To ABS or not ABS

[bezzer]

That is the question. I have been riding for a few years now and have never had ABS. I have never been prone to locking up and (more by luck than judgement)) have never had kids,dogs,prams,alegro's pulling out 2 ft infront of me so cannot say whever i would have stopped or not without ABS. For just under 800 squid i feel it is a question i need to ask. Having absolutely no experience in BIKES&ABS your coments and experiences would be most appreciated.


Cheers in advance

 

[MikeP]

Bezzer,

Welcome!

Do a search of the threads for ABS, you'll find the subject has been debated at some length and should find every opinion under the sun.

A few hours reading at least!

 

[TerryM]

I also had no previous bike abs experience, ordered it and find it to be worthwhile, though I would not try to persuade anyone who prefers human abs.

But it can be turned off, and what about resale if most 12GS are abs equipped?

 

[Mouse]

The emotive subject of the moment seems to be servo assist rather than ABS. Some people have stated they won't be buying the ABS version of the bike because with ABS you also get servo assist. The ABS-free bike also has no servos, as I understand.

As a newcomer to the world of GSing, I'm glad my bike has ABS, because it gives me that little bit more confidence when riding a large heavy bike on poor road surfaces.

As far as the servos go - they CAN fail, leaving you with "residual braking", but it's VERY rare, and my personal opinion is that probably 50% of the cases of failure were probably caused by people not following the instructions. And don't believe people who say the residual braking is insufficient, you can stop the bike almost as quickly without servos as with them.

In short, unless you are very confident about riding the bike (have you had a previous GS? those were even heavier!) I'd go for ABS

 

[JayGee]

I think you'll find that a non ABS GS will not have the brake servos either.
Having non-servo brakes is quite attractive from a maintenance/reliability point of view so maybe the qusetion is
SERVO or NON SERVO?

 

[GSmonkey]

I ride all weathers and find having ABS makes me much happier riding on slimey salty roads. Never had problems with non-ABS - but I'd say the money is well spent in terms of stress reduction!!!

Servo failure - depends on how you view risk. I'd suggest biking is hazardous enough and the extra risk associated with servos is negligible in comparison. Just my view.

 

[Joyseeker]

i am reassured the ABS will stop me locking the front (as i'm told the rear also) in slick conditions.

done some heavy breaking planned and in need (for lights) and missed junctions...... i do find it a strange feeling to be holding the lever in 'hard and grim with need' and getting a release (which does feel like a losing of grip) and then a hold.......

all times did i did stop real quick but not where i wanted too

 

[Shep]

Hi all

After half a winter riding in most weathers I feel ABS to be an advantage not to be underrated on dodgy roads I use every day!

However just recently I feel that I could do without the servo assist, it seems just as the already average lights are needed ie dark country lane, low speed turns and junctions, I touch the brakes and the lights dim even further! I guess due to extra load of the servo motor with the low output of a slow turning alternator!

Even as an old fart I have enough strength left in my right arm to operate normal brakes.

Perhaps, if servos are needed, a return to a vaccuum based system could be required, may be with a lorry based vacuum type pump, engine driven so no load on the electrics!

No, seriously, if nobody else is getting this problem please let me know, just in case I've a charging problem!

Regards Shep

 

[Mouse]

No I've seen that problem too - the servos do seem to suck a lot of power. Extra lights may be the answer!!

 

[Shep]

Hi Mouse

Do you think extra lights would just make the problem worse?

Regards Shep

 

[Mouse]

Don' think so, as 90% of 3 lights is better than 90% of one light.

 

[GSmonkey]

Can't say I've ever noticed the volt drop when riding, only when stopped and you release the brakes. Think you're nit picking guys

 

[Fanum]

If your lights are dimming that much when the servo's on, you have a problem.

As Gotteramerdung said, Bezzer, plug ABS into the search at the top and settle back to read......to summarise it though, most people say yay, MrIfan's better than ABS and some say Nay.

(sorry Ian... )

There's page after page of ABS stuff though .

B

 

[plasins]

Got a non abs one coming 1st March- did not like the feed back when braking with the servo assist. According to the salesman, Tim from SPC, this will be the first he has sold. Should be interesting come resale time!

Vic P.

 

[BikerDave]

I like the ABS, but would be happier if it didn't also have servo assist - not because of the risk of failure, but simply because it takes away the "feel" of a decent braking system and make it a bit wooden.

 

[bezzer]

Thanks for your replies peeps i have ordered with abs as i can turn it off if i dont like it and resale etc etc i was also told that if i bought it without abs i would be the first at cannons mmhhhh how strange