ABS vs. non-ABS questions

[Rick Lee]

My bike is non-ABS and I've locked up my rear wheel several times. But I am a lot more used to the bike now and almost never use the rear brake except while sitting in traffic or on a hill. Anyway, I am gingerly trying to justify jumping up to a 1200GS before I get married later this year and am wondering about ABS vs. non-ABS. I saw two on eBay tonight that were non-ABS. I didn't even know they made them now with non-ABS. What are the benefits of one over the other? I know it very well on a car, but not so much on a bike.

[Kazushi]

Hi Rick Lee,

The ABS vs Non-ABS question has been extensively covered in the past, try a search for ABS...

In any case, I'm on the Pro-ABS side :-) It has saved my skin more than once...

My bike is non-ABS and I've locked up my rear wheel several times. But I am a lot more used to the bike now and almost never use the rear brake except while sitting in traffic or on a hill. Anyway, I am gingerly trying to justify jumping up to a 1200GS before I get married later this year and am wondering about ABS vs. non-ABS. I saw two on eBay tonight that were non-ABS. I didn't even know they made them now with non-ABS. What are the benefits of one over the other? I know it very well on a car, but not so much on a bike.

[R4R&R]

Ahh, the great ABS debate. Personally, I would rather not have it on my next bike, but that's my opinion of it based on my experiences. The best thing to do is get other opinions/experiences and decide if it's best for you.

[MikeCam]

There are very many sides to answering your question.

As simply as possible: you the user can determine if the ability of an ABS system to modulate brake pressure, maintain wheel spin and avoid lockup during a hard application of brakes is worth it to you.

The BMW 3rd generation system (R1150 series, K1200RS/GT/LT bricks, R1200 series early models, and K1200R/S/GT inlines) was available on 2001-2006 models (and some very few early 2007 perhaps). Probably 2/3rds of the US models had it. On some it was switchable (on/off).

This system was noted for 'false positives' or coming on when not needed. Also, mild failures at start-up when battery conditions were too low to successfully power the system. Most common complaint was (is) that when the system fails, the residual braking lever forces required to get good stopping power are very much higher than 'normal' motorcycle braking forces. That last is a potential safety of use issue.

The Continental-Teves system is on all 2007 and later models of the 1200 series, both R and K. All can be had without if US dealers obtained them that way or if you order it such.

Elements to consider other than safety of use include: initial cost, maintenance cost, replacement cost, depreciation and resale values, system functioning in your riding conditions, your experience, emergencies you might enounter.

Hope this addresses your question and let's you choose what's better for you.

One edit:

In my opinion, ABS is a good technology that is applied well by BMW on the 2001-2006 bikes, including the GS. It can be a safety enhancement for hard stopping on marginal road surfaces. BUT, in a potential crash situation, the ability of the ABS to stop the bike faster and safer is not absolute. Good, experienced riders can stop a non-ABS equipped bike quickly and upright under many/most/all of the same conditions. And unfortunately, some crashes cannot be avoided merely by using strong brakes.

[Rick Lee]

Thanks guys. That pretty much answers my questions. I should have clarified that I was also curious as to whether it was an old school vs. new school kind of thing, where older more experienced riders could use a non-ABS just as well or what. I rented an ABS 1200GS in Vegas in Jan. and fortunately, did not have a chance to use the ABS. But I guess I did have a false sense of security that it was there if I needed it. Although it's been several weeks since we had snow on the ground in this area, there is still a TON of sand in my neighborhood alone and it always gets me thinking when I'm making left turns from near the center line where all the sand tends to build up. I also dropped my bike in the driveway a few weeks ago when I was backing up and my right foot slid on all the sand in the driveway. Crash bars saved the right head and my leg. But the sand always has my attention now. I try not to ride in wet or snowy conditions, but of course, sometimes we all get caught in them. I guess I won't rule out a non-ABS GS.

[sjbmw]

It was a $1500 option on my R, and the red R I was oogling over didn't have it. Could I wait? Heck no! Gimme dat one! Now!

Have not given it much thought since, but I have locked up the brakes on at least one occasion.

The suspension and brakes on a BMW put them in a class by themselves.
ABS or not.

[wncbmw]

The ABS debate approaches the fervor of religion around here sometimes. I have ABS on mine and confess that I have never had it come on, unless I was practicing braking and made it come on. There have been situations on other bikes in the past when it would have helped. Anyone who assumes a sense of security by having ABS is looking for trouble. Herb is correct in that the brakes are very good w/o ABS and perhaps that has prevented me from the panic-stops that induce the ABS to kick in.

I figured if it saved one throw-down during ownership, it would pay for itself. That said, the long-term cost of maintenance and repair and increased complexity argue against it. If I were able to take many long trips across the country, I would be concerned about the electronics involved crapping out and leaving me stranded. If my current ABS computer dies out of warranty, chances are, I will jerk all the ABS stuff out and ride without it!

[Henzilla]

I have one of each...2- '02 models.
Compared to my 12RT, they both slide at times due to the light weight...the ABS just feels like I forgot to pull the clutch in while slowing on the equipped bike. Usually first downhill stop out of my drive on sprinkler system run-off wet street. I don't have a preference on the R's, since most of the time it is GAS ON! ,but since I am used to the RT's brakes, I feel a bit more confident of the one w/ ABS.

[Dr. Strangelove]

before I get married later this year and am wondering about ABS vs. non-ABS.

It just struck me: Wouldn't it be great to get the ABS option on a wife? All of the women in my life have been the non-ABS versions. Do they come with ABS? Of course, all of them have been American, so maybe if they were German or high end Japanese...?

I'm sure that is what you were sub-consciously thinking. Wait...is this on topic or off-topic?

John

[DYNAMICS]

wncbmw

That is one thing I have wondered... If you had an expensive failure like the computer or control unit, could you remove all ABS hardware and electronics, and run standard brakes with no problems?

Would you need to purchase any parts? (Probably brake pipes and brackets etc)

Would you need to have dealer re-set main computer? (As would probably show as fault)

[Biff's R]

I have had both. It takes a few rides to get used to the brakes on the ABS bikes, but they are handy. Last week I had the ABS kick in when I had to stop on a road with a bunch of mud. I probably could have stopped fine without it, but it does require you to think differently while riding.

I got my ABS R for the same price as my non ABS R. So the initial cost is free.

[wncbmw]

but it does require you to think differently while riding.

Jeff - explain this! What little thinking I do while riding has not changed from non-ABS to ABS bikes. Seems to me you ride the same and the ABS only works when you panic-stop beyond your skill level or in exception low-traction surfaces, such as mud or oil.

DYNAMICS - I have no idea. I am assuming there is a way to convert to non-ABS by removal of all the related computer stuff. Hope I don't have to find out.

The used K75S I had, was purchased with non-functioning ABS, and came equipped with a piece of electrical tape to cover the blinking light on the instrument panel! Brakes worked fine otherwise. That's how I sold it too!

[MikeCam]

For Jeff.

Vann,

Jeff thinks when he rides to keep his mind off concrete set times.

With non-ABS he was usually thinking of asphalt cure rates and aggregate content.

With ABS he is probably thinking about the freezing point of aqueous substrate.

[Biff's R]

Vann,
The difference would be in a panic situation with the ABS you do not want to try to modulate the brakes on your own. Just grab a handfull and squeeze.

Mike is right, too.


By the way, were some posts deleted? My count was well over 900, but it is now back in the 890s. Not a big deal, but I have made a bunch of groundbreaking important posts, and would not want to rip off some of the newer users.

[MikeCam]

I took 'em to pad my post count!

[Biff's R]

yours dropped too.

[sjbmw]

It might be that I am cleaning up the Buy/Sell section, and the Group rides section. Group ride invites from 2006 were removed.

[TicTac50]

Anyway, I am gingerly trying to justify jumping up to a 1200GS before I get married later this year and am wondering about ABS vs. non-ABS.

Thank God both options are optional.
I, personally, would get an ABS first. And then ride it in to eternity.

[wncbmw]

Jeff - that explains it! I just avoid panic stops!

And you can have some of my post count if you want!