[edward44]

Thanks for the link.If it works, it would be invaluable in urban riding situations when all-out emergency brakeing would be required. Have you tried it? Perhaps by disconnecting one disc a similiar effect could be achieved. Not for hiway uses of course.

Honda has announced that by 2007 its sport and sport tourer bike will have abs and by 2010 all bike over 250cc will. They don't say as an option or standard but as standard they would be at a competitive disadvantage. Actually they said linked brakes with abs. Wonder why. I believe abs should be mandated on all vehicles. Just the other day I had to stop to avoid hitting a kid on a bicycle with my car and I was really glad it had abs. Of course those riders with the skill of VR will deplore the idea. I think the bike mags are doing a real disservice by ignoring safety issues by pandering to the macho biker syndrome of their readers.

 

[35244]

The car folks had something similar in late 80's & early 90's for rear only on pickups.



You'll note that NO ONE uses it now and for a good reason.



There is another alternative...do a riding/track school to open up your performance envelope a bit...get the bike you want & STAY inside that envelope...or just get the Beemer.



Final modestly uninformed point: I'll bet someone out there could fit a Honda or Ducati system to whatever you want. And you would not want to pay them to do it either.

 

[35244]

I believe our own beloved JohnnyB has preached positive about ABS for years as have lots of other scribes. I'd rate the major mags as 65-70% for ABS and about 99% against linked....

 

[edward44]

It's all well and good to talk about staying inside the envelope but what if a vehicle intrudes into that cozy envelope. Bike tests show it takes 30' to stop from 30 mph. What if, as I did, you have 15'. Then what? No amount of track time/school is going to help. I think Honda would not be taking the step of providing abs on all large machines unless there was a good reason.

 

[Buzglyd]

ABS isn't going to cut your stopping distance in half.

 

[edward44]

I think the question is of achieving the absolute shortest stopping distance: without abs the skill level goes way up and the possibility of error as well; while with abs (I assume from the data I have read) the optimum results can be achieved more reliably and under the pressure of impending disaster.

 

[edward44]

The tuning process could result in a nasty fall it seems to me. I don't think I could ever trust one considering their obvious low capitalization. Maybe MO could road test the unit as a service to their readers.

 

[Steven_Verschoor]

Get the R1150R. It's an awesome bike.

I don't blame you if you're hesitant to take my word for it... Here, read what JohnnyB had to say.

 

[sarnali]

Factory installed and calibrated ABS would help in an emergancy stop. A cobbled together aftermarket system my be less than desirable.

 

[seruzawa]

True. However ABS may enable you to reduce your velocity to a more survivable rate than you would with non-ABS brakes. I'd rather hit an obstacle at 20MPH than 30.



We could just spend more time at the gym and mount broomsticks to fire forward on our bikes.



Or you could install a quick release device on the Geezer Glide that would drop the engine onto the ground on a tether. Sort of like a boat anchor.



How about a parachute pack like on the Space Shuttle?



I've got plenty more ideas if you need them.

 

[Buzglyd]

The correct way to stop a Geezer Glide is to hit the rear brake and "lay her down" and then surf it until you get near the obstacle. Right before impact, you jump in the air clearing the barrier and land on your feet. You get extra bonus points if the scowl never leaves your face.

 

[Buzglyd]

I think ABS would be a great addition to any motorcycle however there is a false sense of security associated with it.



Look at how many people go flying down the road in the rain or snow in their cars because they "have ABS."

 

[qwikcoupe]

And the funny thing is, all the ideas you have would probably work just as well as that aftermarket ABS system.

 

[Vlad]

ABS design is tricky. It took BMW a few years to get it right. Now more and more bikes are joining the parade. I ride an R1150RS, with ABS. I am considering getting another bike, but I really want the next one with ABS, since that little computer has likely saved my bacon, not by actually kicking in, but by letting me brake without fear on a wet road. I agree that on a dry road, on a bike with great front end feel, an experienced rider can outbrake ABS. But, you see, it rains where I live, and I ride almost every day.



I would steer clear of aftermarket ABS. Each ABS computer needs to be set up for a bike model's weight and performance. A job best left to the factory.



Francis

 

[edward44]

Gee Seruzawawa, maybe you could mount a rocket

up your ass and use that to fire forward.

 

[trumant]

Triumph is going to introduce its first ABS system as an option on the 05 Sprint ST. I wouldn't be surprised to see them begin to offer it on other models if they see strong demand. And, Honda is going to offer ABS on all of their over 250cc sportbikes by 2007 and on all of their bikes by 2010 so you could always wait a bit.

 

[ender]

Wait for the K1200R

Should be out later this year...

 

[tumbler]

Do bikes with antilock brakes have ABS on both wheels or just the front. Sometimes I like locking up the back.

 

[seruzawa]

I love the way you compassionate and tolerant types hold grudges forever.

 

[sarnali]

As long as you don't touch the front brake and go flying over the handlebars.



Make sure you only wear a beanie helmet as well so you don't break your neck from the weight.