Atticka started a thread regarding adding ABS brakes to an older GW at viewtopic.php?f=9&t=8868
Interesting discussion on this topic, but ABS technology is only one aspect of what the motorcycling world is going forward with. There are traction systems, started out basic but now quite complex taking into account lean angle, weight, road conditions and such. Ride modes - sport, rain, economy, etc. ABS braking of course, clutchless shifting, suspension adjustments on the fly and a host of other new additions.
These are primarily designed and installed to enhance our riding enjoyment and safety. The systems are designed to keep the bike more planted on the road under all driving conditions.
I submit because of these new systems, that the optics are such that a person could think that these new systems will enable a skill set upgrade because the bike will adjust for our inadequacies. I will admit that these systems can assist us when we have gone a little beyond our abilities such as going into a corner hotter than we wanted to, but when this happens you still need a basic skill set that can get you out of trouble such as looking for the exit and not what is directly in front of you.
I was on a course in San Francisco on a Total Control course facilitated by Lee Parks. He mentioned that our motorcycles are designed to do just about everything you can think of and do it well, then we put us on the bike and all bets are off. I tend to agree with this philosophy.
I also submit that the only way to improve your riding skill set is to take continuous training no matter the level, and then practice the skills that you have used on the course. In doing this you refresh your riding skills because it is very easy to relax and just ride after a course. I have found that after a course, you have a more enhanced riding skill set, but that after a while this skill set diminishes, not to the point of before the course, but not at the level you were at the end of the course. To keep this level of expertise you need to practice what you learned, but also need another set of trained eyes to give improvement feedback so that you can adjust your riding skill set back to what it was at the end of the course.
Having mentioned all this, I know there are those out there who are truly purists. To many new fangled additions to the motorcycle and not for them. There are the middle of the road types, of which I am one, that if the bike has the systems already factory installed will use them to enhance the ride, then there are those that need these new/newer systems and want these on every bike they have regardless of what vintage it is.
I don't think anyone is wrong/incorrect in their thoughts, just personal preference. I'm more into creature comforts such as heated seats, reverse, ability to connect my heated clothing, and such like items. If the bike has more bells and whistles, great, if not good as well. My '85 1200 LTD has more bells and whistles than my ex-1800 and present 1500 - don't need a cell phone to be distracted while riding it. Mind you would have liked reverse and heated seats on it.
Had an '08 1800 with ABS and did several courses with it. Never activated the ABS during any emergency braking session - instructors were looking for that, but if you did they would only comment on it.
Thought I'd take the heat off Atticka and start a thread where we can rant about the good, bad or indifference regarding the new system on the modern motorcycle.
Thoughts anyone?
Cheers
Interesting discussion on this topic, but ABS technology is only one aspect of what the motorcycling world is going forward with. There are traction systems, started out basic but now quite complex taking into account lean angle, weight, road conditions and such. Ride modes - sport, rain, economy, etc. ABS braking of course, clutchless shifting, suspension adjustments on the fly and a host of other new additions.
These are primarily designed and installed to enhance our riding enjoyment and safety. The systems are designed to keep the bike more planted on the road under all driving conditions.
I submit because of these new systems, that the optics are such that a person could think that these new systems will enable a skill set upgrade because the bike will adjust for our inadequacies. I will admit that these systems can assist us when we have gone a little beyond our abilities such as going into a corner hotter than we wanted to, but when this happens you still need a basic skill set that can get you out of trouble such as looking for the exit and not what is directly in front of you.
I was on a course in San Francisco on a Total Control course facilitated by Lee Parks. He mentioned that our motorcycles are designed to do just about everything you can think of and do it well, then we put us on the bike and all bets are off. I tend to agree with this philosophy.
I also submit that the only way to improve your riding skill set is to take continuous training no matter the level, and then practice the skills that you have used on the course. In doing this you refresh your riding skills because it is very easy to relax and just ride after a course. I have found that after a course, you have a more enhanced riding skill set, but that after a while this skill set diminishes, not to the point of before the course, but not at the level you were at the end of the course. To keep this level of expertise you need to practice what you learned, but also need another set of trained eyes to give improvement feedback so that you can adjust your riding skill set back to what it was at the end of the course.
Having mentioned all this, I know there are those out there who are truly purists. To many new fangled additions to the motorcycle and not for them. There are the middle of the road types, of which I am one, that if the bike has the systems already factory installed will use them to enhance the ride, then there are those that need these new/newer systems and want these on every bike they have regardless of what vintage it is.
I don't think anyone is wrong/incorrect in their thoughts, just personal preference. I'm more into creature comforts such as heated seats, reverse, ability to connect my heated clothing, and such like items. If the bike has more bells and whistles, great, if not good as well. My '85 1200 LTD has more bells and whistles than my ex-1800 and present 1500 - don't need a cell phone to be distracted while riding it. Mind you would have liked reverse and heated seats on it.
Had an '08 1800 with ABS and did several courses with it. Never activated the ABS during any emergency braking session - instructors were looking for that, but if you did they would only comment on it.
Thought I'd take the heat off Atticka and start a thread where we can rant about the good, bad or indifference regarding the new system on the modern motorcycle.
Thoughts anyone?
Cheers