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I have never owned a bike with ABS. I don't ride in the rain and I don't race. I've seen various opinions on the option. For those that have experience with it, is it worth having?
Thoughts on ABS
- Thread starter SoonerNation
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I personally think ABS is good for a beginner but its definitely not needed. I also feel if you get used to the electronics and then hop on an older bike you will be in trouble! I know alot of people are buying S models but personally to me an S is a waste of money unless you are utilizing the DES. The owner of my dealer even said the S is a waste of money outside of the DES which even he think makes more sense on a multistrada. On top of that, the S is going to be way heavier than a base without abs. He said he doesn't know why Ducati is saying they are the same weight when they are atleast 10 (w/abs) to 15 (w/o abs) pounds apart. Somebody probably eventually might sue them for that. I look at it this way....my base model w/o abs, full termis, Leds, and aero kitted (bst wheels will be installed later)...Im spending about 24k total....s model being 24 plus termis you are at 30k and who cares about the forged wheels....they are the same price for a pair of bst carbon which save you weigh more weight......so to answer your question haha....its worth having for novice but if you have been riding for years its not needed....hope this helps even though I gave you alot haha
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Depends. People drive like ....... ....... in my city, and if I grab a handful of brake when I need to stop instantly I'd prefer that to happen instead of ending up on the hood of the car in front of you.
If it saves you from ONE crash, it has paid for itself.
If it saves you from ONE crash, it has paid for itself.
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Good safety feature for the street and can be turned off for the track, if you want. I especially see where ABS would be a plus if one commutes in all weather. It I was caught out in the rain, I would like the safety net of having ABS, just in case, though not required.
However, as I do ~50/50 track v/s road work, I'm not bothered either way. I went without ABS on my 's' mainly to save the 2.2KG.
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When panic sets in riders typically make one of two mistakes while trying to stop in an emergency--they brake too hard and lock the front (and crash) or they brake too little (because they've never explored the limits of traction) and hit whatever it is they were trying to avoid. Being able to depend on a system that factors both panic and skill out of the rider equation can't be anything but good.
On the track ABS is largely unnecessary because your brake markers and traction are going to be relatively consistent every lap. Add cows, dogs, minivans and rollerbladers into your average MotoGP and you can bet that they'd adopt ABS in a second.
On the track ABS is largely unnecessary because your brake markers and traction are going to be relatively consistent every lap. Add cows, dogs, minivans and rollerbladers into your average MotoGP and you can bet that they'd adopt ABS in a second.
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+1
infact those of you who have never used abs on a bike , you should practice breaking with abs, once you get the hang of it, it a big confidence booster!
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Abs adds weight and complexity that cannot be turned off. It adds feet of extra hose, additional connectors, fluid pathways, computers, and kills feedback (regardless of weather it's active or inactive)
On the other hand it could save your butt when you go charging around a blind bend and there's a load of sand just dumped from some boneheads truck (or a deer or an old .... in a wheelchair -you name it)
It's a tough choice, if you want the ultimate in performance and feel then opt out. If you want an extra margin of safety get abs.
On the other hand it could save your butt when you go charging around a blind bend and there's a load of sand just dumped from some boneheads truck (or a deer or an old .... in a wheelchair -you name it)
It's a tough choice, if you want the ultimate in performance and feel then opt out. If you want an extra margin of safety get abs.
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Sounds like I wont miss it since I've never had it on any of my other bikes over the years. If I rode in all weather conditions then it sounds like something to have.
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The same can be said for DTC......
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Not at all, dtc doesn't insulate you from the mechanical feel the way abs does. However, throttle by wire (which allows modes, dtc, ebc) does cut you off from the engine. It takes ultimate control and feel out of your hands and puts a level of computer control between you and the bike.
I'm not a fan of a computer layer between me and my vehicles but I'll have to admit the throttle by wire on my multistrada works far better than it does on my BMW
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Considering you will use it on public road more often:
No harm having ABS, could be disabled and have settings for you to explore.But could certainly save you from harm when it happens or saving a dog or others that dash across in-front, unless we know could predict the future....
there are ppl who claimed they don't need abs or others like DTC...maybe for now, but we will all age (no offense on older riders) or times of lack of rest , and chances are judgement /reaction/ will deteriorate (varying extend to individual) in response to brake.Does not need to be your fault, could be other crazy road users'...
not only rainy wet roads. Even when dry, leaves,gravels,manhole covers are enough to break traction when brake hard....of course tire thread play a part too....
ABS is about 1xxx dollars but your life is..... priceless...
No harm having ABS, could be disabled and have settings for you to explore.But could certainly save you from harm when it happens or saving a dog or others that dash across in-front, unless we know could predict the future....
there are ppl who claimed they don't need abs or others like DTC...maybe for now, but we will all age (no offense on older riders) or times of lack of rest , and chances are judgement /reaction/ will deteriorate (varying extend to individual) in response to brake.Does not need to be your fault, could be other crazy road users'...
not only rainy wet roads. Even when dry, leaves,gravels,manhole covers are enough to break traction when brake hard....of course tire thread play a part too....
ABS is about 1xxx dollars but your life is..... priceless...
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AntiHero said it best - In an emergency on the street a handful of controlled braking is the way to go and pays for itself just one time. It allows the average rider to brake like a pro if you look at the comparisons on Youtube. If you're a pro then you probably don't need it. Egos aside, to say it's only for beginners is ignorant.
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How does the ABS respond when activated? Is it similar to a car where you feel the pulse of the break pedal as the tires lose grip? That can be odd in a car when activated, I can only imagine what it's like on a motorcycle.
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Depends on the ABS system. I'm fairly certain Ducati got it right based on the lack of journalistic complaints. But I'm also fairly certain that feeling abs pulsing in your right hand will always feel better than a Ford F150 bumper to the head.
if anyone tells you not to get ABS on the road, I personally think your getting bad advice. Have a look around on the internet for ABS on bikes, in the rain once thats front locks up your gone, no matter what cat like reflexes you got. Not only does your stopping distances decrease but it's consistent. If you don't have ABS you better be practicing your braking every day and you better be doing it in the rain and with cars pulling out and dogs jumping out. If your paying $$$ for a duc, the abs is not that much extra and should be a no brainer if your riding on the road. I rest my case for the road.
for track....your own businees I guess, plenty of opinions on that around the place.
for track....your own businees I guess, plenty of opinions on that around the place.
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Relax there's no pulsing. I have a Multi12 with ABS. The feeling when it kicks in is kind-of - well, wooden.
It's a bit frustrating actually, you think there should be more but the brakes override your command and just won't grip any tighter.
There's a sort of bump upon the release of grip on the disk once the tire starts to lock then the feeling is smooth and seamless.
and for the record Delta IV, no-one can tell you what you should or shouldn't get when it comes to ABS, the choice is personal.
Anyone who's ridden a dirtbike (a lot) knows how to brake in a low traction environment and I honestly don't think riders with that type of experience need or benefit from ABS.
Guys who's whole life has been on big cruisers or touring bikes will absolutely benefit from ABS and probably should have it. And I agree that if you ride in the rain a lot ABS is comforting.
I live in an arid climate and get caught in the rain about once every 3 years. I'm getting it on my tricolore but if it were an option I would pass.
It's a bit frustrating actually, you think there should be more but the brakes override your command and just won't grip any tighter.
There's a sort of bump upon the release of grip on the disk once the tire starts to lock then the feeling is smooth and seamless.
and for the record Delta IV, no-one can tell you what you should or shouldn't get when it comes to ABS, the choice is personal.
Anyone who's ridden a dirtbike (a lot) knows how to brake in a low traction environment and I honestly don't think riders with that type of experience need or benefit from ABS.
Guys who's whole life has been on big cruisers or touring bikes will absolutely benefit from ABS and probably should have it. And I agree that if you ride in the rain a lot ABS is comforting.
I live in an arid climate and get caught in the rain about once every 3 years. I'm getting it on my tricolore but if it were an option I would pass.
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I ride a YZ450F and I never thought of it this way. I have crashed several times due to a loss of front tire traction in lose track conditions.
I watched some of the videos on the net and it seems the wet road testing is where it's at. No doubt there is a significant difference in control and braking difference.
What components on an S without ABS can possibly add 10 lbs ? No way the suspension (Ohlins) are heavier. The carbon fender is not heavier. The wheels are said to be at least two kilos lighter. I guess you are saying the LED system weighs 15 lbs. NOT!!! Lets hear some facts on why you say the Sis heavier than the base.
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