Ok, I officially love ABS brakes.

[Azisbest]

Previously I have been ambiivalent at best concerning the ABS systems that are prevalent today, but no more. I somehow did not like the "feel" of them. At the end of a 400+ mile ride I was nearing home when a pickup truck pulled to the shoulder of the road and attempted a U-turn right in front of me. I was forced to get as hard as I could onto both brakes in order to avoid t-boning the drivers door of the pickup, even then I was inches from contact. Now I would like to think that I am a good enough rider to have controlled the bike even without the benefit of ABS, but the smooth - albeit panic - stop left me convinced that ABS is indeed a lifesaver. I see it in the future for every bike i will own. Oh, and I am pretty sure i did convince the pickup driver that his maneuver was not the best option.

 

[GaryA]

Yep, I like them. Haven't had an emergency yet but I have had a bit of practice and found they work well.

 

[Joesmoe]

I have had panic stops without ABS (not on the Rocket) and once kissed the pavement. All that conjecture about what one is gonna do in a panic is so much hogwash.

When riding a bike without ABS now, I hang way back, and pay extra attention to my "outs".

I will not purchase a newer bike without ABS.

 

[sonny]

I have always been a skeptic of most gadgets on Motorcycles. ABS has saved My #ss more than once or twice. Will not own a bike without it now. Never thought i would say that.

 

[rocketjohn]

I was taught if the brakes lockup....release the front and let the rear skid til you stop. Releasing the front lets you steer properly, and holding the rear prevents high siding if you are in a turn. You could still low side but that's a good bit safer way to forcibly dismount if it comes to that. ABS is probably better in a panic, but if you got it....grab a handful on both ends of the bike and hold on....it will let you stop safe, but it will probably be a longer stop.

 

[Joesmoe]

You have to react so quickly to lock-up, I submit that is beyond 99% of riders. I knew mine were locked as I was high-siding down. That's just what I said before -- this is so much conjecture that doesn't pass the real world test, unless similar to the firearms training we received before being sent overseas, one practices, practices, and practices some more -- hours per day, days per week, weeks per month.

Who does that ?

 

[rocketjohn]

If you got Metzler's with iffy tread you will find locking up is childs play! And yes, with the rear sliding the rocket will fishtail, but it will stay up....if you don't steer it into a slide.

 

[Joesmoe]

As I reported here shortly after purchasing the bike, and riding to western North Carolina with my wife, I got to experience the ABS several times as we went down steep, narrow, mountain roads with loose gravel on the pavement and inevitably a sharp turn at the bottom. The first couple of times it was pucker factor, and later, just heightened awareness.

And I resemble that remark -- I'm making the trip this week on the original Metzlers with iffy tread ~6,100 miles, and plan to switch to the Michelin Commander II combo when we get back.

 

[scot in exile]

Glad it saved your butt, how did you somehow not like the feel of the ABS? under normal everyday riding conditions you would never know if you have ABS or not?

 

[Joesmoe]

To whom was that directed @scot in exile ?