ABS: Just Sayin' (Actually, Suzuki says...)

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Reach for the popcorn, popgun. That's not it. Not for the moment anyway.

First, I'm glad you gentlemen have let off steam with a ride. I haven't had a chance to do that yet.

Secondly, Ulvetanna, my sincere apologies for misrepresenting your position on ABS.

Thirdly, however, in my defence, I note that in all the indignant 10-euro responses you've posted, you never once answered my question—namely, what was your point? To be explicit: why did you make the post in the way you did? Why didn't you include a statement that it was in support of your view that ABS is not the be-all and end-all of braking? A statement with which most of us would, I suspect, agree. Instead it appeared to me—and indeed it continues to appear so—that you 'trailed your coat': offering a statement you knew or hoped would provoke precisely the response it got. If I'm wrong about that, I apologise again, but I'd ask that you accept some responsibility for how your communication was received.

Finally, you say "It just seems to me that, as both of you are moderators, you all could be a bit more moderate and actually either recall my position on ABS (which I've posted several times) or do a quick search to make sure you are not "standing on your foot." (I say this in all good humor)". With equal good humour and with respect as well: it's a fair cop; I did shoot myself in the foot. But, fair go. The Ferret and I read pretty much every post on this forum. My memory is not what it used to be and I don't remember every position put by every member on every issue. I don't have time meticulously to research every statement made by every member on every post. I'm simply not going to. If it's a job requirement, I'm outta here.

You have strong opinions which you express extensively and, if I may say so, with plenty of 10-Euro words. Good for you. You're entitled both to the words and the opinions. Heaven knows, I even respect many of the latter. I certainly respect your right to hold them. I'd ask that you offer reciprocal respect.

Of course...look, all I did was to post verbatim the disclaimer Suzuki put up on its website. I really never thought it would create a series of posts which, to put it politely, attempted to discern MY exact position on ABS.

I just think we've got to get some discussion and education going about all these electronic aids, and what they can and can't do for us, and how they work. There was nothing sinister in my intention, no desire to raise up a dust storm with the moderators weighing in, or anything of that nature.

Another thing I have to say, is that while I was on the ZX-10R forum, many of us raced and did track days, or both, whereas here on this forum, I seem to be the only really active member who has that kind of background. Obviously the CB1100 does not really attract that kind of rider but some few of us really do like the concept. I've mentioned [url=http://www.cycleworld.com/authors/nick-ienatsch]Nick Ienatsch many times; I will go ahead and say I do know him fairly well, have worked with him on occasion, and he and I share a very similar opinion of motorcycling. We love all kinds of bikes, racebikes to standards, vintage to modern. His message is also the same as mine, you can never stop learning and should never get complacent. We just had a new CB1100 owner go down today. If I, or you, or Nick, or anyone can help someone save his bacon with a riding tip or bit of information, to me, that's worth it.

We've got over 3,000 riders viewing this forum and probably less than one percent of those posting regularly, but a lot of them read it. So yes, I use this forum as a way to get out what I know to be good and accurate information about motorcycle riding techniques and technology. There can never be enough of that.

I've always gotten a kick out of the ten-dollar word quote from Hemingway; in truth, I'm an adherent of Herbert Spencer when it comes to writing but I can mix it up when I need to.