Dammit, Honda!

[VStarRider]

I'm sorry. I've never felt handicapped because I didn't have abs. The B has the best brakes of any bike I've ever owned.

Well, it wasn’t an issue for you ... you bought one!

[F6Joe]

My Wing has ABS, don't miss it (as of yet anyway) on the B. Would rather it did have it, but not a deal killer for me.

[53driver]

I guess the over-arching thing here, as represented by several posts, is: don't panic.
Maybe that's easier for me to say than most, being a 20 year military helicopter test pilot with over 170 combat missions.
Maybe I'm full of sh*t.

But I firmly believe that anytime you allow your brain to "permit panic", you are inviting unwanted variables.

Assuming an average IQ & physical fitness....muscle memory, perfect practice, and repetition of proper techniques will save your adrenaline filled, panic stricken brain better than technology.
Cheers,
Steve

[Travelor]

I guess the over-arching thing here, as represented by several posts, is: don't panic.
Maybe that's easier for me to say than most, being a 20 year military helicopter test pilot with over 170 combat missions.
Maybe I'm full of sh*t.

But I firmly believe that anytime you allow your brain to "permit panic", you are inviting unwanted variables.

Assuming an average IQ & physical fitness....muscle memory, perfect practice, and repetition of proper techniques will save your adrenaline filled, panic stricken brain better than technology.
Cheers,
Steve

Steve - while I have met you and respect your experience, knowledge and contributions to this forum, I do have to wonder how many times technology saved your ass on those combat missions? To each his own, but I will opt for ABS anytime I can get it.

[53driver]

According to Pirsig, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" Quality is made up from two approaches, Classic & Romantic.
The Classic approach takes the underlying form and derives Quality from a very scientific perspective.
The Romantic view looks at the whole entity and derives Quality from the overall effect on the individual.

Some people like to be in complete control of everything.
Others are content with chosen aspects of their 'everything' relegated to some sort of automation.
This goes to everything from riding, to cooking, to purchasing almost anything, to paying taxes.

It's not that one way is superior, or even better, it's just the way we choose to think.
Cheers,
Steve

PS - as a first born son & aircraft pilot, I have learned that I am a controller. I need to be in charge of everything that affects me.
How do I "control" the paying taxes gig? I vote, and I delegate that process to my wife who really enjoys numbers.

[Cooter]

I'm pretty sure that's what I said Steve. I'm not the great orator that you are but I try. I do respect other peoples opinion and their right to do it their way.

[Pumper]

I guess the over-arching thing here, as represented by several posts, is: don't panic.
Maybe that's easier for me to say than most, being a 20 year military helicopter test pilot with over 170 combat missions.
Maybe I'm full of sh*t.

But I firmly believe that anytime you allow your brain to "permit panic", you are inviting unwanted variables.

Assuming an average IQ & physical fitness....muscle memory, perfect practice, and repetition of proper techniques will save your adrenaline filled, panic stricken brain better than technology.
Cheers,
Steve

Perfect Steve...Panic kills

[Cooter]

Well, it wasn’t an issue for you ... you bought one!

Never owned a bike with abs. Can't miss what you don't have. You can't replace skill and ability with electronics. If you think you can't lose the front with abs , you're wrong. Being aware of the conditions and making changes accordingly will make a difference. You've changed everything about your ride staking your well being on abs. It's not the end all answer to adverse conditions and situations.

[DarkKnt]

You can't replace skill and ability with electronics.
Well, that's debatable. But more importantly, often you can't replace adrenaline with skill and ability.... That instant preceeding a "panic" stop doesn't give enough time for skill and ability to over ride the reflex of grabbing a handful of brake. The bike goes down because the wheel locks instantly, and you haven't even got to the scene of the crash yet! That's when (and only when) you'll "miss" ABS. In controlled settings, you're correct, ABS will not better a skilled rider (racers don't typically use it). An expert rider can apply the brakes in such a way as to first transfer weight, maximize the contact patch, and then squeeze on the exact pressure to just about lock the wheel. But this is when he (or she) has the opportunity to be anticipating the brake marker. Lap after lap. He is completely absorbed in picking that brake point and then maximizing braking performance. On the street however, when a deer runs out, or the mattress flies off the truck, most riders - even experts who are fully engaged in the ride - will often not be able to control that first snatch of the lever.

[Verismo]

You can't replace skill and ability with electronics.
Well, that's debatable. But more importantly, often you can't replace adrenaline with skill and ability.... That instant preceeding a "panic" stop doesn't give enough time for skill and ability to over ride the reflex of grabbing a handful of brake. The bike goes down because the wheel locks instantly, and you haven't even got to the scene of the crash yet! That's when (and only when) you'll "miss" ABS. In controlled settings, you're correct, ABS will not better a skilled rider (racers don't typically use it). An expert rider can apply the brakes in such a way as to first transfer weight, maximize the contact patch, and then squeeze on the exact pressure to just about lock the wheel. But this is when he (or she) has the opportunity to be anticipating the brake marker. Lap after lap. He is completely absorbed in picking that brake point and then maximizing braking performance. On the street however, when a deer runs out, or the mattress flies off the truck, most riders - even experts who are fully engaged in the ride - will often not be able to control that first snatch of the lever.

Well put.