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There are still different opinions on this topic.
Studies have shown that under "ideal" conditions an experienced rider can outbrake an ABS system. This does not mean ABS is rubbish. Firstly the ideal conditions include a smooth, dry concrete / asphalt surface and the rider knowing in advance when and how he will be braking. Real world conditions include potholes, oil, wet roads, dirt, dust, diesel, uneven road surfaces, manhole covers and braking under emergency conditions without prior warning. By "experienced" rider they meant a very competent professional racing or test rider. These two differences is why ABS is a good idea for most of us "regular" bikers.
For instance if you throw in an obstacle like a pothole on a wet road an ABS system will outbrake any rider by a large margin. Imagine commuting on a wet road and a car suddenly cuts you off. This is a situation often faced in South Africa. This is exactly where an ABS system can save your bacon.
Locking up a front wheel under braking can be very dangerous. The correct reaction is to instantly release pressure on the front brake. Your front wheel will start rolling again and now you can continue braking. Friction coefficients are lower when your wheel is locked and sliding. This means that when sliding you will take longer to stop. Releasing the brake on the wheel that locked up might not feel like the correct thing to do when someone has suddenly cut you off in traffic. This takes experience and practice that a lot of us do not have. If you do not release the front brake and continue the lock any surface irregularity or you turning the handlebar would result in you crashing. An ABS system prevents this.
Having said all that I am in favour of ABS systems that allow you to switch them off. Under some off road conditions most riders prefer to not have an ABS system interfere with braking.
ABS brakes are only an aid. It will not compensate for reckless riding or riding outside your experience level. Correct training and experience will always be necessary to safely operate a motorcycle.
Studies have shown that under "ideal" conditions an experienced rider can outbrake an ABS system. This does not mean ABS is rubbish. Firstly the ideal conditions include a smooth, dry concrete / asphalt surface and the rider knowing in advance when and how he will be braking. Real world conditions include potholes, oil, wet roads, dirt, dust, diesel, uneven road surfaces, manhole covers and braking under emergency conditions without prior warning. By "experienced" rider they meant a very competent professional racing or test rider. These two differences is why ABS is a good idea for most of us "regular" bikers.
For instance if you throw in an obstacle like a pothole on a wet road an ABS system will outbrake any rider by a large margin. Imagine commuting on a wet road and a car suddenly cuts you off. This is a situation often faced in South Africa. This is exactly where an ABS system can save your bacon.
Locking up a front wheel under braking can be very dangerous. The correct reaction is to instantly release pressure on the front brake. Your front wheel will start rolling again and now you can continue braking. Friction coefficients are lower when your wheel is locked and sliding. This means that when sliding you will take longer to stop. Releasing the brake on the wheel that locked up might not feel like the correct thing to do when someone has suddenly cut you off in traffic. This takes experience and practice that a lot of us do not have. If you do not release the front brake and continue the lock any surface irregularity or you turning the handlebar would result in you crashing. An ABS system prevents this.
Having said all that I am in favour of ABS systems that allow you to switch them off. Under some off road conditions most riders prefer to not have an ABS system interfere with braking.
ABS brakes are only an aid. It will not compensate for reckless riding or riding outside your experience level. Correct training and experience will always be necessary to safely operate a motorcycle.
