ABS vs Non ABS

Morning all,

I keep saying people posting about looking at new bikes who seem to be against ABS, being relatively new to bikes i wondered what the reason for this may be?

I thought ABS would definitely be a good thing so cant understand people being against it, am i missing something? Also why are some exhaust specifically for ABS or non ABS models and not both, whats the difference?

 

I think it's the worry that it'll go wrong from what I gather. I've also heard stories of the issues and costs with changing fluid as well, although I'm not sure how true it is, but I've heard of enormous costs respectively to carry out a fluid change...


I'm a bit old school, never really felt the need for abs so probably wouldn't bother with it.

I'll probably have a monumental lock up and stack it at the weekend now I've said that.

 

Ha ha, I've had some hairy moments locking the wheel on my R6 but I've not done it for a while, the Blade i've just got is ABS thats all and i was wondering if maybe I've made a mistake but I'm sure it'll be fine.

Thanks.

 

Thanks mate, i do always use the search function before asking but it never seems to bring me many results.

what exhaust do you run on your ABS?

 

In a Nut Shell......

ABS on Road Bikes is great and something I'd certainly want given the option.

The Honda ABS is their own design rather than go with the market leaders BOSCH setup
It's a flawed system by most users accounts and can fail momentarily along with a very very very complicated and costly bleeding process.

You can't have searched far as this is a Sticky Post right at the top of the screen!
http://1000rr.co.uk/threads/important-notice-please-read-if-you-own-an-abs-2009-onwards-model.11881/


Ya've bought one now so keep ya pinkies crossed!

 

Ha ha brilliant, that makes me both happy and sad I'll see what happens, I don't suppose there is a way bypassing the system or having it removed?

 

Can of worms mate

 

Gotcha

 

Do you have a PCV with that? im looking at a Yoshi at the moment but i cant afford the PCV just yet and im wanting to know if it'll run fine for a few months or if it will run lumpy or throw up an error code / EML?

 

Its the removal of the cat im most worried about, i believe in the 2012 onwards the cat is in the downpipe where as on ours there in the end can.

I might just buy it and if i do need a PC ill just have to buy it.

 

I think the ABS model has some hardware towards the rear of the bike which make a difference to the rear hugger design and maybe this is why the exhaust is different.
the abs model weight more (10kg?), adds complexity and needs more maintenance time (not to mention problems some people experience).
As to the merits or dis-merits....you need to ask yourself the question based on how you ride.
my current car has abs and I really don't see its benefit for me. I used to have a non abs car, used to drive it faster (much much in the good old days) and never had an issue with locking wheels; summer., winter, dry or snow!
I think abs for the masses with limited ability is a good thing- but on the other hand, the more brain you put in the machine, the less brain the operator needs to have
in the end it is your decision and your money and what you are more comfortable with

 

Yeah that makes a lot of sense, when I first passed my bike test I locked up a couple of times and wanted ABS but now I'm not bothered, I didn't realise the bike had ABS when I put the deposit down but I've bought it now so it's too late, I'll just see how I get on and hope for the best.

 

From my perspective when I had the chance to change from my 12 blade I didn't want all the electronic options currently available. Not knocking them one bit would probably make me safer better faster. However my choice was without abs , I suppose it's a personal thing and what you feel comfortable with. Funny thing is I'm happy with it on the four wheel thing.

 

To be honest it's probably best I have it just in case, I inly passed my test in May this year so I'm still a noob. Before anyone chimes in I'll be taking it very careful on the blade as I'm aware it'll be very different to my R6.

 

Had an ABS model for 3 years from new, no issues at all apart from the occasional brake lever to the bar at low speeds whilst feathering the brakes. Solved by releasing brake lever and pulling it again. Overall glad to have it.

 

I've never had a problem with the C ABS on my 2012. It has worked flawlessly and when I compare it's operation to the system fitted to my FJR1300 it's an improvement in my view. The FJR works conventionally and pulses through the levers when it's operating which can be a good thing, i.e.. makes you aware there is a problem or a bad thing in as much as you back off brakes when you can't afford to. The Yamahas rear brake pedal is hydraulically linked to a couple of small pistons on one of the front calipers which means that to get maximum FRONT braking force the rear pedal has to be used. Both the ABS and the braking ability of the FJR are very good but I would much rather the front and rear brakes were stand alone systems. What I like about the Fireblade system is I that have stand alone systems right up to the point where it starts to detect a wheel locking and it electronically transfers more braking force to the other wheel. Maybe not ideal for all situations but so far I can't find fault with it. The pulsing through the lever that more conventional systems give isn't apparent and I'm not sure whether this is desirable or not - I think I'd rather know if I'm pushing too hard. Incidentally, if I stomp on the rear brake hard enough to get the front brake to operate the pressure at the front lever increases noticeably.
As for ABS in general, I've had a couple of instances on the FJR in perfectly dry conditions, taking it fairly easy and the ABS has cut in and I have no doubt it's saved me from low speed, expensive spills. On balance, for road bikes I think it's worth having, though I am certainly not in favour of compulsion.

Sooner or later I will tackle the fluid change myself, I don't trust bike dealers.

 

Thanks for all your input guys, i can see merit to both arguments i guess so I'm just going to see how it goes, i think providing it doesn't go wrong and cost me ill be happy to have it.