ABS or not?

[moley]

My current BMW is an 1150RT and has the servo assisted linked brakes.

To be honest I've never really liked the brakes as I hate it when the ABS kicks in just because I'm braking on a rough surface or going over a bump in the road.

I don't mind the servo although it obviously lacks some feel. I don't like the whining noise much and get annoyed when the system decides to turn the servo of because I've got a loose stop light bulb (believe me, this has happened more than once!).

However I do like the feeling of security that if I had to make an emergency stop I could just yank on the front brake and have a pretty good chance of stopping cleanly and without too much hassle.

Having said that I've never knowingly needed it in three years and over 30K miles.

So - the question is. Should I buy a GSA1200 with or without ABS?

What are the pros and cons?

 

[Northants Rob]

I went through just the same dilemma when I bought my 1200GS a couple of months ago - asked the same question on the forum and got a mixed response...think the majority (just) was in favour of ABS.

I did order mine with ABS (which of course doesn't have the servo now) and I'm glad I did. Never had to rely on it, hope I don't, but it's a nice feeling to know it's there - just in case that guy does pull out on me! My own feeling for what it's worth is that this benefit outweighs any negatives or shortfalls in having ABS make some decisions for me...just my thoughts!

 

[Brian ROSEN]

ABS

The 'problem' is this - almost all other vehicles now WILL have ABS so if you are following one and it brakes on a slippery/icy surface you will then have a few milliseconds to prove that you can do better without ABS.
I think that for the moment the servo (which I happen to like very much) has been discontinued;!

 

[cookie]

whilst i somehow managed without abs for many years, i do have it now they have dropped the servo system.

it is much less prone to that "just letting the brakes" off sensation as the old systems.

 

[moley]

whilst i somehow managed without abs for many years, i do have it now they have dropped the servo system.

it is much less prone to that "just letting the brakes" off sensation as the old systems.

Thanks for that Cookie - when did they drop the servo system?

It's the "letting the brakes off" thing that I really dislike so sounds like it'll be a much better system than my current bike!

 

[cookie]

Thanks for that Cookie - when did they drop the servo system?

It's the "letting the brakes off" thing that I really dislike so sounds like it'll be a much better system than my current bike!

07 spec bikes don't have servos. some, like mine, were registered in 06.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

The servo system

One assumes that the servo was initially brought in to enable a harder pad compound to be used? The same thing happened when cars all switched to discs and more effort was required to operate the brakes.
I have had my GS for three years now and find the servo very useful BUT I do live at the top of a steep twisty road with ridiculous bends and brakes have to be used a lot.

 

[mrTickle]

I never thought I'd be a fan of the ABS braking system but after having them on my 1150 Adventure for the last 5 years, they've completely changed my outlook on ABS on bikes.

Mine have done their job on at least three occasions where I panic braked and normally would've locked up the front end up and come off. I've taken a spill at 50MPH from panic braking in the winter so really appreciate what they achieve.

Unfortunately there's too much nonsense talked in regard to ABS. Sure non-ABS might bring you to a halt 5 foot sooner but stopping quicker is not the point of them. Panic stops is where they earn their keep and the ABS will keep you upright.

If you ever get to experience the benefit of ABS on a cold damp slippery road, trust me you will be glad you got them. If you find that you don't like ABS, you can always switch it off. ABS, non servo - definately the choice I'd go for

 

[Dragon Master]

Never needed it...so far.

I've got the ABS on my 1100. In the seven years I've had the bike it has never come in to operation, as far as I know. (I'm sure I'd have felt it if it had.) But as others here have said, I'm glad it's there, just in case...

Dave.

 

[zico]

Yep have ABS on my 2004 GS, cos every little helps if I have a panic braking moment. Dont think its occurred yet, but nice to know help is at hand if needed.

 

[garfield]

I came from using Honda's Combined Braking System on my Blackbird to partial ABS on my 07 GSA, had to use it last week, a sheep wanted to see me test my new brakes, hugely confident they were brought me to a nice stop and the bike wasn't chucking itself around the road.....on that 'test' alone, I'm a fan

 

[mumbo]

I thought all the 1200gs 07 models came with ABS (and the option to switch it off). Also it no longer has the servo. Maybe thats just the Aussie model?

 

[Monsieur]

Never had the misfortune to have to use ABS. I've got Honda's CBS on my varadero with ABS and I think its the sort of thing that you never know how useful it is going to be until the time comes that you need it.

 

[notpc]

I understand that you can turn off the ABS if you have it fitted (you can on my 05 model), but like most of the other respondents above, if not off-road, not sure why you would.

 

[Gas'd Off]

Used mine this morning when a couple of clever pedestrians stepped out from behind a truck into my path. Silly pepes! Should have used the pedestrian crossing but then they would have had to walk an extra 20 metres!
Still, pedestrian have ultimate right of way in my book as long as they aren't taking the pith

 

[Brian ROSEN]

How this thread started

"To be honest I've never really liked the brakes as I hate it when the ABS kicks in just because I'm braking on a rough surface or going over a bump in the road."
So otherwise, if you are braking on a rough surface what happens, presumably the wheel(s) lock up? An RT with wheels locked sounds a bit of a handful to me!
Whoever brakes when going over a bump in the road?
I do ride on rough roads and go over bumps; pretty well every day - but so far, after three years, I have never felt the ABS come into force. (That is on a 1200GS)

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

I think the ABS is the way to go, and it should be tested regularly, if it does not activate by itself. I.e. try it on a bit of gravel, to make sure you know the feel of it.
I have it on the 1150gs and the servo on the 1200GS -brilliant, but dangerous when I get on the R100GS - brakes, what brakes....
Bin

 

[Ali-bear]

These BMW's are in greater need of ABS than the generic jap-style motorcycle because of the front suspension system. The isolation between suspension movement and braking forces mean you get less feedback as a rider when braking hard, making a front-end lockup more likely.

IMHO the new servo-less ABS is well worth the money.

 

[Roy]

I test rode a few bikes in January before deciding on the GSA. I tried the new non ABS Tiger first (amazing engine) thinking that the ABS option was just a gimmik. Sure enough, a pedestrian decided to dart out in front of me, I locked the rear wheel, skidding past her and only missing her by inches. I was lucky, she was VERY lucky. I added ABS to my options when I ordered the GSA it has operated on at least two occasions since I got the bike in March - the usual scenareo, young female in eurobox turning across my bows.
ABS is worth every penny.
Roy