This a completely unqualified answer but if you can't sometimes lock up and drag the rear on loose downhill stuff you can't control your descent speed. One of the dualsport guys Im sure can more accurately answer that.
Perfect answer canyonman, only item I'd add, if you are in a really steep downhill section, the ABS pulsing may not slow you down enough to keep from launching off of the cliff face!!!
If I've commented before on this, sorry. But if you read through a lot of posts on ADVrider, you find that the Aussies, Europeans and South Africans have tried the S10 with the ABS system and different modes available for the TCS and find it works great off road WITHOUT disabling the ABS. They have tried it both ways (on and off) and seem to conclude that Yamaha has designed a system that really doesn't need a turn off switch. This is unlike most other bikes. Sheesh I had an 07 DL650ABS, and it's ABS was scary going downhill on gravel. But somehow, this system just works. Go figure.
doctorj
I agree with you.. And everything I have read from owners of the new bike have proven that to me so far...... ABS has saved my life twice so far. I'm going to give it a good try, and if there is a section I dont want ABS im sure there will be a million mods to do in the future..... As you said this ABS is like nothing out there... It should be called smart ABS or Gen II ABS..... LOL
I guess everyone has there own idea of what or where you should ride this new bike... For me, I think most of the time I can just leave it on. If not I can tap the rear brake once and unlock the linked brakes..... If I see something really dumb that I need to stop and look at before I ride it and dont want the ABS on, then Ill put the bike up on the center stand, click it into second gear and turn the ABS off............ seams easy and simple to me...
I really think (and we will see next summer) that many people that might have a bad taste about ABS will or might have a different take on this system after they test ride or ride there friends Super Tenere !
I think the whole "brake" thing on this bike is kinda funny, with people not liking something about the 'brakes' here's why:
-You like ABS: GOT IT
-You like linked brakes: GOT IT
-You dont like ABS and would never use it, turn it off: GOT IT
-You dont like linked brakes, tape the rear and turn it off: GOT IT
-You like good old stand alone brakes, you can do that: GOT IT
-You like full blast safety with all ABS, and linked, so it might save your ass: GOT IT
With all these options with brakes, traction control and power settings, how can this not be the most versatile power/brake bike made to date?
It really has most any situation covered for each individual rider, to go ride anywhere, any place........