06-03-2014, 05:21 PM
Ah, okay Ridem, now I follow.
Your note about comparing the stopping power of the rear brake reminds me that a number of forum members reported that the rear brakes on their 2013 models left a lot to be desired (ranging from not good, to completely ineffective). With that in mind, I'm wondering if we are going to see the same thing with some of the 2014 models. I can't imagine the ABS even kicking in under these circumstances — do you know whether or not yours did? (I do know from testing that my back brake is capable of locking up the rear wheel.) This particular issue might not have anything to do with ABS or non-ABS offering when it comes to the CB1100.
While in general, I do tend to think that ABS is capable of outperforming regular brakes, that is dependent on the system being properly engineered and working like it is supposed to. In the case of a brake system with improperly bled hydraulics, none of this probably matters. That same statement can apply to a number of variables.
To some degree, I'm simply playing the devils advocate here. I grew up riding dirt bikes and grew used to a number of the sensations and maneuvers you've described like back wheels sliding out, etc. That familiarity has come handy a few times on the street when I might have otherwise panicked. While I haven't logged any time on the track, I have experienced a few situations that required the best of my own processing power to maintain my composure and control my bike in "emergency situations". I was able to avoid locking up my wheels and avoid dumping my bike in the process. I felt reluctant enough about the complexity of the ABS system and comfortable enough (just enough) with my skills to forgo the ABS option when it was my time to buy. In general terms, when a well-engineered system is functioning properly, I do think pretty highly of ABS can bring to the table.
Your note about comparing the stopping power of the rear brake reminds me that a number of forum members reported that the rear brakes on their 2013 models left a lot to be desired (ranging from not good, to completely ineffective). With that in mind, I'm wondering if we are going to see the same thing with some of the 2014 models. I can't imagine the ABS even kicking in under these circumstances — do you know whether or not yours did? (I do know from testing that my back brake is capable of locking up the rear wheel.) This particular issue might not have anything to do with ABS or non-ABS offering when it comes to the CB1100.
While in general, I do tend to think that ABS is capable of outperforming regular brakes, that is dependent on the system being properly engineered and working like it is supposed to. In the case of a brake system with improperly bled hydraulics, none of this probably matters. That same statement can apply to a number of variables.
To some degree, I'm simply playing the devils advocate here. I grew up riding dirt bikes and grew used to a number of the sensations and maneuvers you've described like back wheels sliding out, etc. That familiarity has come handy a few times on the street when I might have otherwise panicked. While I haven't logged any time on the track, I have experienced a few situations that required the best of my own processing power to maintain my composure and control my bike in "emergency situations". I was able to avoid locking up my wheels and avoid dumping my bike in the process. I felt reluctant enough about the complexity of the ABS system and comfortable enough (just enough) with my skills to forgo the ABS option when it was my time to buy. In general terms, when a well-engineered system is functioning properly, I do think pretty highly of ABS can bring to the table.