Compulsory ABS from 2016

[elevens]

Originally Posted by caddydaddy

It's kind of like the helmet law, great idea to have it, but I don't think it should be the law.

Sums it up perfectly.

[Beach]

Originally Posted by caddydaddy

It's kind of like the helmet law, great idea to have it, but I don't think it should be the law.

Different bag of fish. Helmet and seat belt laws are a great idea and have saved many lives and many, many severe injuries since their introduction.

Helmets should also be compulsory for push bikes, especially since riders insist on mixing with motorised traffic. We have this law in Australia, but the cops can't be bothered with it.

ABS is a mixed bag, IMHO. On a motorcycle there are a finite number of situations it can save you. There is still no substitute for proper technique and riding skill.

[elevens]

Politics and motorcycles don't mix but that's what's at the root of this thread. Freedom to some means the lack of government intervention. To others, freedom means that the government will take care of you. Do you want to make your own decisions regarding ABS, seat belts, helmets, etc. or do you want the government to mandate these things? (rhetorical question please don't respond - politics are divisive).

[XL1200R]

Originally Posted by Beach

ABS is a mixed bag, IMHO. On a motorcycle there are a finite number of situations it can save you. There is still no substitute for proper technique and riding skill.

This is true, and goes with DJBee's argument as well. ABS on a bike is going to help you in slipper conditions (wet, gravel, sand), in emergency stop situations and moderate mid-corner panic brake applications. If you're cranked over hard, however, and jam on the rear pedal, the ABS is not going to be able to bring the rear back in.

I prefer not to have to use it, but I like knowing that it's there.

[Beach]

Originally Posted by XL1200R

This is true, and goes with DJBee's argument as well. ABS on a bike is going to help you in slipper conditions (wet, gravel, sand), in emergency stop situations and moderate mid-corner panic brake applications. If you're cranked over hard, however, and jam on the rear pedal, the ABS is not going to be able to bring the rear back in.

I prefer not to have to use it, but I like knowing that it's there.

That to me is the classic example of a self defeating argument.

[DaveM]

Originally Posted by Beach

That to me is the classic example of a self defeating argument.

Ditto that Beach!

[XL1200R]

Originally Posted by Beach

That to me is the classic example of a self defeating argument.

I'm sorry you feel that way. I happen to disagree. I've never had to make use of the airbag in any car I've driven, but I'm not about remove it.

[Beach]

Originally Posted by XL1200R

I'm sorry you feel that way. I happen to disagree. I've never had to make use of the airbag in any car I've driven, but I'm not about remove it.

Again, a slightly different proposition. I agree with airbags in enclosed motor vehicles.

To put it another way - I recall reading a study somewhere about the effectiveness of ABS on motorcycles. One of the conclusions that I remember, was that riders that see ABS as a necessity are very likely to put themselves in situations where they will need it.

[XL1200R]

Yeah, that makes sense. I see what you're saying but that's not what I was going for. My mindset it more, as I'm sitting here typing this, "Hey, I'm glad I have ABS", and not "Hey, I'm about to hammer into this turn a little harder than normal, I'm glad I have ABS."

Put another way, I don't think about having ABS as I'm riding, at least not while doing anything but cruising down a straight road or something.

The only real negative I can think with ABS is the slight change in braking technique. You can let off the rear if the ABS is activated so long as the tail hasn't kicked out any. On the front you can stay on the brake with the ABS activated rather than letting off. Of course,with the ABS you won't get that wheel to skid in the first place (at least if you're upright), so maybe it's really not all that different. But you'll need to be conscience of if the bike you're riding is ABS equipped or not if you change bikes for any reason, and adjust your expectations of the braking system accordingly. I'd be afraid of riders thinking it's okay to just jam on either brake full bore right away if they're used to an ABS bike, and come up with a big surprise when they borrow their buddy's who doesn't have it.

[KitNYC]

Originally Posted by XL1200R

I'd be afraid of riders thinking it's okay to just jam on either brake full bore right away if they're used to an ABS bike, and come up with a big surprise when they borrow their buddy's who doesn't have it.

I know a guy who used to ride a K1200R and an SV650. He doesn't have the SV650 anymore; he sold it after he locked up the brakes and went shiny side down. Technology can be great, but over-reliance on it is not.

Cheers,
-Kit