1150 GS ABS or NOT? does it matter?

[RobZ]

Hi guys /gals?,

Thinking of buying a GS1150 and have seen one in good nic at a reasonable price, but it does not have ABS.

Does this really matter? Never had it on any other bike before.

Your comments would bde appreciated, before I buy.

Rob

 

[Iain Hogg]

RobZ,

I had an 1100 with ABS for about 3 years and never noticed it do anything (unless I was coming to a halt rapidly on a loose surface).

I've now got an 1150 without ABS and have locked the back wheel a few times

I reckon, if you've never had it, you won't miss it. If you want all the bells and whistles, go for it, but otherwise it's not absolutely necessary. (and useless off road, not that I do much of that - intentionally )

Iain

 

[jimbo]

Do a search for more opinions than you can shake a stick at.

I think to sum up, its down to personal choice!

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

Hi Rob

Seem to see a lot of familiar names here!

FWIW, for me part of the appeal of the GS is the combination of the handling and braking. I can't speak for the 1150, but the idea of ABS is very appealing to me.

Is this a 3rd bike for the garange of will either the VFR or Pan be going?

SITC (Kai)

 

[RobZ]

Thought that might be you, Kai.

To begin with it will be 3, but the VFR is for sale just now, so should be 2. But if the Gser is all its said to be, then the Pan could be on the market soon too.

If I buy it, I'll make sure that you get a shot on it.

Seems like a natural progression from the VFR, I noticed Mike, Sven and Muppet all on here too.

Must get another ride going soon.

 

[~Stef~]

I own a 1100 with ABS but given the hassle with flashing lights and pumps that wont stop wirring, ive been considering pulling the whole lot off and binning it.

~Stef~

 

[rocks]

Not got it..

I have not got it on my GS,, 2000 model. Just gone from CBR600F 02 model to 2000 GS.. never had ABS, so dont miss it.. BUT i have locked up the rear once, on tarmac, when trying to stop quickly at 30mph.. so if you got the option for it.. then go for it..

If you hate it, i think you can disable it.. but check with those in the know.. as i dont..

 

[(RIP) Geriatric Germ]

I Love Lamb Shanks.

Couple of weeks ago, in early morning mist over the Elan Valley, damp road surface, undulations but safe at around 45-50, suddenly over a shallow dip are two tiny lambs asleep in the road, natural reaction, for me anyway, squeaze and stamp. Without ABS the GSA would definitely have locked up Worth its weight in accidents and you can always switch it off to perform Stoppis or to be a real Hero But resale value is better too.
Just MHO.

 

[Muppet]

Yo Rob.........another one over to the dark side then

My 1100 doesn't have ABS, and coming from my VFR (non ABS also) I have noticed I've locked up the back on a few occasions, but only at lower speeds and when I've braked quite hard. It's a question of adjusting my braking compared to how I used the pedal on the VFR with it's linked brakes. I'm not so heavy footed now, so it's really a question of getting used to it.

 

[Spout]

"two tiny lambs asleep in the road, natural reaction, for me anyway, squeaze and stamp"

PERVERT!

 

[MikeP]

As above, boils down to personal preference and experience.

Mine is to always have ABS, won't try to influence you but will say that if you do get one with ABS you need to practice with it.

It seems quite common that if you are not aware of what happens when it kicks in, some people react by releasing the brakes just when they need them the most!

I can think of times that might have been less traumatic if I'd had ABS and others that would have been more so without it.

 

[rodsharp]

abs

Not till you need it, and then its too late

 

[Abue]

I’ve only had the 1150 a short time and have not had ABS on any previous wheels. I’ve played with the ABS, trying to lock it up on gravel and such and seeing what it would do and finding out how it stops the bike and getting used to it.

The only time my ABS has kicked in unintentionally though is when I’ve been braking for lights of a crossing and have run over the raised or lowered lip of a Manhole cover or run over a pothole while braking. This happens mostly when using the rear brake but will happen using the front. It doesn’t have to be heavy braking either. It’s as if you are braking normally and then you hit the lip of the sunken cover and the bike lurches forwards and then resumes braking again. It can be quite unnerving.

But on the hole, I wouldn’t be without it and have never had it kick in an emergency situation and hopefully never will. Although, I've not had the opportunity to chase Muppet through the forest yet. (Ooower Mrs) :darth

 

[RobZ]

Thanks for all the advice guys, but it is not relevant any more as I have gone and bought the bike. Without ABS.

See my thread 'Well I've gone and done it'.

Thanks again, and hope to see many of you out on the road or trail.

Rob