[ST] ABS or not ABS, That is the question.

["Masiak, Richard" <Richard_Masiak@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

ABS still isn't perfect.  Yes, ABS definitely helps improve the average driver's ability to stop and avoid wheel lockup, but it doesn't necessarily avoid skids. You can still skid without wheel lock-up.  Skidding is a result of loss of wheel traction, and loss of traction can result from things other than just wheel lock-up.

Personally, I would prefer not to have ABS.  Unfortunately, all modern cages come standard with it now.  Since I learned to drive about 22 years ago, I learned right the old school way.  Although ABS can modulate the brakes faster than a human, the old school didn't really teach "modulate" the brakes.  It taught when to apply the brakes, how hard, when to let off and how to control the cage through steering as well as braking.  This is difficult to really put into words, but you all out there who know how to drive correctly know what I'm talking about.

Having ABS on my p/u is really screwy and I find myself fighting with the computer because I want to do it my way, which so far has never failed me.  Unfortunately I can't take the darn thing off auto pilot.  As far as motorcycles I feel the same way.  I don't want ABS.  The closest I got was the Honda interlink system they have on the Goldwing, and I never had to put it through an aggressive "save my ass" test.  After being on the track and learning to bring the brakes up to the maximum point of the break curve and trail brake through the turn.  IMO, ABS would really screw things up.  I'd rather be the one to screw up instead of a computer.

That's just an opinion, but I have the feeling this is a touchy subject, so let the flame war commence ;-)

-----Original Message-----
From: st-triumphnet.com-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:st-triumphnet.com-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of
Emile Nossin
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 7:35 PM
To: ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: [ST] RE: Brett - been there


>From: triumph1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>where I braked was on a patch of damp oil/diesel.
>>Instant lockup and down we went on the right side
>I reacted by grabbing a handfull of front brake.
>Result, front wheel locks and it's goodnight 

Good arguments for the red Sprint ABS version
coming out next month...

Emile
www.piloot.com
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