Why do you think...

[Ixol Phaane]

I gotta wonder if ABS is mandatory equipment in Canada and EU?

I also gotta wonder, because I have read nothing on the subject, how the linked CBS performs versus the ABS braking.
Anyone got any insight they'd like to share?

I will say that I am impressed with the CBS equipment on my F6, and certainly don't feel at all let down by the Honda engineers for not providing the ABS option.

Now, I AM a little put out by the fact that they didn't give me a cute little tool kit in a cute plastic box. I guess I'll have to go search on eBay for an old GL kit.

[The Highwayman]

ABS is not mandated in Canada. But with our climate and roads, many of us operate motorcycles in less than ideal conditions for much of our riding. We don't enjoy the sunny climate and flawless pavement of LA. As a result ABS is expected on a flagship long distance machine like the F6B. Incidently the ABS is in addition to Combined Brakes. I haven't panic tested the system on the F6B, but I did years ago on an ST1300 and it was a difference maker!

[rumble-b]

In Australia we get the linked brakes the same as all F6Bs and ABS, as standard. Also tool kit and black or red. We don't get the Deluxe version though, however we can buy all the extras and add them. Heated grips aren't in great demand over here because it's generally warmer and self cancelling indicators aren't a big issue to me. I do like the ABS though because although the linked system works great on it's own, ABS stops the brakes locking up under extreme braking, especially on wet or slippery surfaces.

[bigbird]

But with our climate and roads, many of us operate motorcycles in less than ideal conditions for much of our riding. We don't enjoy the sunny climate and flawless pavement of LA.

Which makes you wonder why in the world heated grips are not standard in Canada as well.

[Steve 0080]

I call BS on Honda's part....they call it a $1K option and I call it a $250 add on..... I think the biggest reason is that a lot of slow thinking Americans don't want it or the magic it brings..." we can stop better w/o it, we are better than a machine"

[Injun Joe]

I call BS on Honda's part....they call it a $1K option and I call it a $250 add on..... I think the biggest reason is that a lot of slow thinking Americans don't want it or the magic it brings..." we can stop better w/o it, we are better than a machine"

How often do you think linked breaking would be enough on it's own though? Would ABS ever come into play in a useful way? Seems like ABS on the F6B might be a little like when we used to hide under our desks at school in case of a nuclear attack.

[Hornblower]

I call BS on Honda's part....they call it a $1K option and I call it a $250 add on..... I think the biggest reason is that a lot of slow thinking Americans don't want it or the magic it brings..." we can stop better w/o it, we are better than a machine"

I guess I was one of those "slow thinking Americans" because I used to think I could brake better than ABS, or at least, just as well. Then, I watched a BMW demo at the Daytona Bike Week one year and realized the full potential of ABS. So, definitely, I would love to have ABS on the "6".

[XKnight]

It is baffling that ABS and cruise control are not options on the F6b. I'd gladly extra pay for the cruise and probably ABS too. Center-stand, heated grips and self cancelling turn signals on the other hand aren't high on my list. Honda should just offer a base F6b with various options so folks can buy what they want.

[MinnetonkaMike]

I guess I was one of those "slow thinking Americans" because I used to think I could brake better than ABS, or at least, just as well. Then, I watched a BMW demo at the Daytona Bike Week one year and realized the full potential of ABS. So, definitely, I would love to have ABS on the "6".

+1. ABS has been proven in both automotive and two wheeled applications. I wouldn't be surprised if ABS becomes standard [if not by law, by manufacturers "standard"] on most models by the late 2020's because of the increased demand from riders and insurance companies.

I would pay for both ABS and cruise if they were available as factory options.

[motozeke]

+1. ABS has been proven in both automotive and two wheeled applications. I wouldn't be surprised if ABS becomes standard [if not by law, by manufacturers "standard"] on most models by the late 2020's because of the increased demand from riders and insurance companies.

I would pay for both ABS and cruise if they were available as factory options.

COMPLETELY. It is really outrageous that Honda didn't offer ABS as an option on this bike (and in fact that it isn't standard equipment on a $20K bike in the first place!).