Time to Make A Decision - Need Advice

[The Spaceman_imp]

IMO, ABS is the same as seatbelts on cars. They were once optional, but now very few people would consider driving without them now. If a technology exists that substantially improves your safety, why wouldn't you exploit it? Its only a 10% bump in price..if it saves you from just one minor accident, it paid for itself.

[the Ferret]

The ABS debate is not a new one. In less than ideal conditions you are better off with ABS. A skidding motorcycle, is an out of control motorcycle. In ideal conditions you can probably stop quicker without ABS. Clearly states in the owners manual it may actually take longer to stop with ABS in some conditions.

Regardless from 60 mph, if it takes 160 feet to stop without abs and 155 feet to stop with ABS if some one pulls out in front of you 145 feet away, you are going to hit them with either set up.Don't ask me how I know.

Defensive driving, experience and situational awareness is far more important than relying on mechanical systems to save your bacon.

[greg9ball_imp]

The ABS debate is not a new one. In less than ideal conditions you are better off with ABS. A skidding motorcycle, is an out of control motorcycle. In ideal conditions you can probably stop quicker without ABS. Clearly states in the owners manual it may actually take longer to stop with ABS in some conditions.

Regardless from 60 mph, if it takes 160 feet to stop without abs and 155 feet to stop with ABS if some one pulls out in front of you 145 feet away, you are going to hit them with either set up.Don't ask me how I know.

Defensive driving, experience and situational awareness is far more important than relying on mechanical systems to save your bacon.

I wonder how many riders actually have the talent to threshold break better than the ABS system. The thing I find interesting about ABS is the ability to go right to full breaking without needing to modulate the brakes. I doubt I could stop the bike faster than the ABS system in an emergency situation. I think I'm talking myself into ABS. LOL

[furious_blue_imp]

We don't get to choose when a small patch of sand or oil decides to stretch itself across the entire road. That coupled with the dual front disks and the skinny front tire patch made ABS a complete 'must have' for me..

As far as being 'a better rider than ABS'.. I've read anecdotes from too many high-caliber road/track racers who've said that ABS saved their hide on the road (not during a race) and they would not have stayed upright without it, ABS is 'better' than they are (their words)..
Of course we don't read the anecdotes from those that didn't have ABS and didn't make it out the other side because their voices have been permanently silenced.

I've only had to really panic brake once.. Happily, it was on my non-ABS BlackBird with linked brakes. A lot of people complain about how they don't like linked brakes taking away the independent control that they are used to having.. but in my one instance, having stopped just inches from a cars bumper coming down from freeway speed... feeling the bike 'hunker down' via the brake load balancing of the linked braking system, I knew that that device saved my hide and left me free to ride away from a non-incident.

It's the kind of progress that I'll gladly take advantage of.

[buck80mph_imp]

ABS is optional from dealers. So in my opinion it's a very "optional" addition to a motorcycle.

But let's get back to helping him choose between the bikes the OP mentioned. I'm very curious to hear others comments. Unless I over looked a post and he decided on the CB and now trying to decide on the ABS....

[greg9ball_imp]

ABS is optional from dealers. So in my opinion it's a very "optional" addition to a motorcycle.

But let's get back to helping him choose between the bikes the OP mentioned. I'm very curious to hear others comments. Unless I over looked a post and he decided on the CB and now trying to decide on the ABS....

I'm still undecided on which bike. Its really down to a CB1100 vs. ZRX1200. I'm really having a hard time deciding.

[the Ferret]

Buck80 ...the OP did ask about ABS and whether it was a good idea in his first post in this thread.

I would never discourage someone from getting ABS. But want people to realize its a tool that CAN help you, but is one that is not necessarily GOING to help you. It will help you in a given set of circumstances. It is a tool in your staying safe toolbox, just like experience, good gear and continued rider education.

If he decides he must have ABS then he must choose the CB as I don't believe it was available on the ZRX.

[INTP_imp]

I have owned a ZRX1200, 07 Bonnie and now ride the CB11. I mistakenly sold my ZRX when I fell in lust with a ZX12. The ZX proved challenging to keep running reliably. Sold that, and got the CB. If the DAEG was available in the US I would purchase a brand new one.

Back to the question. The CB is a great all around bike. I was torn between the R1 and the CB, I went with the CB because I have a teenage son who will be getting his learners permit next month. He seems more level headed than I was at his age, but you never know.

[greg9ball_imp]

I have owned a ZRX1200, 07 Bonnie and now ride the CB11. I mistakenly sold my ZRX when I fell in lust with a ZX12. The ZX proved challenging to keep running reliably. Sold that, and got the CB. If the DAEG was available in the US I would purchase a brand new one.

Back to the question. The CB is a great all around bike. I was torn between the R1 and the CB, I went with the CB because I have a teenage son who will be getting his learners permit next month. He seems more level headed than I was at his age, but you never know.

Wow! An R1 vs CB1100! I thought I was struggling with apples and oranges! I definitely think you made the right decision. The thought of a new rider on an R1 is a scary thought. The R1 causes 0-Stupid faster than most. LOL! Thanks for your input.

[The Spaceman_imp]

The ABS debate is not a new one. In less than ideal conditions you are better off with ABS. A skidding motorcycle, is an out of control motorcycle. In ideal conditions you can probably stop quicker without ABS. Clearly states in the owners manual it may actually take longer to stop with ABS in some conditions.

Regardless from 60 mph, if it takes 160 feet to stop without abs and 155 feet to stop with ABS if some one pulls out in front of you 145 feet away, you are going to hit them with either set up.Don't ask me how I know.

Defensive driving, experience and situational awareness is far more important than relying on mechanical systems to save your bacon.

I wonder how many riders actually have the talent to threshold break better than the ABS system. The thing I find interesting about ABS is the ability to go right to full breaking without needing to modulate the brakes. I doubt I could stop the bike faster than the ABS system in an emergency situation. I think I'm talking myself into ABS. LOL

.0002%. Unless you're a top-echelon racer, you'll never come close to braking as effectively as an ABS system, on a bike or in a car. Even track bikes are equipped with it these days.

I have to admit it does clutter up the front wheel of the bike, but it looks better than a wrecked bike.