ABS or not ABS that is the question

[rodstewart]

Im veiwing a few GSAs next few days,never owned one do i go for ABS servo on not ?being a complete numpty on the subject all opinions welcome

 

[mikepg]

Rod - I would do a search on the forum, you will get sooooooooooooo many conflicting views and you will probably be still reading them next week and none the wiser.

I have always had abs with and without servo with no problems and made used of it a couple of times in 6 years. So, I am ok with it but plenty of folk out there who truly hate it.

 

[ozzy]

ABS

in a word fantactic ,

 

[jonnie comet]

ABS

In a word Shite,

 

[Devon]

If the ABS cuts in just once when you are riding, it has paid for itself.
If there are times you don't need ABS, turn the system off.
It will be easier to sell a bike with ABS.

 

[cookie]

in a word fantactic ,

funny kind of word

 

[skyenet]

I had a BMW R1100RS with ABS and it was a bit of a pain in the ass to bleed the ABS system. Also cost me a new battery when I was selling the bike as even though the bike started fine on the existing battery, the ABS lights kept comming on until I replaced the battery. In all my time ridding the bike ABS never actually came on, expect when I was testing it to see if it worked. To date I have never locked up any wheels on any of the motorbikes I have ridden.

I once did a high perfomrmace car course in a non ABS sports car and the instructor recommended to parctice hard braking every so often so that in a real situation there would be less chance of locking up the wheels.

When buying my R1200GS the main reason I didn't go for ABS was the £800 cost. For the same money I was able to get Panniers, Crashbars and other odds and ends. Would have cost me about £20 a month extra in my repayments over five years. I also felt that maintaining the bike without ABS would be simpler and cheaper. I also hoped that I would be able to ride the bike in such a manner as to avoid locking the brakes in the first place and do practice hard braking every now and then. To date I have been very pleased with my non ABS brakes and have found them to be very effective. Just need to keep practicing emergency stops

 

[Coolcarbon]

ABS...Like any Insurance, you hope never to have to use it....but, one day you may just have to claim...

 

[Deleted account 220427002]

When you try to sell your bike again 90% of potential buyers will want ABS

 

[skyenet]

When you try to sell your bike again 90% of potential buyers will want ABS

A good point, but I bought my R1200GS with no intention of selling it as I reckon its the best bike I have ever owned and hope it lasts me for years to come. I always did regret selling my R100GS years ago but don't intend to make the same mistake with my R1200GS.

 

[skyenet]

ABS...Like any Insurance, you hope never to have to use it....but, one day you may just have to claim...

Have to admit that those thoughts are always in the back of my mind (Insurance and ABS)

As yet never claimed on bike insurance in 34 years riding, but you never know whats round the next corner

 

[jonnie comet]

When buying my R1200GS the main reason I didn't go for ABS was the £800 cost. For the same money I was able to get Panniers, Crashbars and other odds and ends. Would have cost me about £20 a month extra in my repayments over five years. I also felt that maintaining the bike without ABS would be simpler and cheaper. I also hoped that I would be able to ride the bike in such a manner as to avoid locking the brakes in the first place and do practice hard braking every now and then. To date I have been very pleased with my non ABS brakes and have found them to be very effective. Just need to keep practicing emergency stops

...+1.....