06-03-2014, 10:19 PM
Collection of ABS/Non-ABS Comparison Tests
Comparison tests speak favorably of ABS
As others have opined, there may be people reading this thread, to help decide between an ABS or non-ABS bike. The tests below may help make an informed decision.
To summarize, I looked for side-by-side comparisons between ABS and non-ABS bikes, believing that such tests provide richer information than anecdotal accounts. All of the tests I found spoke favorably of ABS, including one test in which the non-ABS bike received similar scores to the ABS bike. In the latter case ("Street test" below), the tester determined that an experienced rider on a non-ABS bike can match ABS performance - but under very narrow conditions such as having a skilled rider stopping from slower speed (40 mph in the test), on dry pavement with rich gripping surface. How many people enjoy riding faster than that, or experience variables like damp roads, cars whizzing by or other distractions? According to the Street test, "witnessing a near crash from a skid by a skilled rider on a slick but not wet road is enough to bust the myth that a good rider doesn't need ABS."
Finally, to sweeten the pot, some insurance companies offer discounts to ABS-equipped bikes.
I looked for, but didn't find, any comparison tests which ended in favor of getting a non-ABS bike. Each of us make our own risk assessment. I hope this data helps prospective buyers make theirs. Enjoy.
[url=http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/01/17/off-road-braking-test-pro-level-off-road-racer-against-ktm-abs/]Dirt test.
[url=http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Features/RideReports/AntiLockBraking.aspx]Track test.
[url=http://www.superstreetbike.com/features/mythbusters-abs-equipped-bike-good-rider-doesnt-need-abs]Street test.
[url=https://www.alliedinsurance.com/motorcycle-insurance-discounts.jsp]Insurance discount.
Comparison tests speak favorably of ABS
As others have opined, there may be people reading this thread, to help decide between an ABS or non-ABS bike. The tests below may help make an informed decision.
To summarize, I looked for side-by-side comparisons between ABS and non-ABS bikes, believing that such tests provide richer information than anecdotal accounts. All of the tests I found spoke favorably of ABS, including one test in which the non-ABS bike received similar scores to the ABS bike. In the latter case ("Street test" below), the tester determined that an experienced rider on a non-ABS bike can match ABS performance - but under very narrow conditions such as having a skilled rider stopping from slower speed (40 mph in the test), on dry pavement with rich gripping surface. How many people enjoy riding faster than that, or experience variables like damp roads, cars whizzing by or other distractions? According to the Street test, "witnessing a near crash from a skid by a skilled rider on a slick but not wet road is enough to bust the myth that a good rider doesn't need ABS."
Finally, to sweeten the pot, some insurance companies offer discounts to ABS-equipped bikes.
I looked for, but didn't find, any comparison tests which ended in favor of getting a non-ABS bike. Each of us make our own risk assessment. I hope this data helps prospective buyers make theirs. Enjoy.
[url=http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/01/17/off-road-braking-test-pro-level-off-road-racer-against-ktm-abs/]Dirt test.
[url=http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Features/RideReports/AntiLockBraking.aspx]Track test.
[url=http://www.superstreetbike.com/features/mythbusters-abs-equipped-bike-good-rider-doesnt-need-abs]Street test.
[url=https://www.alliedinsurance.com/motorcycle-insurance-discounts.jsp]Insurance discount.