ABS or Not?

**indaba** · #1 23 Jun 2008

Hi,

I'm new to the forum so I hope I'm posting this in the correct forum. My apologies if not. I'm getting a BMW F800GS and am pondering whether to fit it out with the optional ABS or not. I plan to go to Morocco next year (and the way I'm feeling at the moment I might just continue riding and not turn back

) and then various other long trips to Eastern Europe etc. Could someone comment as to whether they think ABS would be a worthwhile addition or just something else to go wrong?

Thanks

Adrian

**ozhanu** · #2 23 Jun 2008

hello indiba,

this issue has already been discussed a few months ago.

as Grant says "seek and you shell find"!!

welcome and best of luck..

**indaba** · #3 23 Jun 2008

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately searching on "abs" returns zero results

. Could you give me a link to the topic or suggest what I should search on.

Thanks

Adrian

**Tim Cullis** · #4 23 Jun 2008

Searching for ABS gets zero results, so a link might have been more useful. You can pick up some threads by googling for

ABS site:horizonsunlimited.com

in the search box.

You will find opinions are divided on both whether or not ABS is a good thing on a bike, and whether or not to have ABS activated when offroad. I've riden 3000 miles offroad in Morocco, mainly solo, and invariably with ABS on. Others will disagree.

Personally I wouldn't buy a bike without ABS. If you get the F800GS without it you'll encounter teeth sucking from dealers when you come to trade it in.

Tim (R1200GSA and F650GS twin)

**orrin** · #5 23 Jun 2008

Well I think you have the perfect bike for the west coast of africa!!
People think that africa is full of sand, mud, bad roads etc but I can assure there is a sh... load of tar, long and straight!
That gs weighs the same as most single 600+ bikes, what a bonus.
If you have ABS make sure you can disable it !
One German told me he was riding down a steep wet cobble stone road towards the sea and ended up in it, as everytime he tried to stop and the wheels locked, the brakes released!!
Just remember one thing bout africa and new motorcycles...If you break down or fall and need repairs, you have to do them yourself!!

**indaba** · #6 23 Jun 2008

Thanks everyone for the replies - your input is much appreciated - Think I will go for ABS as I don't like the sound of a dealer (or anyone actually) sucking their teeth

I will also remember the bit about fixing the bikes - will have the wife along to do that - she is much better than I am - she'll be on a Transalp - oh and she comes from Africa (South anyway) so that is a bonus!

I can't wait to get the bike (12 weeks wait!) but will be on here asking lots of questions. Hope no-one minds

Thanks

Adrian

**stuxtttr** · #7 28 Jun 2008

Good choice of bike. Go with the ABS I had it on my RT and I tested it one day at 90 mph just to see how good it was. No joke I nearly dropped the bike it came to a halt that fast I didnt realise I had stopped and needed to get my feet down. I have no expirience with ABS off road I guess try it with both and see what you prefer. You never know when that stray goat is going to run out in front of you.

Check out some of Tims threads he has given some great advice on moroco. I used it when I was out there earlier in the year. You will have a great time dont forget the High Atlas Mountains, the roads are amazing I was in a car it was fun but I was gutted not to be on the bike.