ABS equipped bikes

Im hoping ill have the bike for 2-3 years before I look again. Aside from sportsbikes, which im not looking to buy although I do find them very asthetically appealing, the Versys is one of the few bikes that ticks all the boxes. Like a standard SV, its nothing particularly special but hopefully a few bolt on bits will personalise it enough for me to want to hold onto it. I had the SV 3 years and only familiarity was making me want to change.

About 3 months ago I bought a hornet with ABS. It has never kicked in yet and I hope it never does, but it's not about that. The best thing about it is that it gives you the confidence to brake solidly in any conditions, wet or dry. Get the ABS it's worth the cash.

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

What skills am I not going to devolop? Not crashing the bike, sounds like a plan to me. Was this argument used when they put ABS in cars?
The skill of braking close to the threshold, without locking either wheel, without relying on ABS. Ever noticed how few car drivers these days can emergency stop properly? Most just floor the brake pedal and let the ABS sort it out. It would be worse on bikes (and hence more of a problem/argument against it) due to the problems in making ABS clever enough to deal with braking whilst the bike is leant over, as good human riders can.
I disagree, when I pull up to the lights on a dry day, I pull the brakes up depending on the situation, speed traffic and such, and I would like that confidence on a wet day. Which is what ABS would give me, I don't see someone just slamming the brakes on at every stop, I just want it for a emergency stops, and I do the same in the car. Plus I was under the impression that ABS on bike does not add to the braking rather it will pulse release the brakes to stop a lock. Which if the bike is leant over and I have to brake and it stop the front locking and sliding, well thats just bloomin' fantastic.

Once again, only in those situations that call for emergency braking and then when you got the bike you might have noticed it doesn't have ABS and ride a bit more careful in the wet and stuff.
The problem is that riding a bike with ABS could cause you to just get into the habit of pulling the brake all the way on (as cagers do in cars, see above point) in an emergency. Even if you conciously know the bike you're riding doesn't have ABS and try to ride around this, it can be hard to overcome the habit you've formed on the bike with it, if that's your main bike (like when riding a bike with a race pattern gear shifter, BMW indicators etc.), particularly in a situation when you're reacting by instinct, like in an emergency stop.
This just seems like a excuse for people with bad riding skills, ABS will not change my riding, just help me in emergences. Anyone who just cracks the brakes on full at every junction and relies on the ABS needs to learn how to ride again.

There all twits anyway...
Agreed and I personally wouldn't let this influence my decision. Given the popularity of race rep paint schemes, carbon fibre in places it serves no purpose etc, it seems reasonable to assume other people might.
Well they are bigger twits then.

---------------------------------------------

On a related note, assuming a reasonably experienced/capable rider, what do people reckon is "safer" on the SV? £400 spent on ABS, or £400 on sorting the suspension?

ABS, the suspension on the rear is more then capable it just gets tired quick cus its cheap. 15w oil in the front is a nice cheap easy fix for that with out even going as far as springs.

Originally Posted by Grinch

Plus I was under the impression that ABS on bike does not add to the braking rather it will pulse release the brakes to stop a lock. Which if the bike is leant over and I have to brake and it stop the front locking and sliding, well thats just bloomin' fantastic.

Yes, the same as ABS on cars. Although not something I've tested personally, the general consensus is that grabbing a fistful while cornering will have you off regardless of whether or not the bike has ABS fitted. There's an article in a recent PB on this. Not in itself a reason not to get ABS, I was just pointing out that ABS is not some magical braking panacea that removes the need for you to learn to brake properly (not that you were suggesting it was). Anyway, buy ABS or don't, it's your choice. Personally, I'm open to the idea on a tourer/commuter.

[yorkie_chris]

ABS will stop lock up, not the front washing out.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

ABS will stop lock up, not the front washing out.

Nope true.. but if I panic brake on a learn and brake to hard it will save this, so as long as I have enough grip its a great help.

[yorkie_chris]

When leant over? No it won't, the front can still be overloaded and slide, you can drop it that way without the wheel ever locking up.

If your doing an emergency stop at high lean angles your pretty screwed i think... Unless you have run off. Moderate lean you could stand the bike up and lean yourself right off to make it go round the corner and try and stop it washing out. But tbh in a "Oh ****" moment your not going to be able to think of this and less likely to actually make it happen.

Best thing is to ride well within your ability to give yourself breathing space in a pinch... unless you are certain you can push it (great visability for example)

YC is right. When cornering you can overload a tyre's grip, causing a washout through braking without locking it up (which is what tells ABS to kick in) which is why ABS cannot protect against this.

Kawasaki Versys. One of the lads that rides on same road as me has one of these. Go for a test ride first as they arn't very fast. They will be comfy though and they look pritty good.