An interesting article on why ABS (and other safety devices) doesn't seem to be reducing motorcycle fatalities. One explanation, it mentions, could be 'risk compensation', whereby the rider (driver, mountaineer, etc) feels safer because of safety aids and therefore takes more risk. I've never triggered the ABS on my bikes, maybe because I'm a wuss, or (I like to think) because I'm progressive but smooth, have good observation and lots of experience. But I do like the buzz of riding a bike - it's why I do it - and that buzz comes from making progress and feeling I'm controlling a risk. Once that risk is removed, I'll need to get the buzz back and that will be from going faster or finding something else that feeds a need for controlling risk. If there is no risk to control and no buzz, what's the point? https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/bikes/why-isnt-abs-saving-our-lives
Could it be because most bikes on the road don't have it? It only became compulsory in for 2016 on models, that leaves a lot of bikes without?
What's the issue? I've never noticed its presence, so don't have a strong view either way. I suppose I'll be grateful if it saves me from a lock-up and tumble in the wet, but can't get that excited otherwise. Interested to understand an alternative viewpoint.
As for abs on earlier beemers, they generally are less desirable and non abs are more in demand. On another level, new learner 125s are now ‘linked brakes or abs’ which is interesting to watch as new novice riders doing CBTs bin bikes on slow walking pace manoeuvres by normally filtering the rear brakes and the front automatically comes on strong and jolts the bloody thing like a pogo stick! Now where’s the safe improvements there?
I never wanted abs and never use it but this week I can round a tight bend to find a stationary can . Braked hard leant over and felt the abs doing it's thing. I MAY have been fine but was reassuring the Abs had my back ...
I never wanted abs and never use it but this week I came round a tight bend to find a stationary can in the middle. Braked hard leant over and felt the abs doing it's thing. I MAY have been fine but was reassuring the Abs had my back ...
ABS is the only 'rider aid' that I would ever want, and even then I'm not too bothered one way or the other. I certainly don't need/want riding modes etc. Nor do I want to pay for 'em. If I put my mind to it I could feel insulted!
Cheers half ton. Yes, I'm with you on that. The ABS doesn't bother me because I don't know it's there, but I do like to feel it's my skill that keeps me right-way-up, not rider modes/aids/etc. Those buttock-clenching moments, when you smell diesel or see that telltale ribbon of rainbow in the wet aren't fun, but there is satisfaction when you keep it together rather than rely on electronics.
How many of us get on our bikes and think I have lots of rider aids so I'm going to ride like a nutter? For me I'm not consciously thinking about ABS or anything else on the bike, I just get on and ride. This is no different to before when I rode with none of the modern day aids. And just as before I can still have some mad moments when I do stupid things........
Had moment on the Triton (seat of your pants stuff inc shit brakes), came round a corner on a fast road 100 mph corner on a sports bike (if it was on a track) to see a broken down car NOT (foreigner waiting to make a claim!!!) had to do a 60mph swerve round him with a car coming the other way if I was on a modern bike would have tried to stop a hit him and been dead
I’m in the similar camp I never think whilst riding a bike OK I’ve ABS or Traction Control so I’ll push the envelope. I ride as I’ve done for the last 53 years. I bet there’s a lot in the cemetery who’s life’s were cut short whilst riding that may have been saved with one of the rider aids.
I agree Andy they are a good thing, my point was that I don't think about them when I get on the bike, so I don't think they influence my riding.
Traction Control and ABS are good things. Fantastic driver/rider aids miracles of modern engineering. I dont want them. The reason I bought a 15 plate was to avoid all that. I have ABS, and if it didnt seem counter intuitive I would remove it. I want wheels, engine, frame, brakes. The only reason I have fuel injection, is its just too handy not to. I think we do ride for risk ,and, I think we will compensate if we dont get it.
The triumph abs appears far more intrusive my Honda cb1000r was. Rarely did I sense it on the Honda but on one occasion doing about 10 mph with my little lad on I was thankful of it. I came to rest at the head of a cul de sac right where a dried up puddle was. The front tried to lock and we stayed on it. Despite the weight and cost penalty I think it's a good thing
Last week I took the wife to be out in the dry on the 765. Nearly home, on our return on a country lane we approached a side road at about 60 mph. The Golf waiting pulled out: I wouldn't call it dangerous but discurtius. I indicated and pulled over to the right lane to overtake just as she indicated to turn right into her drive, 50 metres away from the junction she'd just pulled out of. FFS!!! I applied the brakes quite strongly and due to my off road background the rear abs was most definitely on but the front had a little spare although firmly applied . I stopped with foot down and the lady driving waved me past Did abs make a difference here; you decide? Would it have made a difference in the wet?