ABS or not

[qfman]

When I got my R1150R in '02 I was relatively new to riding. The ABS saved me in situations where my limited experience did not. It helped me break a few bad habits and taught me to brake hard with confidence. It also gave me confidence to push harder when riding with very fast guys. The extra insurance helped with the learning curve.

These days, I don't really need it anymore, but I still have to have it serviced. My next bike will probably be a beemer but not have ABS

Tom

[boxermania]

No ABS for me, on a motorbike that is............... however, to each it's own........

[Badger]

This debate has been raging for years. I have a 2004 r1150ra and the antilock brakes saved my bacon coming over a blind hill on a two lane blacktop moving quickly and suddenly encountering, after cresting, a big mess in the road. Hit that front brake for all it is worth and STOPPED!!!!..Both brakes are linked from the front and the wheels gave the antilock shake as the bike came to a halt. (rapidly grabbing and releasing to avoid a lock up and skid)

But the power assist is very dicey. It GRABS when you hit the front brake while going slow and can cause you to drop the bike. I try to remember to lay off he front brake lever when I'm in the parking lot. The rear brake, which is linked front to back but NOT back to front, is not quite as grabby.

I do not like the power assist and will never buy a bike with it again. On balance, if it's to be an r1150 I would buy the abs and worry about the power assist when slow maneuvering. The anti lock saved my life.

The power assist is a big issue and really hope it is not a part of future models. Motorcycles dn't need power brakes.

[mcollect]

This is like an oil thread! Some love the ABS others hate them. I think the more experienced riders hate them and the realtivley new love them, of course I've been wrong more then right. I have ridden since the early 70's, raced in WERA and have always hated ABS. If you know how to brake,SLOWLY apply the front, as the brake grabbs apply more pressure,fractions of a second, you will not lock the brakes. And you will not lock them. Get trained in riding techniques and that is better then ABS. Riders that race abhore abs, you can stop quicker without then IF AND ONLY IF you know how to use brakes! Take a good riding course, learn how to brake, practice, practice, practice!!

[rarider]

Hello irishbiker

As others on the board have stated, there are strong preferences for ABS and against. Both sides have valid reasons for their choice. Most of what's posted here is personal experience. Attached is a ABS vs non ABS comparison. I personally chose ABS. This article may help you make up your mind.

http://www.ibmwr.org/prodreview/abstests.html

[irishbiker]

Thanks rarider, article shows the huge differences in tricky braking situations even for the experienced rider, definitely food for thought.

Thanks everyone for your input

[wncbmw]

I think the more experienced riders hate them

I have only been riding for about 26 years, but this is my first ABS bike! I think I screwed up your rule!

As I said, I neither love nor hate them. Didn't have to retrain myself either! Staying off the front brake during low speed, parking lot turns is good form anyway. And my best riding through the twisties is when I go at a brisk pace for miles at a time without touching the brakes at all!

[Biff's R]

And my best riding through the twisties is when I go at a brisk pace for miles at a time without touching the brakes at all!

+1

[1150929]

my 2.1 cents (I'm Canadian )...

On a street bike, in all weather conditions, all common surface conditions, when you'e not always 100% focused on the task at hand, when you're sometimes with your wife or kids, you'd be foolish NOT to want ABS IMO. That said, the servo assist can be better feel wise.

On the track, I get immense satisfaction when I brake just at the right threshold and at the right time...which is certainly not at every corner. But give me 100% control...not because it makes me faster but because it's part of the challenge.

[irishbiker]

Ok thanks everyone for the great reponses.

Going to go for the black 02 with non abs, the miles are low and it has been pampered and no doubt.

I look forward to posting here again, it is an invaluable resource and no doubt.

Thanks again

[Biff's R]

get that 02, and thrash it a little bit.