Hi all, Been lurking in here for a bit... Had a 600rr which was stolen at the beginning of the month so will use this as an opportunity to possibly upgrade to a 1k. I'm running an ahhring between ABS and non ABS models, apparently the ABS models are used in BSB... Having never ridden an ABS equipped bike are there any pros or cons between the ABS and non ABS models? Obviously I know ABS will be safer... But have they any known faults or issues I should be aware of before buying one or the other.
Have a search on here about the abs issues. I have an ABS model blade. I can say that I wouldn't touch 1 again. So much so that I have ripped the abs out of mine.
Who told you Honda ABS is used in BSB? Downsides are 11KG extra weight, unduly complicated procedure to bleed brakes (5 hours at main dealer!) every 2 years, and some owners have had problems. Have a read of this http://www.1000rr.co.uk/threads/fireblade-c-abs-problem-thread-c-abs-owners-please-look-here.10058/ and other similar threads on here.
Hi Charlie, I'm in the same boat as you as I'm looking out for a 2014 Fireblade. I'd go for ABS if one became available at the price I'm willing to pay. I've got a MY08 Blade and the new features such as new suspension, alloys, clocks and reworked engine makes it an attractive purchase.
'Swiss T' produced a good Bleed Procedure here http://www.1000rr.co.uk/threads/updated-to-c-abs-diy-bleeding-manual.24095/#post-393685 This will give you an idea of the complexity of the system.
A mate of mine.. I take it they don't lol 11kg.. Bloody hell thats a fair bit of weight... Think I might research it a little more.
If they did use ABS I doubt it was the road bike system. At one time Honda were putting 'Combined ABS' logos on the TT and Endurance fairings - but I think that was an advertising thing. I wouldn't think the endurance riders would be happy in a 24 hour race if a 5 hour bleed procedure was needed
Yes there is a lot of extra kit - see the thread on here when ColinBR removed his. There are all sorts of changes for the ABS - e.g. the battery is bigger etc. To me the ABS bikes look unfinished - they don't have a rear hugger as standard, they have the extra plastic under the subframe to accommodate larger battery / ABS stuff, and there are extra brake pipes visible.
Just Googled it - there are press releases when the Endurance Team first used it in 2011 - then not much about it since!
Back to the OPs original question, as far as the ABS goes it should be safer as you say, (and probably would be if it was a Bosch system), but thats as long as it does not totally fail, which has happened on numerous occasions to various members on here, as a counterbalance other owners state they have no issues other than the odd spongy lever and being bent over for brake fluid change prices, oh and if anything goes wrong most of the major components are a grand plus. So given all that, when you have both the knowledge base here and plenty of choice in the marketplace, why anyone would take a gamble on buying an ABS that may or may not change your view of motorcycling forever is beyond me. If you buy one and its a dog, you have been warned, so don't come moaning about it on here.
Fair point... Hence my asking! To be honest I tend to research these sort of things to death and take people opinions in to consideration. As you say there seems to be two fields... Those who have it with no issues... And those who've had it with issues. Realising that control modules can cost thousands is a big put off for me! I'm no mechanic but I know that sounds like more that could go wrong... I suppose I'm weighing up the pros and cons... At the mo more cons than pros... Especially the spongy brake lever... That sounds scary at standstill... Can't imagine it on the move! Still waiting for my insurance payout so I can start shopping... And get a quote on the thing... That will make or break it! Lol
