Choosing between ABS vs Non-ABS ST!

[Sid1273]

Hello Guys,

Reg: "Planning on getting one ST!"
I am about 157 lbs (71kgs) with 5' 10" on height, and I know ST 1300 is going to be relatively heavy for my profile (still preferring it anyway ). But I am trying to understand the importance of ABS, while considering a bike for purchase. I previously rode a 150cc (fairly lighter) bike back at my home town for several years, without ABS (never rode one with it). Surely ABS on this beast (ST1300) will be helpful and I see few offers without ABS but nice Farkles.

So what are your opinions in consideration b/w ABS vs Non-ABS ST.

 

[bstig60]

Personally, I don't care one way or the other. My ST is non-ABS as is my GL. I have ridden bikes with ABS and all my cars have it. It's the purpose as I understand it is to prevent locking up the wheels during heavy braking. In 50+ years of riding, I think I locked up the rear wheel once and that was on a bike with brake shoes, not disk brakes. Since the front and rear brakes on the ST are linked, locking up the wheels will be difficult to do. But each to his own preference.

 

[Upt' North]

I'm on a non ABS ST11 and it suits just fine.
Some will reply they wouldn't ride without it others like Bill and myself obviously aren't that bothered.
Only you know how you will feel riding with or without. When I have ridden and owned ABS equipped bikes they've been fine too, can't say the ABS activated much on my private bikes.
Upt'North.

 

[dduelin]

There will soon be a long thread with many replies. My thought is that I would search for an ABS bike as preferred but it would not be a deal breaker to not have it if the right bike came along in terms of condition, price and service history. I have had both ABS and non ABS bikes and currently ride both but I'm an experienced rider with many years and miles non-ABS before ABS was a thing. I don't choose a bike on that feature alone in other words.

Many riders have never had an ABS bike and have lived to tell the tale while others have had "their bacon saved" and won't ride anything without ABS. Both are right.

I can't believe I got "bacon saved" in a post first.

 

[sky.high]

IMO its a simple choice, ABS may one day save your life.

 

[caldercay]

My ST is non-ABS as is my GL.

+1 ... Two non-abs STs and a Gold Wing here.

In 50+ years of riding, I think I locked up the rear wheel once

+1

but it would not be a deal breaker

+1

but I'm an experienced rider with many years and miles non-ABS before ABS was a thing. I don't choose a bike on that feature alone in other words.

Agreed on all points (and saved me some typing : )

 

[bigbikerrick]

I have a non ABS version. It works better for a sidecar that way. The sidecar has its own brembo disc brake, integrated into the ST's system. Very nice braking system with the way its set up with the bikes integration.
Rick.

 

[rwthomas1]

This is a very personal choice based on your perceived risk of riding. Whilst I wouldn't rule out ABS, the overall condition of the motorcycle in question would play a greater role. Try and find the nicest example of what you want for the best price. If it has ABS, great! If not, to me, not a deal breaker. Know that ABS systems also will mean a more complex brake system, possibly more maintenance and cost. Cost no object? Sure, why not?

RT

 

[Sheriff41]

I have ABS on my ST and have never used it. I wanted it for those days riding in the rain. Texas roads are very slick when wet so I figured the extra protection would be worthwhile. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the right bike without it, though.

 

[spiderman302]

ABS is good and bad. You know the good part.

The bad is, that you need to give yourself more room to stop.....
I have had two times that the ABS kicked in on a "normal" stop in my wife's van. My stopping distance increased, I almost rear ended the vehicle in front of me......
But since I have a habit to always try to stop short and roll up, I was spared the accident but not the fried nerves....
The other time was in my old truck. Something went wrong and it was kicking in and out. I was all over the road. Like riding a bucking bronco.
I was not sure that I was going to stop in time, but I did. I have removed the ABS pump fuses in both vehicles after that.....
My ST1300 has ABS and I have never felt it kick in. I do not deliberately ride in wet weather.....
Has anyone activated the ST ABS on a hard stop? Tell us about it please....

 

[Larry Fine]

My '01 does not have it, and I've never had a bike with it, so I don't know what I'm missing.

 

[red one]

My thinking is proper training and riding technique would be more favorable to avoiding a crash than relying on abs. To answer you question no i don't have it on my bike but i do ride rather defensively. That more than anything has saved my bacon.

 

[Sid1273]

My thinking is proper training and riding technique would be more favorable to avoiding a crash than relying on abs

Thanks for reminding me on this. I need to look for YouTube resource Or may be I need to take defensive riding course, although I'm a careful rider.
Do let me know if you find any sources for learning these, it will be appreciated.

 

[Jay51]

Here is a Real World Test of ABS vs. Non-ABS on a ST1300 for you to consider. I attended an advanced motorcycle safety course in which we had to get up to 50mph and apply brakes to come to a full stop while maintaining control and in the shortest amount of distance traveled. My ABS model stopped much shorter and in a straight line path every time, while the person who had a Non-ABS model in the test would lock his wheels every time and skid in a less than straight line. The Non-ABS model traveled at least 10 feet more to stop while skidding. For me, It's ABS!

 

[SMSW]

Thanks for reminding me on this. I need to look for YouTube resource Or may be I need to take defensive riding course, although I'm a careful rider.
Do let me know if you find any sources for learning these, it will be appreciated.

Regardless of what course you take, you will have to practice what you learn in class in a large empty parking lot - on your own time.

MCN discussed braking and minimum distance braking in their letters or downtime column. They said their rider/tester made a number of passes under ideal conditions to get the minimum braking distance and that few riders could consistently apply the brakes at maximum braking in real world conditions (i.e. on the road). That last phrase - on the road - includes daydreaming, looking down at your gps, looking at a street sign, and all other distractions when the situation arises that demands maximum braking force. In other words, an ABS bike is going to stop most of us in a shorter distance when something happens out there than an non ABS bike. This assumes you keep the system in good operating condition. Your ABS does not care if the pavement offers less than optimal friction but people have a hard time adjusting quickly. Its best to ride in a manner that does not need your ABS to kick in.

 

[ArTravlR]

Insurance! Not the $ kind but the pucker factor kind.

 

[beemerphile]

...while the person who had a Non-ABS model in the test would lock his wheels every time and skid in a less than straight line.

That is caused by an unskilled (or untrained) hand on the controls, not a lack of equipment.

 

[jfheath]

Mine has ABS and I like to have it, but it has only ever come on when I have been checking what it feels like and trying to force it. The combined braking system is pretty good at giving you good braking force without the rear (in particular) locking up.

Here in the UK the bikes came as 'A' models or standard. The 'A' model has the ABS and the adjustable screen. The standard models had no adjustable screen. I don't know if that is the case in the states. I use the adjustable screen quite a lot and wouldn't be without it now.

 

[Gus1300]

Haven't ever had to use my ABS in a real-world situation, but know that even with ABS, incorrect engine braking WILL lock up the rear wheel when there's not enough traction to back rev the engine...been THERE, done that!

I did take a few runs in the church lot next door after my last mx just to see how much it took to get the ABS to cycle and was surprised at how hard I had to try to stop. Hopefully will be far enough ahead of the bike when on the road to avoid needing it, but you never know. I don't think it would be a deal breaker either; practice with what you have so you can be the most proficient rider you're able to be and you should be just fine as long as you're avoiding undue distractions, don't get caught short by someone turning left in front of you, ride for conditions, etc (all basic motorcycle rider risks, no matter the equipment).

 

[Winged_STer]

Admittedly I was ambivalent about ABS when I bought my ST. The bike I ended up with had ABS which I was ok with but didn't think I would need it. One day on an extended ride someone not paying attention pulled out in front of me and I had to get on the binders hard and fast. I could feel the pulsating brakes doing what they were supposed to do and I was able to stop literally inches from a certain wreck. I can tell you that they absolutely saved my butt on that day. With ABS I was able to happily motor away. As far as I am concerned, I will never buy another motorcycle without ABS.