04-19-2016, 01:43 PM
(04-19-2016, 01:28 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Racing motorcycles also don't have mirrors, horns, headlights, tail lights, turn signals or brake lights all of which undoubtedly make us safer. They are ridden by very experienced, often professional riders in a very controlled environment, complete with corner marshalls with flags to let them know if there is an unforseen obstacle or spill around the next turn. There are no intersections, traffic lights, hidden driveways, or people turning left in front of them. They don't share the road with texters, people putting on make up, sleep deprived drivers or drunks. As such racing motorcycles is much safer than riding a street motorcycle.+1. Very well said.
ABS is not voodoo, and for the average rider ABS will be a benefit. There is a reason it is quickly becoming mandatory for motorcycles all over the world. In the not too distant future you will not even be able to buy a motorcycle without it.
I absolutely recommend people learn how to use their brakes properly. If you do, you may never activate the abs on an ABS equipped motorcycle. My CB1100 has ABS and although braking very hard on several occasions during the last two years and 20,000 miles I've never activated the abs on it, because I do know how to use the brakes on my motorcycle. I've also never locked up the wheels on my non ABS ST1300 in 8 years and 70,000 miles. Because I know how to properly use the brakes. However, there may be an unforseen circumstance some day where I am braking and the ABS for some reason does kick in, and in that instance I know I am better off with ABS than without, because like a I said above, a skidding motorcycle is an out of control motorcycle.
I've never activated my 2013 either (years of threshold braking just condition you), but I definetely enjoy knowing I have a safety net there in case.