 ABS
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Here is maybe a silly question. Is there a way to put ABS brakes on my 08 America?
Blue/White, Battery Relocated, 155/45's, AI removed, Cocktail shakers
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
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There is a way to do about anything. I dont know why you would want abs on a bike.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
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ABS is sold for the Thunderbird Sport. I wonder if you could buy that setup and make it fit. It would be very pricey IMHO.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
Quote:
There is a way to do about anything. I dont know why you would want abs on a bike.
+1
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 407 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2011
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There is a lot of computer logic needed for ABS. Is your motorcycle carbed or EFI? Without a modern ECU I would think adding ABS would require adding a lot of electronics? Don't you need wheel speed sensors and the like?
09 America, some modifications
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
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Do ability is just a matter of doing the research and obtaining the required parts.
That still leaves the question of why. What benefit would you gain from it?
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
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Many have gone to a dual front disc to gain better stopping power. I think the thunder bird sport or even the speedmaster setup. Very quick and not so painful in the wallet area.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
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I've heard of people adding dual discs to help the bike stop better, but it doesn't work that way. There was a fantastic article in cycle world explaining the physics of it in their "service" section. The only benefit gained from dual front discs is 100 percent more heat disapation, which would only really matter coming down a mountain, (which, I'm sure, pertains to some here). ABS brakes are fantastic and there is no good argument against them, but no, you couldn't add them to our bikes. If you do have a bike with anti locks, it's still a good idea to ride like it doesn't have them and be glad that you do when the time comes.
Strangler
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Do ability is just a matter of doing the research and obtaining the required parts.
That still leaves the question of why. What benefit would you gain from it?
Well, not to put words into Brett's mouth here Chad, but maybe ONE "benefit" of an ABS motorcycle system might be to lessen the risk of a front wheel "washout" by grabbing too much front brake, and which even the best riders in the worst of conditions might fall prey too.
(...though I'm sure from past discussions with the gentleman, "Old School" Ian would disagree with my thought here) 
However, with that being said, I think adding an ABS system to our machines would probably be very cost prohibiting, as both Ron and Matt made mention of above.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,272 Likes: 17
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,272 Likes: 17 |
Here's what I do know. I have a 2003 America with single disc and a 2004 Speedmaster with dual disc. Without question the 04 Speedy dual set up has better/faster stopping power.
No Question about it!
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
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Yep Mike, and I'll bet there's probably a little less "mushy-ness" feel and a little lever "play" on your Speedy too, right?!
However, I doubt Brett's ABS inquiry here has less to do with the superiority of a twin rotor braking system, and maybe more to do with the idea of lessening the risk of a front-end washout in emergency/panic situations.
(...though I'm sure he'll soon tell us his reasons for bringing up this question)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,705 Likes: 23
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,705 Likes: 23 |
I think his reasons are self evident. If he wants ABS he understands the proven science around it.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
Quote:
I've heard of people adding dual discs to help the bike stop better, but it doesn't work that way. There was a fantastic article in cycle world explaining the physics of it in their "service" section. The only benefit gained from dual front discs is 100 percent more heat disapation, which would only really matter coming down a mountain, (which, I'm sure, pertains to some here). ABS brakes are fantastic and there is no good argument against them, but no, you couldn't add them to our bikes. If you do have a bike with anti locks, it's still a good idea to ride like it doesn't have them and be glad that you do when the time comes.
I think in the case of the BA and SM the heat dissipation is an advantage since it seems the SM rotors don't warp due to the better heat management.
EDIT: I would add that both single and dual rotors on our bikes can lock the front wheel and you can only gain as much stopping force as you can put to the ground. Once locked you are beyond that point.
Last edited by The_Dog33; 03/06/2013 4:47 PM.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
I could see maybe abs front but not back as a possible advantage but the ability to lock my rear wheel has saved my butt a bunch of times. I guess riding ability and experience is what saves me from washing out the front end in those situations. I have never locked the front wheel in an emergency situation but have locked the rear in those same situations and on purpose. If I had abs I would remove it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
Just a quick glance on google seems to indicate more than a few.options for adding abs to none abs bikes.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Ok I see my absence after asking the question is leaving pondering minds. Dwight is correct in my asking. I was thinking of my many commutes in the rain after watching some videos of abs vs non-abs bikes stopping on slippy (Western PA people get that one) surfaces. I wasn't so much thinkin of improved braking performance like the dual front may or may not provide. As much as improved handling in a precarious situation-that hopefully never comes up.
So some of us hate abs...what is the rationale behind that? Our cars have it and it provides better stopping distance and control on bad wet/snowy roads. Why would our bikes be so offensive with abs? Rocket 3's and Tbirds as I know come with it. The touring bikes etc from our beloved Hinckley production line too.
So the end result that we have come up with is it would be silly to try to add the electronics that would go along with all of it. Especially since I'm carbed and don't have a lot of that fancy electromiconical stuff (said like a hillbilly-no offense to my hillbilly fellow Trumpys) Is that a pretty good take on it?
Thanks guys,
Brett
Blue/White, Battery Relocated, 155/45's, AI removed, Cocktail shakers
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
I feel the loss of ability to lock my rear wheel when needed would make my bike less safe. I know I would have crashed at least 3 times if I was not able to do so. There is no substitute for experience.In the cases I am thinking of an object came into my path unexpectedly and I could never have stopped in time so I locked the rear wheel and slid sideways and then released t9o go off in another direction to avoid the object.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 639
Adjunct
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I would hope my biking zen would kick in to do a move like that Ian. I think that's where dirt bike riding before road riding pays off. Which unfortunately I never did.
Blue/White, Battery Relocated, 155/45's, AI removed, Cocktail shakers
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,705 Likes: 23
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,705 Likes: 23 |
Here is one of many. The BMW bike out stops the car on the dry and is dead even at 60 MPH in the wet. A full article is herehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfffXkoJvUU
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I was just curious as to why. I am not against the notion.
(As I am neither for nor against any cause as it relates to anyone other than me.)
And it is very possible. There are add on abs systems, and they are not extremely exspensive as far as bike stuff goes. I looked at some stuff on the web earlier but did not have time for a thorough investigation, so I will not post a link until a time at which I have time to look at all the details.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284 |
Quote:
Here's what I do know. I have a 2003 America with single disc and a 2004 Speedmaster with dual disc. Without question the 04 Speedy dual set up has better/faster stopping power.
No Question about it!
Those bikes have 2 different size master cylinders, the larger bore master from the Speedy will greatly improve the America's brake application and the deletion of 1 rotor and caliper on a Speedy will get rid of the mushiness these bikes typically have. I've done a couple of customs and ditched the right side brake setup to show off fancy wheels only to find that the brakes actually felt much better instead of the hard lever feel that I expected.
Strangler
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Re: ABS
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Chad's link could be a good try. For under $200 I would be willing to be a guinea pig and see what sort of results I get. Assuming my brakes aren't going to be worse! Has anybody else tried using the TCM system? Save me the trial and error.
Blue/White, Battery Relocated, 155/45's, AI removed, Cocktail shakers
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284 |
Quote:
Chad's link could be a good try. For under $200 I would be willing to be a guinea pig and see what sort of results I get. Assuming my brakes aren't going to be worse! Has anybody else tried using the TCM system? Save me the trial and error.
I just ordered a set. The price is dirt cheap and it seems like a no brainer. While not truly an ABS system, these may be even better for what I generally do which is build custom bikes. I rarely look to build horsepower, I've never been on a bike that doesn't go fast enough to kill you. But, I'll spend whatever it takes to make a bike stop or handle better.
I'm incredibly busy, so I probably wont put these on my Speedy for a month or so, but I'll keep you all informed.
Strangler
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
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Quote:
Assuming my brakes aren't going to be worse! Has anybody else tried using the TCM system? Save me the trial and error.
Yeah Brett! I watch TCM all the time! I LOVE those old B&W movies!
(...sorry, couldn't resist...you meant "TCB" system, of course) 
And no, I have no experience with that system, though after reading what their website is saying, it sounds as if all it does is make the lever action even more mushy feeling...though I could be wrong.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: ABS
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 639
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Sounds great Paul. So let us-me especially- know what you think and if it for make the lever mushy. Maybe some clinical trials before and after with stopping distance. You know make a week of it testing your bike. Not like you are busy or anything-haha!
I caught the acronym mess up after I hit submit. TCM does have some great movies too. Hopefully TCB has good brake products.
Blue/White, Battery Relocated, 155/45's, AI removed, Cocktail shakers
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