ABS problems off pavement....anyone?

[terryth]

For me, the biggest complaint about not having an ABS off switch is coming from BMW's abs calibration. I have had two BMW's with ABS, a gs650 Dakar and K1100LT, and two Yamaha's with ABS, the Super Tenere and a 1994 GTS1000. They are just calibrated differently. On the BMW's, especially on loose surfaces, when the rear ABS kicks in, it pretty much releases the rear wheel and applies no braking for what seems like forever, not even noticeably slowing the bike down at all for 20-30 feet, really really horrible off road as shown in the video of the GS going down hill. The Yamaha ABS still actually slows you down off road when you stomp on the brakes, unlike on the BMW's. So far I have not felt the need for an ABS off switch off road. On the really steep, gnarly downhill sections, I turn the bike off anyway and ease it down with it in gear using the clutch and brakes to control the decent. Pretty much the only way to do it safely, the ST is just to big a mass to treat like an enduro bike off road.

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=2510.msg42508#msg42508

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I have to say this is the result I had expected when I started this thread. No reported significant bad results from using the ABS off pavement. So I'm not surprised to learn the nattering nabobs of negativism (magazine writers), who whined endlessly about the lack of an ABS off switch, were once again proven wrong in their eager criticisms of the Tenere. Shocking!

I've had no grief ever from the ABS. I have felt it kick in many times. Most often when leaving on cold tires at the bottom of my driveway, or when getting aggressive off pavement. It has always worked wonderfully. I've been riding for many decades and I'm pretty damn good with manual brakes, but there's no way in hell I'm better than a computer that can take the wheel to the absolute maximum possible braking limit, and then modulate it at that level many times a second. I remain skeptical of any human that claims they can do it better.

I do appreciate hearing from those who have done the extreme downhills and proven this generation of Yamaha ABS is up to the task. Very good to know.

 

[3putt]

I have been in some pretty narly off road, the UBS/ABS is great, makes you think you can go anywhere. I think the key to this system is to use the front brake only and let the UBS/ABS control/assist you. I only use rear brake to increase stopping, or slow parking lot speeds and turning.

 

[BadKarmaPa]

No reason to turn it off. The rear will lock enough to turn on tight downhill switchbacks. No fear of the bike running away.

I noticed this aproaching a steep gravely rutted switchback. It was a pleasent surprise as a bit of concern was welling up inside me as I aproached the turn. I also had to remind myself that it should be ok to use some front brake also. As soon as I get some time I need to do a lot more off pavement practice. It appears I'm going to have to re-learn loose surface breaking.

Just hope I don't end up over a hill on my V-Strom some day because I was brakeing as if I had S10 ABS ::025::

 

[cbrunsw]

I'm a little nervous applying the front brake while cornering on gravel.

 

[bloodline]

I'm a little nervous applying the front brake while cornering on gravel.

Lol. You should be.

 

[snakebitten]

I've been riding for many decades and I'm pretty damn good with manual brakes, but there's no way in hell I'm better than a computer that can take the wheel to the absolute maximum possible braking limit, and then modulate it at that level many times a second. I remain skeptical of any human that claims they can do it better.

Ron can.

Although he would probably consider it a farkle to just disable the ABS, and Ron doesn't farkle, he didn't indicate that he is considering it.

Me? I'm so willing to admit that technology has caught, passed, and left my 40+ years of riding skill in the dust. This bike has proven to me, that done properly, TC and ABS and linked braking allow me to have MORE fun while being SAFER.

No other way to explain riding this huge bike on K60's being so capable on and off road. Just amazing.

 

[autoteach]

you mean you rode a stock barcalounger and felt pretty good while doing it? geeze, must have been tough.
I have done 4 total, 2 on a stock Honda Superhawk, 1 on a modified R100RS, and 1 on the Super Ten (somewhat modified, dont have my corbin yet or the bar risers). I know which was the easiest, and I know all of them couldnt hold a candle to the Goldwing dead stock for comfort. Oh well, loving the abs, especially when I dive off the road onto gravel full stick on the brakes. Why do I do it? cause I can, and it works lovely.

 

[Dallara]

I don't delete anything any more than I add. I just leave well enough alone. I may not like every feature of every motorcycle, and ABS is one of them, but it's not that bad. I've found I can ride the road stock most the time and enjoy. Don't mean to brag, but just a week ago here in Colorado we had our annual 1000 in 24 hour ride and although I really wanted to ride the Tenere, I rode the Goldwing and was first finisher out of 55 starters at 2am riding 2 lane roads. Probably the only stock Goldwing in this world and had no troubles and enjoyed.

Tell me there, RonH...

How's that Gold Wing treatin' ya' when you go bailing off down a dirt jeep track somewhere off-road? How's it handle there, and how does it do on steep, rocky, downhills with off-camber switchbacks?

And pray tell, what exactly does your recent 1000-mile pavement ride on your Gold Wing have to do with the subject of this thread - i.e. "ABS problems off pavement...anyone?" :

Dallara




~

 

[mcbrien]

Hear we go ::018:: ::017::

 

[GrahamD]

Before you know it ErnsTT will appear and start agreeing with Dalarra ::024:: ::025:: ::017::

 

[Dallara]

Before you know it ErnsTT will appear and start agreeing with Dalarra ::024:: ::025:: ::017::

Ah, yes... But the real question is what name will he be using? ::025:: ErnsTT? Rema in Paluda? R3B? Or something completely new!!! ::013::

Dallara




~

 

[snakebitten]

Tell me there, RonH...

How's that Gold Wing treatin' ya' when you go bailing off down a dirt jeep track somewhere off-road? How's it handle there, and how does it do on steep, rocky, downhills with off-camber switchbacks?

And pray tell, what exactly does your recent 1000-mile pavement ride on your Gold Wing have to do with the subject of this thread - i.e. "ABS problems off pavement...anyone?" :

Dallara
~

In RonH's defense, he IS a good sport!

He's nuts too. But now I better understand why. A GoldWing can do that to you.