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ABS Coming On 2008 HarleysHarley-Davidson offers antilock braking on new motorcycles
MILWAUKEE: Say "antilock braking system" and it conjures up an image of the family minivan.
Not so, says Harley-Davidson Inc. On Monday, the maker of classic American motorcycles said it would for the first time offer regular customers the chance to make their rides a little bit safer by providing antilock brakes as an option on 10 new 2008 models.
The braking system will be invisible, the company says, so it won't spoil the look.
The announcement, along with the unveiling of three new models, coincided with the motorcycle maker's annual dealer meeting, held this year in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker introduced an antilock braking system on two police cruiser bikes in 2005, said Paul James, director of product communication.
But the 2008 models will be the first time the average customer can outfit a ride with the system common in many cars.
The $795 (€584) add-on is available on three models of V-Rod bikes and seven new Touring bikes, the larger and most popular type of Harley-Davidson. ABS also will be standard on three new models, including the Screamin' Eagle Road King.
Customers had asked for the ABS option, James said, because they recognize how difficult it can be to respond to emergencies when there's bad weather or road conditions.
"It's more peace of mind when you have that ABS system," he said.
The braking system isn't visible on the outside of the bikes, as it was on the two police cruiser models, he said. Instead, speed sensors are embedded in the wheel bearings. The sensors monitor how quickly the wheel is turning, and the ABS responds to reduce brake pressure so tires don't lock.
"It doesn't detract at all from our styling," James said of the new system.
Harley also announced three new 2008 models on Monday, including the Dyna Fat Bob, a new model that has dual headlights, a first in the Dyna family, and a thicker front tire. The company also unveiled two new Softails, the Rocker and Rocker C, which feature a floating rear fender that moves with the tire.
In addition, fuel tanks on the Touring models will now hold one more gallon of gas, for a total of six gallons.
Harley's 2008 models will be available in 15 new color combinations and 14 models will be available in a limited edition coloring of copper and black. Those are Harley's trademark colors and will commemorate the company's 105th anniversary.
The company also announced plans to celebrate the anniversary next year, along with the 25th anniversary of the Harley Owner's Group, or HOG.
Harley will establish 105 starting points around the country that Harley riders can join for a trip to Milwaukee. The group will merge into 25 major routes and arrive on Aug. 28, 2008 for four days of events. The new Harley-Davidson Museum will be open in time for the anniversary.
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H.D
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Don't like the sound of that...They don't stop now.
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admin
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i remember reading a road test Don a while back on a Sportster before they fitted the twin pot calipers, and the tester remarked H.D had hit on a new invention !
he reckoned the caliper didnt have pads fitted but bars of soap where by you got some form of braking ? (obviously the brakes were poor) and when it rained you kept the wheels clean at the same time 
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oddball
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I also thought they already had that!
It's never been a problem on mine.
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H.D
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Like it... 
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BigBore
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ABS do not make crap brakes better, so you need good brakes whatever the case. What it does do is take some of the risk out of braking, in other words make it safer. I.E. stops you from locking up in wet or icy conditions, that applies to riding in dry conditions also. With normal riding in the wet or dry most riders/drivers apply braking without even thinking about it, without any problems. But when it comes to sudden un-forseen braking due to say some plonker pulling out right in front of you, then most people would grab a handful of front brake stamp down hard on the rear brake and hope for the best because it all happens so bloody quick, you don't have time to think about it, and consequently one or both wheels lock-up and, well the outcome doesn't bear thinking about. With ABS it controls the braking for you stops it locking-up, less of a chance of coming a cropper because you don't lose control, so personally I think it can only be a good thing, I suppose it will increase the cost of buying with the system incorporated but how much value do you put on your neck.???
   
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Musicman
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ABSMaybe Fish could comment on the pros and cons of ABS ??????
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H.D
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Funny you should Mention Locking Both wheels up Trev...Did that a few years back and had to lay the bike down or hit a car. I had time to let go and rebrake and it still would not stop. Looked for an escape route NONE. Painful but lived to tell the tale...San managed to land on her feet. Me under the bike and ouch...road conditions Damp and a narrow lane. Car had skidded and gone sideways in front of me and left nowhere for me to go. 
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BigBore
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Yeah nasty one Don, ABS would have stopped the both wheels locking up, but that don't mean that you aren't going to hit the obstacle which suddenly appears right in front of you from christ knows where.
So whilst ABS has to be, in my opinion, a good thing and may prevent you from having an accident in lots circustances, it doesn't make allowences for all the tossers out there that look down on you has your in a heap on the floor and say sorry mate didn't see ya.
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