in motorcycle accidents, I doubt if ABS will have much to do with it. I believe proper training and motorcycle awareness about drinking & riding will play the major roles in accident reduction.

Sorry…….I added more than two cents worth.

 

Ask 50 people and get 50 different opinions.

Actually, most of the opinions given here seem to support ABS.

You WILL NOT get that extra money back on a resale or trade-in.

That is really subject to how and to who you sell it. Dealers will always low-ball a trade-in because that's what dealers do. Selling the bike yourself will allow you to highlight the ABS to a potential buyer.

Most people think the great little scooter is over priced anyway.

Yes, but like you said, they all think it's a great little scooter. Price vs. Value. You are already paying $8K US for a standard 650...what's a few extra monthly payments?

If you are new to riding, the ABS will probably never help you much.

Probably? And if you're new to skydiving you probably won't use that reserve parachute. Heck, you'll probably never use it. New riders tend to hit their brakes hard rather than take evasive measures. This fact alone would suggest new riders should DEFINITELY have ABS-equipped bikes.

How many professional riders (Super Bike, Super Stock) have ABS on their bikes? Answer………..NONE.

Do you mean their racing bikes or their personal bikes? Of course their racing bikes don't have ABS...if you stop, you lose the race! It WOULD be interesting research to know how many of those riders have ABS-equipped personal bikes.

But if you believe you are a competent rider with enough riding experience to know what to do and how to react in the event of that near imminent collision, you really don’t need the ABS.

Knowing HOW to react is not the same as being ABLE to react. ABS can help your ABILITY to react.

But the bottom line is; it’s your money and your decision.

Thank heavens for that. Get the ABS or don't get the ABS. It is entirely a personal decision.

Bottom line? There isn't one. ABS is simply a tool that provides a feature on your vehicle that MIGHT keep you from splattering yourself into someone else's vehicle. :wink:

 

You WILL NOT get that extra money back on a resale or trade-in.

Of course, you never get your money back out out of anything you buy new, including a standard Burgman. I'd be willing to bet that the rarity of the ABS, and the number of people wanting it, means the Executive will sell quicker.

If you are new to riding, the ABS will probably never help you much.

I'm going to call BS on this one. Sorry, but the new rider will benefit more from ABS than any other rider, simply because it takes threshold braking out of the equation.

How many professional riders (Super Bike, Super Stock) have ABS on their bikes? Answer………..NONE.

I wonder why that is? Maybe because it's against the rules to have ABS on a race bike? I'd be willing to bet that many race riders would love to have ABS on their race bikes.

But if you believe you are a competent rider with enough riding experience to know what to do and how to react in the event of that near imminent collision, you really don’t need the ABS.

If you "believe" you are a competent rider? What does the belief have to do with it? Most riders have a much higher opinion of their skills than what is really the case. I've seen more than one comment from supossedly competent riders stating that they "believe" they can stop faster without ABS. Of course they've never tried it, but that's what they believe...


The fact is that human beings make mistakes, get distracted, act unsafely... ABS won't save you from all of them, but the fact that it takes the very delicate art of threshold braking out of the equation makes it very worthwhile.

 

This is a question that can go on forever. Ask 50 people and get 50 different opinions. Let’s be realistic and look at some facts. But first ask yourself a few questions. How tall are you? If you are short, the adjustable windshield might be nice because you will not have to buy an aftermarket windshield. Of course the additional cost of the bike would buy you several windshields. Are the added chrome pieces worth the big bucks? To you, they might be. Not to me! Will you ever sell or trade-in your Burgman for either another bike or something else? You WILL NOT get that extra money back on a resale or trade-in. Most people think the great little scooter is over priced anyway. Paying upwards of 10k for one is not a good idea if you plan on ever trying to sell it or trade it in. Now let’s address the most important, the ABS. OK, ABS is the hottest thing going…….right? Well if the manufacturers have their way, it’s an easy $1000+ easy money they will make off of you. So the next question is: How much riding experience do you have? If you are new to riding, the ABS will probably never help you much. Why? Because statistically speaking, in the event of a near or actual accident, you will most likely freeze up and not do the right thing anyway. If you are an experienced rider, you will not slam on your brakes; you will take evasive action to avoid the accident. According to most DOT statistics, in that split second prior to an accident, most people grab lots of brake but because of the horribly short notice motorcyclists have prior to impact, they smack into whatever it was anyway. You are not in a car; therefore, your visibility is ten times better than those driving an automobile. Most cycle accidents occur because some bone-head pulls in front of you making a left turn. Either turning into a driveway or coming from a driveway out into the street, again, making a left turn in front of you. Now let's discuss part two of this question. How many professional riders (Super Bike, Super Stock) have ABS on their bikes? Answer………..NONE. Why, because they know how to react to the many different circumstances surrounding high speeds in high traffic situations. Professional riders pull hard on the brakes before hitting the turn, then ease off and glide through the apex. Unless they over-shoot the turn by going into it way too fast, they usually don’t grab a handful of front brake in the middle of a turn. ABS prevents your tires from locking up. So if you constantly ride your street bike on roads covered in sand, then by all means pay the extra money for the ABS. If you want to go to your local donut shop with the other scooter riders on Sunday morning and be the “Cool Guy with ABS” then by all means spend the money. But if you believe you are a competent rider with enough riding experience to know what to do and how to react in the event of that near imminent collision, you really don’t need the ABS. Save your money. If you are like many people that buy a bike and 2-3 years down the road might want to trade it in on another new bike, don’t expect to get your money back. Instead, you can expect to take a royal bath on what you paid.
I’ve been riding large street machines since 1971 and I’ve had my one turn at going down (knock on wood). I’ve ridden many bikes with ABS but would never waste my money on it. Personally, I feel it is just another way for bike manufacturers to separate another grand or so from us. Another one of those whistles that we really don’t need.

But the bottom line is; it’s your money and your decision. I’m sure you will make the right choice. I know, I know, ABS sounds great doesn’t it? However, until the official numbers come out, it would be my guess that if those numbers show a decrease in motorcycle accidents, I doubt if ABS will have much to do with it. I believe proper training and motorcycle awareness about drinking & riding will play the major roles in accident reduction.

Sorry…….I added more than two cents worth.

+1

 

Another great post by Wayne, and a similar by MWSY. I also agree that newbies can benefit the most from ABS. I am quite humble of my skills, and when I bought my 650 I had been riding less than a year. So I got one with ABS. I think the fault of Big D's argument is that it relies on a rider having a high opinion of themselves. That's fine if you have reasons to believe you are competent rider, but I don't think that your opinion of yourself should be justification for disregarding one of the greatest safety features to have been incorporated onto motorcycles as of late.

Big D states that experienced riders will perform an evasive maneuver instead of just grabbing the brakes. Since I've seen numerous videos of motorcycle accidents where there were no other options to avoiding an accident (i.e. cars in lanes on either side), it's easy to assume that stopping ASAP was the only option. To say that experienced riders can do something else in these situations would require them to have supernatural abilities to avoid the same accident.

I also disagree with Big D's assessment of the resale value. I routinely see used Exec's going for more than the standards. Sure it's not $1000 more, but it is proportionate to the MSRP. Also, I think threads like these demonstrate that ABS was a deciding factor for many people, therefore, there is indeed a market for Exec's specifically due to the feature. Big D specifically states that the Exec package will not get you anymore money on resale than a standard, and that is clearly not the case.

Big D obviously has a low opinion on ABS, describing it as a money maker for the manufacturer without any merits for safety, and that proper education and experience will always negate the need for ABS. However, for the rest of use that realize the inherent dangers and uncertainly of motorcycling (including the uncertainty of our own actions), ABS is positively a worthwhile feature with a proven track record on 4 wheels.

 

The very reply beforehand confirms that many people (men) allow testosterone get in the way of their personal safety. Are you aware that about 90% of male fatalities that occur in men between the ages of 16-35 happen because this age group allows their “balls” to get them killed? They do and act-out in circumstances knowing they are incapable of performing at the levels they want people to believe they can function at. When I say that “new” or less experienced riders will probably not benefit much from having ABS is actually correct. Just in the way you responded in your reply, many less experienced riders tend to believe that just because their bike has ABS, they can now take more risks while riding because society wants them to suddenly feel safer and less vulnerable just because they now have ABS on their bikes. Although I now live in Arizona, I used to live in Colorado and had to drive from Colorado Springs to Denver each day to work. This meant I had to drive over Monument Pass. Although not that high, it is notorious for being extremely icy during snow storms. Without any exaggeration, I must have seen 20 vehicles per day (ALL 4 wheel drives) in the ditches and turned completely over because these people think “Wow, I drive a 4x4 and I can do anything”. Yes, having four wheel drive helps you go, but has nothing to do with your ability to stop. And yes, if you decide to sky-dive, one of the first things you’ll learn is how to pack your own chute. Then the probability of ever needing your reserve drops substantially. Listening to others or [allowing others to pack your chute] will get you hurt or killed. Paying the extra money for ABS and the attitude that so frequently goes along with it can also hurt. When cars (& trucks) first started having ABS installed, it was only installed on the rear wheels. Why? Because it prevented the rear wheels from locking up in a panic stop causing the driver to lose control, swerve and possibly over-correct causing the vehicle to over turn, many times resulting in fatalities.

Look, ABS can be a good feature. If money is no object, pay for the ABS. My truck came with electrically adjustable front seats. But because I am the only person that ever drives my truck and the seat never gets moved, it was one of those unnecessary whistles I really didn’t need that probably costs me several hundred bucks.

Like the guy that pays for the twin TV screens in the headrest of his car and never has anyone ride in the back seat or the guy that pays $2500 for the built-in GPS and never goes anywhere, paying for ABS can and frequently is, a waste of money. If you are riding at 40+mph and some clown makes a right turn in front of you 50 feet away, having ABS will not save you. Unless you know how to take immediate evasive action, you will eat pavement. ABS can be a very good asset to have in rare circumstances. But motorcycle manufacturers try to instill a sense of invulnerability, especially to new and less experienced riders. They want to sell ABS. Trying to make people believe that because they have ABS will somehow save them from the clutches of death is ridiculous. By doing so, you are guilty of being the same “propaganda merchant” the dealers and manufacturers are. So much so, I would suspect you to either have your own shop or somehow be personally involved with a shop.

I will finish by saying, if anyone decides to pay that additional money for ABS; they need to understand that just because they have ABS, they are still subject to the same laws of Physics. If “X” weighs 600 pounds and is traveling at 40mph and “Y” is also traveling at 40mph but in the opposite direction, “X” is in a world of hurt if “Y” decides to pull out in front of “X” with less than 100 feet of space in between and ABS will not prevent the 4000 pound “Y” from running over the ass of the 600 pound “X”. OK? Enough said!!

And by the way, although I cannot speak for the many professional riders out their, I would be willing to bet that those riders feel safer relying on what they can feel in their brake levers rather than putting their lives in the hands of a lever that feels squishy and tends to pulsate.

To each its own!

 

I was recently looking over all of the new bikes being offered from the four major manufacturers. Isn’t it amazing how far and technically advanced the sport bikes have become over the years? Owning a KZ1000 back in the 70’s made me think I had the fastest bike around. The sport bikes of today are just so fast and the handling ability is totally unsurpassed. Bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R, Yamaha YZF-R1, Suzuki GSX-R1000 and the all new Honda CBR1000RR. These bikes come equipped with the latest innovated and advanced technology. The bikes you buy off the showroom floor are almost as high-tech as the bikes ridden in the Super Bike races. They are extremely fast and handle like jet aircraft. But even the King of all touring machines “The Gold Wing” does not come standard with ABS. Instead they come standard with LBS (Linked Braking System). With all of these “ahead of their time technology” Sport Bike motorcycles, I wonder why not a single one is offered with ABS. I wonder if ABS could come with a lot of hype. Think??

 

ABS makes people think they can flaunt physics? Only if they've never tried it. Try it one time and you realize that it just lets you stop without worrying about lock-up. I also feel that most people who value ABS are mature enough to realize that it is not a magic shield. The very fact that you are willing to spend good money on a safety feature, that could be spent toward getting a faster machine, tends to show a mature outlook.

With all of these “ahead of their time technology” Sport Bike motorcycles, I wonder why not a single one is offered with ABS. I wonder if ABS could come with a lot of hype. Think??

Sport bikes are driven by racing. Since racing bans ABS, why would sport bikes offer it?

That said, BMW's R1200S, K1200S, and Triumph's Tiger offer it as an option. There may be ore out there, but that was from a quick search. Most sport-touring bikes have linked brakes and ABS as an option. Most touring bikes also offer it as an option.

 

I have been riding for about 5 years now, on a '72 BMW and a 2005 Burgman. I've probably put about 7K-10K total, with most of that being commuting time. I will be selling the '05 and picking up an Exec with ABS when I can afford it. Why? Because of a couple of times that it would have been very useful to me. I haven't dropped my bike or been in an accident, but I feel that the times I came close would not have been so close had I been on a machine with ABS. I don't feel the need to rush out right now and get it, but it will be soon.

As always, your mileage may vary.

 

and now for somethin' completely different.

I gotta toss this in just to try and help a little. In 50 years of riding motorcycles I have learned this. Panic is proportional to the time before impact. The main thing ABS will do and is intended to do is this. It will allow you to continue steering your vehicle away from that impact while affording a full measure of braking in the event of the feces hitting the oscillator. That being the case here's what you have to consider. Are you an experienced rider that can apply the maximum amount of braking possible during any upcoming soiled shorts events? If so then save yer money and skip the ABS. The other side is that the Burg's are relatively light weight vehicles that can in a panic lock up either wheel rather abruptly. If you can take it right up to that point of lockup and then stop just short of it, you can actually stop faster without ABS than you can with it. Another choice is to test drive the non ABS bike and just gently try a few absolute panic stops at a low speed at first. You should be able to assess for yourself quite quickly whether or not you are going to auger into an Edsel because you are afraid of locking the brakes and going down. Another thing to consider is the presence of alien fluids mixed with a little water (ie; rain) such as oil or antifreeze. These will make any kind of control difficult if not totally impossible, BUT with ABS you won't be as apt to slide a wheel out from under yourself.

The real issue here has really nothing to do whatsoever with what kind of brakes you have but with how much you practice using them? People get hurt and killed daily in all kinds of cars/trucks/motorcycle accidents that had fully operational ABS brake systems that did nothing to deter the vehicle away from the point of impact. If you work at it and work at it the brakes won't make that much difference because you will instinctivly be able to operate your bike away from an impact. The ABS is a great device that can save yer bacon as long as you don't get to a point where over confidence at having it doesn't overwhelm the laws of physics. Think it over and decide what you honestly think your skill level is from say a one to a ten and then decide if the extra oomph the ABS can provide is worth saving your self from an accident. If so then it is the choice. Just always remember that you are totally invisible and no one can see you. No one tells the cops I saw the biker and hit him on purpose any more than they say yea I knew it was loaded and I was playing with it anyway. :lol:

another unsolicited .02 cent testimonial........

Denny

 

Having ABS brakes in no way negates the need to practice emergency braking and avoidance. If you don't practice you won't know how your bike will perform in an emergency and will be as likely to go down or hit something as you would without ABS.

 

Short and sweet.

I was commuting to work on I-95 one morning at about 65mph. Semi up ahead locks them up and starts to slide sideways. I grab my brakes and just keep squeezing, feel the ABS kick in and squeeze harder. I was able to check mirrors, avoid everyone, stay straight and stop short,

Sweeeeeeeeet