Is ABS on the 1199 worth the money?

The ABS system on the 1199 only runs through the front brakes. There is a rear lift-up detection which activates in the Sport and Rain riding modes.

You can add ABS for an extra $1000... is it worth the money?

Hi,
ABS is always worth the money especially in the uk with its high density of traffic. Ordered S version with ABS yesterday! dealer says expect delivery next April (although you never can tell with Ducati!)

I spoke to the dealer, and yes I'm going to spend the additional $1000 for ABS on the S model.

I'm sure the year after, the 2013 Ducati 1199 will be priced the same as the 2012 but will come with ABS as a standard option. I guess this is the price of being first.

I just talked to a dealer in NYC last night and I thought the ABS was standard on the S?

512BB said:

I just talked to a dealer in NYC last night and I thought the ABS was standard on the S?

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Yeah, the ABS is standard only on the Tricolore. It costs an extra $1000 to have it added to the S.

Looks like ABS adds an additional 5.5 pounds to the bike too.

duc - I would be interested in reading more about the ABS system. Where did you find the info stating it only runs through the front brakes?

FWIW - I can't imagine owning a bike without ABS if it were available.

It would not be of any value to me since I live in a very dry climate and have yet to lock up the front brake....now the rear is a different story.

Ianm said:

Hi,
ABS is always worth the money especially in the uk with its high density of traffic. Ordered S version with ABS yesterday! dealer says expect delivery next April (although you never can tell with Ducati!)

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Think I will take a test ride before I make a decision. Got to find a way of funding it first and selling my current bike.

I've decided i too am going for the ABS you can never be too risky on UK roads!

I would only purchase this motorcycle with the ABS option. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Ooh I dunno... it'll be an awesome ABS system, the latest Bosch one is amazing, and for road riding it'll be very useful if you ride in variable conditions. Most superbike riders manage without, but then it's only an extra £750, less than the ABS option on a lot of lesser bikes, and it'll be so good it'll not interfere with road riding but it could well stop you having a bad moment... I'd go for it myself. You can always switch it off for the track, or switch off just the rear if you like backing it in.

The ABS system on the 1199 works both the front and rear brakes in the sport and rain modes. The rear ABS system is deactivated in race mode.

My experience with the ABS system on my MTS leads me to the conclusion that ABS may not be the best system for those who want a solid direct feel with the brakes.

The rear brake on the MTS with ABS has been the subject of much controversy, and for most owners, frustration.

Think about this: racing braking systems have very short hoses directly connected from the master to the caliper. There are radial mounts, solid block calipers, radial levers and stainless lines, all in the name of feel and control. But ABS adds another 10 feet of brake hose, multiple junctions, connections, valves. computer intervention, not to mention about 5 pounds of additional hardware.

What do you think that's going to do to brake feel? I can tell you it has not been good to the MTS1200.

And what about servicing the brakes? how many of you bleed your own brakes? Change your own wheels? With this new system will the bike need to be connected to the service computer to bleed the brake? I don't know, maybe. I know that some bikes do require this. I work on my own bikes. I want to be able to continue to service my bike at home.

We don't really know enough about the new ABS system to make an informed decision - at least I don't. If you're buying a 195 HP SBK to tool around the streets of London then by all means get the ABS. I'm sure it'll be just fine.

But for those of us who plan to take the bike to the track and need braking feel and perfect response I'm not so sure ABS is a good thing.

The difference in feel and control of the brakes on my MTS and 1098 is a universe apart. The ABS is perfect for the type of riding I do on the Multi but I wouldn't want that system on a sportbike.

Ianm said:

Hi,
ABS is always worth the money especially in the uk with its high density of traffic. Ordered S version with ABS yesterday! dealer says expect delivery next April (although you never can tell with Ducati!)

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IanM! You have committed. Good man! Off track I know, but I really hope that Ducati have learned from the Diavel launch not to underestimate the demand for this machine.. Enjoy!

Great points, Bulldog. I never even considered how the extra lines would impact the feel. S1000RR is the only bike I've been on with ABS and though there was enough feeling and confidence up to about 70% to satisfy me, it was that last 30% where it just lacked feel, where you need it most. I hope Ducati does get it right.

I have never ridden a bike with ABS, and as long as the brakes are progresssive and world class I don't plan to start. One of the most important parts (IMO 2nd only to learning to "steer" with the rear wheel) of learning how to ride safely (and quickly) is understanding how to operate your brakes in different situations; dry vs wet, front vs rear, clean asphalt vs dirty, down hill vs up hill, straight away vs corner, on camber vs off camber, how much rearend lift you need/want vs rear end planted. The only bike I ever got off of due to a braking error was in the wet, down hill, braking fairly hard for a 90 degree turn...and the pavement also was not clean (a well traveled intersection)...a scraped side cover and very minor road rash later (btw I was also carrying a passenger...which was another lesson learned) I am a better driver for it....anywho my 2 cents.

ABS on 1199 is only on Front brakes. Here is an excerpt about 1199 ABS,

""The 1199 Panigale introduces a very latest in sport-oriented ABS technology to enable full integration with the three-programmed Riding Modes.

Operating with the latest generation 9ME Bosch processor, the system enables full ABS on the front only, when in Race mode, allowing the rider initial braking drift on the rear during race track corner entry. The system also boasts a refined “rear lift-up” detection activated in Sport and enhanced in Wet Riding Modes.

Remaining almost undetectable at the lever, these advanced features enable shorter braking distances by optimising brake force distribution for superior vehicle stability.

The advanced ABS, which is optional on the 1199 Panigale and 1199 Panigale S and standard equipment on the 1199 Panigale S Tricolore, can also be deactivated via the instrumentation control panel.""

I'm going with 1199 Base with ABS. With new technologies added, I don't wanna get outdated right after getting a Pani. I had been through an incident where I could have avoided if I had ABS. I would definitely recommend ABS if you can go for it!

jsparrow said:

ABS on 1199 is only on Front brakes. Here is an excerpt about 1199 ABS,

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What FlynBullDog says is correct: ABS on front brake only when you are in race mode; ABS on both front and rear brakes in sport and wet modes.

I am under the impression, from talking to my dealer, that all 1199's are wired for ABS even when you buy a model without it.

The only part missing on the Non ABS equipped bikes is the brain which mounts on the upper right side of the bike.

After hearing this from my dealer, I am buying a non-ABS model and will easily be able to find an ABS brain second hand from a totalled or race prepped bike for much, much less than the $1K you pay for the option when new.

That is if I even want it.

I'd say it's worth it. That said , I skipped it. I'll use the extra cake for other gear.

thomaskenyon said:

I am under the impression, from talking to my dealer, that all 1199's are wired for ABS even when you buy a model without it.

The only part missing on the Non ABS equipped bikes is the brain which mounts on the upper right side of the bike.

After hearing this from my dealer, I am buying a non-ABS model and will easily be able to find an ABS brain second hand from a totalled or race prepped bike for much, much less than the $1K you pay for the option when new.

That is if I even want it.

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That is the most ghetto thing I've read on this forum.