Is ABS an important device for inexperienced riders?

Question

I would be very interested to know what some experienced bikers think of the merits of getting a bike with ABS for my first 'big' bike? Any views would be much appreciated. Thanks

That's interesting, thanks jrg1500. Truth is I'm debating between the Street triple and the Hornet. Obviously the Honda has ABS. This will be my first bike with any real power (I've had a 50 and 125 before) I really do prefer the Triumph but I'm trying to decide if the ABS should be a deciding factor for me. I'm lucky in the sense that I will still mostly be using a car and therefore I can pick and chose the days I want to ride (read: the dry ones!) so hopefully I can limit my exposure to the slippery conditions. I hear what you are saying about the front wheel lock up though that I appreciate can still happen in the dry. This is why it is an important question for me. Thanks for your advice.

Answer 1

ABS is a high speed computer with reflexes much faster than a human. It does things and does them faster than you can.

The debate comes in trusting you life to a "black box". Those who do not want to give up that control often will say that ABS is for those who do not know how to brake correctly in the first place. There is some truth to this. But only riders who aggressively practice and drill on maximum effective braking can come anywhere close to automated computer performance.

Where opponents of ABS fall down is in the area releasing your brakes after wheel lock-up (especially front wheel lock-up) occurs. 99% of riders in that unexpected, completely startled momemnt of the emergency stop are unable to release their brakes in time to recover and still avoid the collision.

I have been rding for nearly 40 years. Been an MSF intructor for 10 years. And my next bike will have ABS. And I am smart enough to know that once I change over, that I will never (should never) go back to standard brakes.

And the reason? In that paniced moment of total surprise I don't think my relfexes can accuurately remember which bike i am on, and whether or not "I" am controlling the brakes or the ABS is.

Answer 2

I think ABS is good for ANY biker no matter how long they've been riding. For sure it's an advantage for the new rider, but also for the experienced rider who gets caught in an emergency situation on bad roads. I've been tossing around the idea of building such a system for my old bike.

Answer 3

avoid abs like a plague, but linked brakes are ok