What distinguishes an ABS bike vs. Non?

[Inhouse Bob]

Sorry if this has been covered, but searches turn up so much that I can't weed through it.
In short, what does one look for to distinguish an ABS equipped CB 1100 from one that is without? What physical traits are visible?
Also, has anyone seen my shop manual?? I know it's around here somewhere. Dang.
Bob

[Randy B]

The easiest thing to look for is the front calipers with the extra brake hose and the reluctor wheel on the front wheel. Other than that it's not blatantly obvious.

[Inhouse Bob]

The easiest thing to look for is the front calipers with the extra brake hose and the reluctor wheel on the front wheel. Other than that it's not blatantly obvious.

Thanks for the response. I found my manual and see the photos. I need to have a word with my PO.

[flynrider]

You should also see the ABS light on the panel when you turn the key on.

[Inhouse Bob]

You should also see the ABS light on the panel when you turn the key on.

Yeah, I'm feeling pretty annoyed for not researching these details before buying. It's all pretty clear now in retrospect. I haven't had a reason to question all this until I went for a fast stop yesterday when a truck pulled out and stopped short. I left a long trail of rubber on the road. Fortunately, it was a dry day and a grippy road, or I would have likely locked the front tire, too, and eaten some pavement. I didn't modulate my grip because I assumed ABS was there for me. I'd be really po'd at the PO, except that she was selling her husband's bikes after he died and I'm pretty sure she just made a mistake. But still, I am letting her know that I expect a check in the mail. We'll see how stand-up she is. Harrumph.

[Lord Popgun]

She may have thought it was ABS. When the '13s hit the stores, a number of salesmen told us that the bike was rear ABS only. They thought that as they didn't realize the rear sensor ring was used for the speedometer. I had to educate my salesman a couple of times before he got it. Just a thought.

[Inhouse Bob]

Interesting, Popgun. I can see a lot of scenarios that may have gotten us here. I mostly wish I had been better informed when I picked it up. It's one of those features that is sort of passive; invisible until you need it and you assume it'll be there. Anyhow, I'm bummed but not going to lose sleep.

[ClassicVW_imp]

I was going to write something very similar to what popgun wrote. A lot of people, even established riders, may not realize that the "same" year and model of bike can come in ABS and non-ABS versions. And when you have someone who inherits something, and they're not even a rider, it's easy to see how it can be confused.

Even though I'm an owner of a non-ABS bike, I'm a believer in ABS and I just wish all manufacturers would put it on every model and be done with it. Switchable ON/OFF on some like dual sports.

[kmoney_imp]

The EU ruling that all bikes made in 2016 onward over 125cc must have ABS will likely mean most manufacturers just have it on all bikes. I'm kind of hoping the DOT doubles down on this ruling for NA just to be sure.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I have to imagine that selling off your loved one's possessions after he or she dies is a horrible undertaking. For the little extra money you'd have to negotiate to get back from her, I say just let her keep it. The good karma will come back to you.

Glad you stayed upright! I find the non-ABS brakes on the CB to work exceptionally well.