I don't know what Ferrit had in mind and I'm sure he can answer for himself.

As far as my answer goes, ABS is excellent at preventing the wheels locking but in some situations a non ABS bike can be stopped in less distance on loose or uneven surfaces. This difference has lessened greatly with the newer, more sophisticated systems.

I view ABS as a last resort in case of panic breaking if I stuff up badly or something plonks onto the road from nowhere.

I only needed abs once on the bike and i fell because i didn't have it. It was slippery after rain and another bike jumped out behind a bus in my way causing me to do an emergency brake which resulted in losing total control and falling.

All other times i needed braking, it was all controlled and no slipping. I still have no ABS but i sure would like to have it.

Ferrit wrote:Not a great vid as he clearly locks up the wheels deliberately. And don't get me started on why learning to brake is better than relying just on ABS. ABS is fine in the correct conditions, crap in the wrong one. ABS is not the cure all it is sold as. It is another assistance which needs to be understood and used correctly.

So says the man who rides on three wheels! Us mere mortals have to manage with just the two wheels - a lot easier to go over under the wrong circumstances!

Not a great vid as he clearly locks up the wheels deliberately.

They do that on purpose to show what an in-experienced rider might do grabbing the brakes in an emergency.
The next attempts they show a controlled stop without uSing ABS.
I would always prefer a bike fitted with ABS and ride the bike as if it's not fitted.......
Then if Sh*t hits the Fan it's there as a last resort

Andy

Great vid I have never ridden with ABS so it was good to see what it can do. Of course there can never be an excuse not to use and learn correct braking techniques and for the same reason I am also concerned about those that are happy to admit they are only ever fair weather bikers (so what happens when you are caught out in the rain). Since its going to be compulsory my next bike will have ABS and anyway I am lusting after the new Maxsym 600 which as it. Last time I came off was about 4 years ago when I hit a patch of diesel on the cruiser whilst approaching traffic lights I am assuming ABS would not have helped in that situation?

spaceprobe wrote:Last time I came off was about 4 years ago when I hit a patch of diesel on the cruiser whilst approaching traffic lights I am assuming ABS would not have helped in that situation?

Unlikely. Nothing would. Well, maybe an airbag jacket!

That's the point though, really: in some cases ABS won't matter one bit. But if you only ever need it once - that's good enough for me.

Bluebottle wrote:Yes, next question please

On any loose sustrate would be the most obvious case.

Or any surface that is lacking grip. Always results in excessive braking distances.

If you rely on technology you have only yourself to blame when it does not do what you think it should.

If you rely on your skill you have only yourself to blame when you find you can't do what technology can.

if you have ever been in your car, when the snow or ice is bad, even if you travelling at 5 mph and get to the junction.. abs will kick in and its total lack of control, ( same as when not got abs ) but you get to see what happens you just go straight on.. abs would still be a yes on any scoot for me, if i could afford one that has got it, for that time when you need it on an emergency stop.. do any of the muppets know their max breaking or do a test on a non busy piece of tarmac only saying this as its good to know... same as your riding foot stance in busy or congested traffic.. i always say dont ride feet mid way.. always have them planted to the front of the floorpan so your leg muscles can tighten and aid you when braking hard.. just my opinions lads not sure if TRACTION CONTROL would help the abs... my car also has ESP which is electronic stability program.. yet any snow or ice etc i turn it off as trying to set off in snow is useless the dash lights up like a xmas tree and you dont get anywhere... so can it be turned off say on the x10 ...i am sure the owners will let me know

As a new rider I got a s-wing with ABS. I wanted to know it was there should I need it. Like it says in my owners manual, ABS isn't a subsitute for good breaking practices. It just nice to know if I do mess up I'm slightly less likely to die.

I think it would be good for more bikes to at least offer ABS as an optionalextra, especially 125cc's which are often ridden by the less experienced (like myself)

just my 2 cent