@ddemair, There is a warning with most vehicles equipped with ABS that addresses the fact that the system cannot help in any way when sliding sideways. ABS will not activate if the wheels are sliding sideways. My CTX1300 ABS system (don't know about the ST system)
does operate by comparing the differential spin between front and rear tires. That is also how the same system can be used for the traction control as well as even cancelling the turn signals after a turn (really wide rear tire spins differently than the narrower front in a turn). That last feature is iffy in a really gradual curve so the secondary turn signal cancel system takes over (turn off in certain number of seconds). Anyway, both ABS (and 4 wheel drive in cages and 2 wheel drive in certain special bikes) is useless when going sideways so ABS in a panic stop while in a full lean turn is not likely to turn out well. Yet another reason for standing your bike straight up and going straight if you have to really lay on the brakes in a turn (and also to be very careful to go into a turn at the right speed and entry point to start with). You are mostly right about ABS sensing when the wheel stops spinning. It really is able to sense when the wheel is ABOUT to lock and releases the brake to prevent it from locking up or stopping the spin. As
@Andrew Shadow mentioned.
I consider modern systems like ABS, automatic radar braking, and even automatic steering as "helps" but definitely NOT replacements for me paying attention to my driving skills. Those things only exist to help me when I find myself in a situation beyond my own skills or when I miss seeing the hazard. But NEVER to be relied on by themselves so I can be lazy about paying attention to controlling whatever vehicle I am riding or driving.
And yet I know we cannot control everything... obviously.