ABS

[DaveB]

I am looking for a GS at the moment. I've found a nice one but no ABS. Ive been riding BMW for 15 yrs (currently R1100RT), in that time I can't remember the ABS cutting in more than once. However, shortly going to live in Canada where I'll be riding quite a bit on loose surfaces. The report in the latest MCN on the 1200 GS stated 'better stopping power with ABS turned off on the dirt'. I've riden off-road quite a bit but not with ABS. do I need it?Any advice welcome.

 

[Flying banana]

Dave - I have recently bought an 1150gs with ABS, and the EVO servo system. Its all new to me, as all previous bikes I owned, including several BMWs have not had it. Like you, I have not had the ABS cut in in normal ridng, only when I have deliberately provoked it. The general concensus is that its crap, and most people say they can brake better without it. That may be true, under normal conditions, but, when the s*&t has hit the fan, and you NEED to stop very quickly, I defy anyone but the most skillfull of riders to not benifit from it.
I say this with a certain amount of qualification, as I am a Police trained driver, and know a lot of people who also are, and they would agree.
However, as far as off road riding is concerned, it is generally recognised to be better with it turned off, as the system would be cutting in all the time, because of loose surfaces. The MCN article talked about allowing the rear wheel to slide, when you want it to, as opposed to the ABS trying to override the slide, if you see what I mean.
Personally, having had a moment or two over the 25 years of riding I have done, I would rather have it in my back pocket, than not. But, its not the be all and end all though, so don't worry about it too much

Flying Banana

 

[wessie]

Flying Banana has it spot on IMO.

I like the idea of the ABS as backup just in case the roads are covered in cow shit or summat.

Never had ABS engage on the bike but a couple of times in a car and I was impressed.

 

[Vern]

The flying banana speaks wisley. I can just about beat my ABS, in the dry, when I'm messing about. But it's saved my neck twice now, no question. I don't think even the many riding god's (yeh, right) out there could beat it when it's on the line.
Get it if you can, but don't worry if you can't.

 

[Eunuch]

Hi Dave.

I have to agree going with ABS is the best option for most people. I only picked my GS up yesterday (have I mentioned that?) and reading the manual today I see you can turn it off at start up time, but that would be something you'll be doing regularly if you are SERIOUSLY taking your bike off-road. I ride a 220cc two-smoke competitively and I do need to lock both the rear and front, but I'd have to be going down some serious or slippery slope to consider turning it off on the GS. The Adventure Boys may see it differently, but they'll have Golden Balls compared to me to slide a 200Kg bike off-road ...

For what its worth.

Daz

 

[oblertone]

Only used it once !

Only used the ABS in anger/panic once ! But that one time it saved my life and that of my son on the pillion. Buy it, forget it until you really need it.