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6 May 2008
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Join Date: Feb 2008
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Thanks for all your comments, which have certainly shed some light on the matter.
To my mind it seems that ABS is going to be of most use when the road surface has less traction than it should, (oil, ice, etc.). The way I have been taught to ride I don't use the back brake when riding at speed, just the front. In the case of emergency breaking this means that the back wheel never locks up and the more you break, the more force on the front wheel, the more grip - assuming a good road surface of course.
It's interesting that opinion seems to be split when it comes to off-road riding as to whether ABS is an advantage or a hindrance.
In the case of the Wee, my local dealer is actually selling both the X and A versions for the same price and given that choice I'd choose ABS over hand guards, engine guards and a bash plate! Although they also have a nice second hand '05 'strom, which would make the whole ABS issue a moot point...
Do bikes with ABS tend to have the ability to switch it off? Or does that require modifying the wiring, cutting wires, etc.?
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6 May 2008
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You all make good points that don't stray from mine...when on tarmac, great stuff.
BUT....
Whether its 2-3 kgs or more/less...it adds weight.
No matter how simple Sukuki's is to BMW's or whomever else; it does add more complexity to the motorcycle.
And when you're on the road to Timbuktu and wondering WTF the bike won't start due to some electrical check linked to you ABS system, etc....you'll want simplicity. Note this didn't happen to me, but something similar from the POV of a fuel pump did...
Would you dare take a brand new f800 out to Mike's Sky ranch or your DR/XR? The point is simplicity, durability, mechanical familiarity and reliability are what I value in a bike choice for a trip...but everybody's trip is their own adventure 
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6 May 2008
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I think we will see ABS on more and more bikes the following years.
The system has, like FI, been used on bikes for 25 years already and together with other systems like traction control it will be on most bikes in a few years.
ABS works, and it sure makes riding on slippery roads easier.
But in deep gravel it’s bad, really bad… When you brake hard with a non-abs bike a pile of gravel builds up in front of the tires and this pile increases the effect on braking a lot. With ABS this effect is minimized.
But I guess on most systems you can turn ABS off.
The system brakes, sensor fails and the ABS-ring gets dented (and maybe more). It will not end your trip (at least not on a BMW) and you can continue driving without the ABS-function.
But this is mostly subject on harder trips and most people that go RTW hardly leave the tarmac (I’m not talking about you MotoEdde)
So in the end it’s maybe a question about how you intend to use the bike and preferences. Personally I will continue to improve my brakes so I can lock the wheels at reasonable speed.
Dented ABS-ring in the middle of nowhere:
Last edited by AliBaba; 6 May 2008 at 20:25.
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6 May 2008
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Yeah, it adds complexity somewhat, but nowhere near as much as modern fuel injection systems do. The probability of having problems with FI on 3rd world conditions (with bad gasoline, etc) is much, much higher.
And FI is something thats already here to stay, because of emissions, so much of the simplicity with bikes is gone anyway.
Besides, I´ve yet to hear about even one Suzuki, that has had any problems with its ABS. (OK, sure there could be some individual cases somewhere, because they must now have thousands and thousands of bikes out there with ABS).
But generally, they do work, period. It really seems their ABS is just as bulletproof as their bikes are. I wouldnt worry about taking such a bike to almost any trip. An on/off switch would be nice, though, thats something Suzuki havent considered necessary, but you can take off the fuse if you want, then it´ll resume into normal brakes.
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7 May 2008
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From an RTW point of view...
Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoEdde
From a RTW point of view, its not a good idea off-tarmac and adds additional weight/complexity to your bike choice.
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Don't think I can agree here. I much prefer going down a few more times on the dirt then in Teheran traffic or any other busy traffic situation where actual traffic rules are limited to the intuition of every individual traffic participant (which can be anything between a chicken and an elephant, a todler and a Giant truck). And honestly, while overland traveling (multi month rather then multi day) how often do you voluntarily slide around?
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8 May 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nasi
How important is it to have ABS on a bike? How much difference would it actually make?
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If you use rear brakes ...it might be usefull .... BUT ... if you use front brakes only (like me) ...its terrible!! ....
I read ( in HUBB) that, in Australia ABS is optional .... which, İMHO makes aussies the most lucky drivers around the globe ...
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