ABS or not

[irishbiker]

Is it worth getting the Abs model of the 1150r?

I think it would help in the wet or in an emergency and im not the worlds most experienced rider, does it really work well on the 2002 bikes?

Thanks for looking

[ProductUser]

Most novice/intermediate riders like having ABS available; most advanced riders don't like it as they prefer more ganular control re braking that ABS does not provide.

I fall into the novice/intermediate class and have ABS.

ProductUser

[Johan_SA]

Hi

I have a 2002 with ABS. I find ABS great on the open road but dangerous at low speeds in a city or town. You get so used to using the front brake that when there is an emergency at low speed, that you also grab a handful of the front brake. The bike will letrally just throw you off.

Having said that - would I prefer to be without ABS? I have not ridden a Beemer without ABS so it is difficult to give you an honest opinion. However, I think the advantages of having ABS are great.

Johan

[R4R&R]

Oh no! An ABS debate!

Simple answer: Is it worth the extra $$$ to you? Don't forget to include extra maintenance costs.

[ProductUser]

Oh no! An ABS debate!

C'mon, we haven't had a good ABS debate in a long time

PU

[JCsman]

Most novice/intermediate riders like having ABS available; most advanced riders don't

ProductUser,
I think that's the shortest, most accurate summary of the ABS debate I've ever read.

[DJ Downunder]

ABS or not

IMO...Not.

DJ

[Biff's R]

I have had both. Both work great, but each has a different feel. I do like having the ABS in the rain, and think that it can be handy in emergency situations. It does cost more to maintain, and costs a bit more upfront.

I would not let it be a deal breaker either way if I were considering a 1150R.

[snowprick]

I am new to BMW and have owned a Honda Silverwing scooter for several years. The Honda has ABS and I think it is a great system. Saved my bacon on day one.

ABS on the BMW R1150R is not quit the same. It includes POWER ASSISTED braking, i.e. touch the brakes and it stops. At slow speed the PA may BITE you. I am getting used to the PA with practice but if ever I had the option in the future I would have ABS sans PA. On the 1150 I dont believe that was ever an option.

I believe a lot of forumers decry ABS but in reality most of them have issues with the PA.

In summary; if you like ABS you will have to like PA. If you dont like PA you will have to forgo ABS.

My 2 cents worth.

[Biff's R]

Well said snowprick.

The issue most have had is with the power assist. I guess I have just become used to it. The 1200 series has a whole different system with no PA.

[CycleRob]

The OilHead's power assisted, linked braking ABS was a $2,200 option when I bought my bike. Being that I didn't care for the PA and absolutely could NOT tolerate the linked braking, it was an easy decision. Having the rear brake go on when I squeezed the front brake lever drove me absolutely NUTS!!

The only problem with the non-ABS OilHeads is that the brakes are TOO powerful and can skid the front wheel at highway speed with a powerful squeeze. I came from 11 years of the mediocre single front disk brake of my VX-800 Suzuki. Making a panic stop on my new R1150R skidded and locked up the front wheel. My not-yet-calibrated gray matter human ABS released the lever just enough, just in time to stay upright.

Overall, I think you should get ABS because it makes an inexperienced rider a pro at panic stop braking. It can also help the pros not make any tiny errors in judgment. Remember, MotorCycle riding is a very UN-forgiving sport and you need every advantage you can get.

[iowabeakster]

I have ABS. I have mixed feelings.

Riding:
Getting used to the power assist takes some care. They will STOP you very quickly from slow speed. It is highly reccommeded to use the rear brake only for slow speed. A few days of paying close attention and it became easy enough.

Servicing:
The thing I don't like is the servicing. It takes some serious bucks to have it done at the dealer. Or the hassle of doing it youself. The wheel circuits must be done annually. The control circuits must be done every other year. Either way it is a pain.

In some situations ABS might be a life saver.

[Biff's R]

The thing I don't like is the servicing. It takes some serious bucks to have it done at the dealer. Or the hassle of doing it youself. The wheel circuits must be done annually. The control circuits must be done every other year. Either way it is a pain.

In some situations ABS might be a life saver.

There was a service buletin about doubling the time between changing fluid on the bikes that came equipped with SS brake lines.

[iowabeakster]

Jeff,

Oh I think you just made my day! You mean I don't have to do either this year? I did both last year.

[wncbmw]

The ABS debate can reach religious fervor on this board.

I too have mixed feelngs. I do not consider myself a novice rider but opted for ABS on my '02 (my 5th BMW). I decided that one throw-down prevented would pay for the difference in price in parts not having to be replaced.

I guess I have gotten used to it because in over 30K miles, I have never noticed the ABS or had it come on, unless I was practicing braking and made it come on.

On the other hand, now that the bike is out of warranty, I have a nagging concern about costs of repair. If a future repair is too much, I will take off the ABS, replace the wheels with non-ABS wheels and keep riding!

The additional costs versus the benefits are something you have to consider for yourself. Just don't consider ABS some cure-all for braking. It could help you in panic stops and wet conditions but stupid riding will still get you killed!

[JCsman]

Jeff,

Oh I think you just made my day! You mean I don't have to do either this year? I did both last year.

Yep, my '04 just had the service and they told me I'm good to go for two years.

Yeee Haw.

FWIW, I'd opt for the ABS w/o power assist if it were available. I hear the system on the R1200R is lighter, non-power and better overall....

Everything gets a bit better each year....'cept me.

[Arbee]

I have learnt about ABS the hard way and how the control is taken away from the rider & given to an electronic component without emotion.

I will never have another ABS bike.

[irishbiker]

Seems to be a 50 50 thing. The bike im looking at is non abs, i rode it last week and gave the brakes a couple of controlled hard tugs on the ride, the stopping power was great and didnt lock up at any stage. However in an emergency that will not be the case. The braking system on the non abs is far superior to any other bike i have ridden so considering servicing and other feedback i may opt for non abs.

Thanks for all the feedback, i can see this question is a hot topic.

[wncbmw]

Keep in mind, the brakes are great, whichever version you opt for!

[sweatmark]

Our '02 Roadster is non-ABS, very good braking though the bike needs SS brake lines as upgrade.

Our '04 Rockster has the evo- ("evil-"?) ABS linked power brakes, which I've grown accustomed to, but loathe nonetheless. The Rockster is scheduled for a DIY ABS-ectomy next year when its warranty expires, resulting in great brakes without the complexity, costs, and linked nuisance/nonsense of the evo system.

Would love to have a simple, non-boosted ABS system on our bikes! Just a lightweight, bullet-proof pressure modulator/relief/servo system that prevents lockup for the front wheel only.