ABS...what difference does ...

Hey all,

I am looking for info on the ABS system on the 04 VFR...just one question?

What difference does having or not having the ABS version REALLY make?

thanks

 

Anyone able to help? I tried using the search function but was not able to find any posts using "ABS" for the search criteria.

I am asking because I am trying to decide if the $800 more is worth having the ABS or if having the ABS makes that much of a difference in handling, stopping etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

As I understand ABS, the function would be similar to the system on a car in that it acts to prvent wheel lock up under heavy or panic breaking. I don't have any experience with abs on a bike. Some people may think it would be valuable in helping to reduce the possibility of going down if you had to break in an emergency and they would probably be right since if the wheels are prevented from locking, then the possibility of a skid and loss of control is reduced. It really comes down to personal choice. Doyou have abs on your car? if so how do you like it? I would think having it on a bike would take some getting used to and some learning on how to properly brake. I know this probably isn't much help, but I thought I would try to give my opinion so that you might have a little more info. One thing you might try if you can is test ride one of each and see the difference first hand, that is if your dealer has one of each on the floor.

 

Mine has abs, I have not had to use it yet.
In the dry there is virtually no way you will lock up the front brake if you use the correct (load front end first) technique.
Where it comes in is if you have to emergency brake in the wet and you panic and grab a handfull of front brake. I think it should be standard on all cars as having been rear ended on my previous bike by some idiot cab driver who locked his wheels and slid into me!
All drivers/riders are not created equal!

 

vma38 summed up the technical part nicely.

Here's a true story: Returning from this year's Honda Hoot, I'm approaching Atlanta on the Interstate. Raining like hell. Heavy traffic. I'm following the car in front of me at a safe distance. SUV suddenly decides to zip into my "safe distance" just as the car ahead of me slams on his brakes. I go full on both brakes (something I wouldn't do under those conditions without ABS). My front wheel crosses some big letters painted on the road. ABS does its thing as I swerve to the median to avoid getting hit by the car behind me. Median is a different pavement. ABS does its thing again as the SUV hits the car and is then hit by the car that was behind me.

I'm convinced that without ABS I would have gone down somewhere in that scenario. Years ago in the days of drum brakes, I high-sided a bike by going too hot into a corner and giving just a little too much trail braking. That experience is not one I want to repeat. I've been a fan of ABS bikes since they first hit the market. Its the best $800 you'll ever spend.

 

And Florida provides the experience part. :smile: Glad you got out of that one, FL.

 

Thanks everyone, that really does help. I dont mind the $800 at all and dont ever plan on using the ABS...BUT...better to have it and not need it, than to need it at some point and not have it.

I appreciate all the input.

Ride safe.

 

The extra $800 also give you the pre load adjuster knob for the rear suspension. Usefull if riding with a passenger or if touring with panniers full of gear.