ABS, is it needed on a 800

[Stop Stop]

I'm about to upgrade from a 650 with ABS to 800 without ABS.
My question, is it needed? I mainly do most miles on road but with the 800, I may throw in a few off road. Is it worth getting the ABS so I can switch on or off, but pay extra for, or go for the 800 which I have seen which has no ABS and save the money?

Cheers
Stop Stop

 

[WoodWorks]

I don't know. Are seat belts "needed?"

You'll get answers from both sides here. So in the end, you'll have to make up your own mind. But for what it's worth, I'll never buy another motorbike without ABS. It has saved me twice now from wrecking. So yes, I "need" it.

David

 

[red1]

I don't know. Are seat belts "needed?"

You'll get answers from both sides here. So in the end, you'll have to make up your own mind. But for what it's worth, I'll never buy another motorbike without ABS. It has saved me twice now from wrecking. So yes, I "need" it.

David

I say yes!

The people who think they are "experts" will say no. Don't believe them. It's an ego macho thing.

 

[Dean]

650 and 800 same ABS requirements but

some will tell you how they think the ABS has saved them from surrender On more than one occassion.

and don't forget
Always switch it off, for off road or you could wish you never had it as above

 

[chas820]

I will say yes you need it BUT i don`t think it`s a very good system,I find it`s very sensitive and can trigger over the slightest of road imperfections which can give you a bum gripping moment as you brake for the traffic lights.My R1100rt was much better.

 

[Coolcarbon]

Can't see what difference engine size would make, you either want it or don't.....

 

[snowlife_9999]

ABS= resale value. I second that it is not a very good system. And it can trigger over a slight bump, and I believe that it can extend you braking distance on a dry road. It does work well on a smooth wet road (not sure about bumps)

I would get it for resale value, and you can always turn it off.

 

[GS Biker]

Plus 1 for the ABS system, agreed it is a sensitive unit but it has done its job on a good few occasions. Just don’t forget to switch it off when on the beaten track as someone else said.

 

[vino tinto]

one percent

99 percent of the time you should not need it .its the one percent that will save a long stay in hospital or worse

 

[ILMV]

Blah blah blah, save my arse more than a few times, blah blah blah, I concur with the resale value.

It's been discussed before, some like it, some don't. Best thing to do it try it out, take an 800 for a test ride, go into a quite car park and try it out... but don't write it off ;-)

 

[alphadog]

if you have already owned a bike with abs then you will miss it,especially in the wet.

 

[Dave Ett]

Another vote for getting it with ABS here.

 

[Micky]

There are arguments for and against, and each one to their own I guess. It's all been flogged to death on here before.

We rode police bikes, some with abs and some without ... you never ever stopped to think, as you was taking a bike out, wether it had abs or not, you didn't modify your riding to suit abs or not!

If you prefer abs, or if it has saved your neck then fine stick with it

I personally enjoy the feel of the brakes without it, much more feed back

In 47 years of riding motorcycles, to the moon and back, I can't think of one accident that I've had where abs would have saved me

Just my sixpenneth ya understand

As for resale value I've always done very well thank you, but then I don't let the winters salt and corrosion get to my bikes, I look after them, so resale value has as much to do with how you look after your bike as well as if it has abs fitted or not!

Resale value? Well the bike was cheaper by a wedge of money in the first place so not really relevant methinks


PS ... I'm off to Ireland in the morning so you can all discuss quietly amongst yourselves

 

[maddaddy]

you be the judge

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[argee]

If I fall of as a result of locking one or both of my wheels under braking, I'll let you know.

Hopefully....

 

[GunZenBomZ]

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Good post, the rider did just slam the brakes on but its good proof of what may happen.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Now there's a good idea for the safety conscious. Fit stabilisers.

 

[maddaddy]

Good post, the rider did just slam the brakes on but its good proof of what may happen.

As an instructor, I can tell you your average rider will lock up one or the other (or both) in an emergency situation. It takes lots of practice to learn not to do it at hight speeds. Add wet pavement to the mix, which is half the year where I live, and the potential is even higher.

Here is the US the standard basic safety course is only 15 hours and 7 of that is in the classroom. If they pass the riding test, they are released into the wild.

 

[GunZenBomZ]

*Chuckles*

I've had an off tonight on my 800, gunnna wait to see the damage on me & my bike in the morning light! Show me how to survive an unknown oil spill leaving a round-about. Thread too follow over weekend.

 

[Klanky]

If we were talking about cars, how many would want a non-ABS version?

Not taking sides, genuinely curious.