Fireblade C-ABS-Problem “SOLVED” ! Fireblade C-ABS-Problem “SOLVED” ! That was an easy fix and without any help from Honda and a perfect advice from Arthurbike, I got myself a new Aprilia RSV4 APRC Factory ABS 2014. I didn’t pick up the bike yet because my accessories still have to be installed.
Love the RSV4 Factory. Great bike! Just a quick question for you guys, not sure if it is a straight forward one to answer though? If someone were to put a percentage against those who have ABS on their Blades and have had troubles against those with ABS who haven't had troubles, what would it be? Unfortunately I have recently bought my Blade which has C-ABS (May this year) and have only seen this thread now which is annoying. Having said that my ABS has been fine. What I am trying to deduce is this something that effects EVERYONE with ABS on their bikes, or is it an issue that effects only a number of bikes?
I am on my second ABS Blade, not had an issue in 12k miles on my 12 plate, or 10k so far on my 14 plate.
Tbh the percentage figures you are asking about would never be released into the public domain for one simple fact Honda refuse to accept there is any problem with their system! The problem gets compounded by the fact that the folks that are more vocal about the problem seem to be the ones that can't afford to take a hit and just chop the bike for another brand/model that doesn't use honda's combined abs system. Every dealer seems to get/give the same corporate speel from honda HQ "We have never heard anyone having any issues with the abs before!" when any mention of an issue regarding the so called award winning braking system that IMO if was so amazing and issue free would be fitted to every Honda model in the fleet but it is still only limited to the same two models it was fitted to back in 09! As far as who is affected by the system it really depends, by this I mean I have jumped on a few abs equipped Honda blade/baby blades and every single one I have swung my leg over I have been able to get the system to fail in not a lot of time! Someone else can then ride the same bike right after and not find any noticeable problem.
Some points well made, and thanks for the response. My percentage comment is more about if someone were to put an estimated number on it, rather than an official figure released by Honda (which if course would never happen). Having said that and the more I think about it, the more I realise it is almost impossible for anyone to put an estimated number on this. Question is, do I cut my losses now and sell the bike and get something else? Or get another blade without ABS? Hmmmm
Now that is a sweeping statement that don't hold water, I was a vocal moaner on the pile of shite that I bought, and traded it for a 14 non ABS Blade, Jim Glasgow bought a S1000RR and Zippy went the same way as me and bought a non ABS, and we were all rather vocal about the issues. And it was nothing about taking the hit, it was actually about standing up and being counted and trying to make some change for the good of all, from which a number of forum members put themselves forward and were royally let down by both Honda and the running scared UK motorcycle press.
I had pretty much written the first part of your message word for word - but I re-read Shiney's message. I believe he was referring to the percentage of people would be hard to predict based on the fact there were probably people out there who have had problems and swapped their bikes but not mentioned anything.
Kent, I didn't mean to offend or tar everyone with the same brush with that part of my post, I was talking about the guesstimation figures which I had other stuff written but I took a lot out trying to trim my post down. But I was trying to convey there could be a whole group missing from such a guesstimate that have never been vocal about any problem they have had and just swapped bikes. I have followed and posted in many abs threads on this and other Honda forums, and know what Jim glasgow and others were trying to achieve in getting a large voice together and try and make Honda take note and actually fix the issues within their abs system!
I genuinely feel for anyone who has their ABS play silly buggers on them...If like me you bought it because of what you perceived as a valuable safety extra, you then feel like a complete dolt for trying to fix what wasn't broken (i.e. conventional brakes). I personally could not see a way to get Honda to admit or even fix properly my failing ABS-C despite a couple of tries so whilst under warranty I traded her in (at a loss) and extended my 3 year finance deal to a 4 year finance deal for a NON ABS Blade. 6 months down the line and I LOVE the blade again, and it was the best decision I made IMO! (despite the extra debt). Its a real shit because when its working its brilliant and you adjust and trust in it. I just hope that everyones who's system is fine stays that way and they never get any grief. I hope you get your problems resolved so your happy....after all thats why we ride bikes isn't it...to be happy!
Not offended Shiny, just was trying to make a point that peeps did dump their ABS nightmares........its been a complete fook up and it all comes down the the UK importer completely letting down their client base in the worst possible way, we all know things go wrong, but the main thing we remember is not that it's gone wrong, but how it was fixed, and basically Honda UK have shown total contempt for the clients that had issues, if I could have found a better bike for my riding regime I would have done, but in the end I parted with my wedge through gritted teeth, buying a bike that was the best one for my needs, but it still gave me heartburn lining the coffers of those f**kers again. I detest Honda UK with a passion after this episode, and after 25 + year of Honda ownership, that's it, plain and simple. And every owner that defects and find's another manufacturer's product suits their needs better makes me smile, but I have to sit on it 12 months a year in all weathers, and I had to bend my principles, which fooking killed me, to buy another Blade, because I have to live on a bike day in day out, so it has to be right. But even now, they have supposedly have sent 3 owners cards for the new bike, but not one has arrived, and I have given up phoning customer services, so to be honest if they cannot even post out an owners card, they have no fecking chance of fixing a dodgy braking system I guess.
Its very awkward to say as there are plenty of peeps on here who have had not a single issue and love them. Thats why its so hard to advise...you have to call it as you see fit!
Watchdog? I'm actually being serious. This is the kind of thing they love, and it would bring it to the attention to a global audience. God knows how many car recalls they instigate through their show. Disclaimer: I don't make a habit of watching it.
You can't help but think this when this happens as you feel like your being swept under the rug! The awkward bit is proving it...I couldn't get it to do it when I wanted to prove it
For what its worth it was about my safety and others and realising something wasn't right which I still standby most definitely.The bike initially had no problems and when i read the problems didn't effect me till one day it started, lever went to bar, so I went back online and looked it up, and it was exactly what i was reading others were encountering. It started around 3 months into using the bike, and had therefore lost confidence in the bike...it had to go. As for if its one in a 300 faulty, it still should be addressed. BMW recently encountered a design issue with their new RT, got them picked up from all their customers, handed out a loan, gave £600 BMW credit and extended warranty. Recently Vauxhall have done a recall on Corsa's and Adams, even though no one has encountered the problem. Where as Hondas approach is loads of experienced riders complaining about brakes but in their view we are all wrong....therefore my decision was easy sell the bike back to Honda with a clear conscious, what they decide to do is their choice!
Well it happened for the 1st time Sunday new abs blade been all good for 3k miles then went to brake before a bend a lever back to bar , shat myself and have never taken a corner so quick! Happens again it will be gone
There is nothing the wrong with the brakes this the characteristics of the brakes....so Honda will tell you...good luck
Yet another delusional owner who believes his brakes did not work when he pulled the lever.....poor old Honda, no wonder they are so frustrated with all these owners making out they have issues with their perfect ground braking unique C-ABS system, they went to all this trouble to develop a totally different system to everyone else, and their ungrateful customers never stop moaning. Just goes to show how demanding customers can be, expecting everything to work perfectly all the time.
