Anti-Lock Brakes

[James Burleigh]

<<Oops>>

 

[garyahouse]

Let's just say that someone reading this forum agrees that riding an ABS equipped bike limits his ability in some way to maintain his edge when using standard brakes on other bikes. Maybe his "edge" isn't what it used to be for other reasons as well. Then let's say he decides to sell the other bikes he may ride and make an ABS equipped bike his only ride. That decision all by itself may just save his life one day. Hmmm. How's that for a bad habit?

I'd like to add one more category to James' post above: PAYIN ATTENTION. Something that I practice as often as I can. That involves slowin' down when there are cagers poised to pull out in my path. However, as my experience the other day revealed, ya can't drive without mistakes forever. Sooner or later, something's GOING to happen. It's just a matter of time. And when that time comes, maybe, just maybe, ABS will make the difference.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[bgross]

Let's just say that someone reading this forum agrees that riding an ABS equipped bike limits his ability in some way to maintain his edge when using standard brakes on other bikes. Maybe his "edge" isn't what it used to be for other reasons as well. Then let's say he decides to sell the other bikes he may ride and make an ABS equipped bike his only ride. That decision all by itself may just save his life one day. Hmmm. How's that for a bad habit?I'd like to add one more category to James' post above: PAYIN ATTENTION. Something that I practice as often as I can. That involves slowin' down when there are cagers poised to pull out in my path. However, as my experience the other day revealed, ya can't drive without mistakes forever. Sooner or later, something's GOING to happen. It's just a matter of time. And when that time comes, maybe, just maybe, ABS will make the difference.

Gary

darksider #44

+1

Being an old dude, when I was in Jr. High School I watched the TV show "Combat!" every week. I recall one episode in which the squad picked up a fighter pilot who'd been shot down. What sticks in my mind was that they gave him a hard time ("Prima Dona") about the silk scarf he wore.

At some point he explained that, unlike on the ground, there's nowhere to hide up there and you have to have your "head on a swivel", looking for enemy fighters - and the silk scarf keeps your neck from being rubbed raw by the collar of the rough wool uniform.

Don't know why that stuck with me, or even if it's true, but the concept applies to all of us. If we want to survive, we need to ride as though 1) we're invisible, 2) they are blind (or never look up from their text screen), or 3) they are actually TRYING TO HIT US.

If we are more skilled than 'the enemy', we'll have fewer opportunities to practice emergency avoidance, acceleration, and braking skills that we practice anyway, just in case.

"Curse you, Red Baron!"

 

[LAF]

I think most of us here have been riding for years and years, and many different platforms and branded bikes. 07 was the first ABS bike I owned a BMW K1200 LT. I learned a lot about brakes from that bike and the 05 FLTRI Road Glide I gave up for the LT.

I learned I loved ABS brakes.

I knew how the Road Glide stopped and what to do and not do. I was very aware of how and when and what to do while braking. The LT allowed the luxury of not having to worry as much. However it did not make me less aware of when to brake, or even how to use both the front and rear in proportion to the distance needed to stop safely. It did not change my choice of entry points in a turn or have my head on a swivel in traffic.

ABS is not bad, only riders. If you go between bikes it should be a non issue. ABS does not create bad habits, the rider does.

ABS rules but your big head should have the final say in what you are doing while riding. ABS or non ABS you are in control so how you ride with your head in the game or fuc%ing off and then find yourself in a problem. It is not the brakes, it is you knowing how to respond, and paying attention enough for you to respond in enough time to react.

 

[Full House]

I think most of us here have been riding for years and years, and many different platforms and branded bikes. 07 was the first ABS bike I owned a BMW K1200 LT. I learned a lot about brakes from that bike and the 05 FLTRI Road Glide I gave up for the LT.
I learned I loved ABS brakes.

I knew how the Road Glide stopped and what to do and not do. I was very aware of how and when and what to do while braking. The LT allowed the luxury of not having to worry as much. However it did not make me less aware of when to brake, or even how to use both the front and rear in proportion to the distance needed to stop safely. It did not change my choice of entry points in a turn or have my head on a swivel in traffic.

ABS is not bad, only riders. If you go between bikes it should be a non issue. ABS does not create bad habits, the rider does.

ABS rules but your big head should have the final say in what you are doing while riding. ABS or non ABS you are in control so how you ride with your head in the game or fuc%ing off and then find yourself in a problem. It is not the brakes, it is you knowing how to respond, and paying attention enough for you to respond in enough time to react.

Agree 100% My first ABS was a BMW, bought it specifically because it has ABS. I only remember it actually engaging once or twice in 60,000 miles. My mindset was to use the brakes to avoid the ABS "help". I wanted to become good enough to not need the ABS function.. As LAF states it's your concentration and mindset that determines your outcome, not ABS. Just my two cents.

 

[bikemiser]

Like it or not, ABS is here to stay and will be on all motorcycles before long just like cars.

 

[garyahouse]

Don't know why that stuck with me, or even if it's true, but the concept applies to all of us. If we want to survive, we need to ride as though 1) we're invisible, 2) they are blind (or never look up from their text screen), or 3) they are actually TRYING TO HIT US.

If we are more skilled than 'the enemy', we'll have fewer opportunities to practice emergency avoidance, acceleration, and braking skills that we practice anyway, just in case.

Bgross,

That was brilliant. It ought to be on EVERY motorcycle licensing test in the country.

Gary

Darksider #44