I've been riding Goldwings since 2003 with the start of a 1200, the 1500 and now my 16 F6B, and have been used to the braking system. Now I've never had ABS on a bike before so I can't speak to that. But last night while riding home in rural southwest PA on Rt 15 north from Maryland, I see allot of dead deer on the road every night and usually have to avoid the remains. So for the last 13 years I've ridden home after midnight from work 36 miles. Been extremely lucky both in my car and the bike of not hitting a deer. Last night a doe wandered out in the road slowly sniffing the road going across right in front of me. I had both feet up on the pegs and 75 mph, I saw the deer, grabbed all the front brake I could and before my feet reached the pedals the bike slowed and squealed the tires a bit, that's when it look up and ran off. The bike was very steady and slowed down really quick!
That's why I love the linked brake systems!