ABS - do you agree with it?

[jasonbc]

Heard another one today about ABS faults when i collected the Varadero from the bike shop. They said there have been several faults on the newer Bandits apparently there is a large connection on the right hand side of the bike where it plugs into and it fills with water when washing it and when its been raining which leads to corrosion on the cabling and pins,

They also said some new ABS replacement units have been sent back to suppliers as they have faulty software which is stopping them from programming the ABS to the bikes.

[Rubberchicken]

I'm not quite sure how having ABS, which stops the wheels locking (and an unlocked wheel can provide more braking force than a locked wheel) will make you less likely to stop on wet grass? In the situation you describe the only possible course of action is to ditch the bike because ABS or not you ain't going to be stopping very fast on wet grass with 2 small contact patches of slick rubber.

Funny though, I did exactly that. Sure not as quickly as on tarmac, but I got the bike stopped quickly enough by repeatedly locking the rear, without ditching the bike.

ABS is built on an assumption: That an unlocked wheel will provide more braking force. Problem is, it's not always true, especially on soft slippery surfaces. There's a reason you can turn the ABS off on the big trailies...

Wet grass is slippery, and it takes very little braking power to lock the wheels. So that's what you get on wet grass: Very little braking power.

[Davech42]

ABS does help you to stop safely when in panic mode too much grab is applied.
It does however increase the amount of electronics on the bike, add to this the FI and the bike is being taken away from the home mechanic.
Soon instead of stripping a bike down to service it, it will be a case of plug it into a terminal and a computer resets the adjustments as needed and the cost ..................... Well that sky rockets.

New BMW's are a classic example with the new single wire looms. Unless you have the software anything and everything electrical (which is most of it on a BMW is out of the home bodgers hands. And that is very very sad.

[jarl]

Funny though, I did exactly that. Sure not as quickly as on tarmac, but I got the bike stopped quickly enough by repeatedly locking the rear, without ditching the bike.

ABS is built on an assumption: That an unlocked wheel will provide more braking force. Problem is, it's not always true, especially on soft slippery surfaces. There's a reason you can turn the ABS off on the big trailies...

Wet grass is slippery, and it takes very little braking power to lock the wheels. So that's what you get on wet grass: Very little braking power.

I'm surprised that you think an ABS equipped bike would have taken longer to stop in the situation you describe. Stopping faster with locked wheels is to the best of my knowledge only applicable when on deep gravel or a similar surface where debris can build up in front of the locked wheel, increasing braking force. Locked wheels on wet grass results in a big skidmark but very little mud buildup which would increase braking power.

Each to their own though- you stopped in time, so congrats

[japes1275]

Took my TA (with ABS!) out the other day for the first time this year, then the day after took my BSA B40 for its first MOT for 3 years. The BSA was the only bike I had ridden recently till getting the TA last year. Going back to it was a shock - brakes?! There aren't any! Especially at the front. No need for ABS in those days - not enough power in the brakes to even lock up in the snow I reckon! Still passed it's MOT though.

Anyway, after keeping an eye on this thread I have a question. A mate of mine unfortunately pulled out on a biker last year (he's a biker himself!) and as the guy knew he wouldn't be able to stop he layed the bike down by locking the rear and slid off it. The bike hit my mates car but the rider had by that time stood up and dusted himself down! Not that I'm suggesting that this would always be the best course of action but in some situations (ie. having come off the road onto grass etc) it might be the best way. Surely this wouldn't be possible on a bike with ABS?

[Davech42]

Its like i said in the begining Knowledge, experience and training there is no substitute

[Dee Duble Yuh]

Video: Ducati Monster 1100 ABS - brake tested -| MCN

[AlanH]

Video: Ducati Monster 1100 ABS - brake tested -| MCN

What a pathetic braking attempt without the ABS. You can see the bike coasts to a halt over the last few meters!