[Metalstorm]

I went with non ABS.
Although I would love to have it for wet riding, where I live ABS is a liability.

All ABS systems have brake release problems when going over bumps. If a bump makes the rear tire lift just a bit the computer thinks it's lifting (stoppie) and releases the brakes in the name of stability.

It's worse in lighter bikes than heavier ones. Having fully adjustable suspension can help but not eliminate this 'feature'. The BMWF800ST is notorious for this and weighs 100 lbs more than the 250. The new Ducati multistrada also exhibits this 'feature' as does the BMW S1000R and many, many others. The best system seems to be that on the CBR1000RR but sadly, that is not what is on the 250R.

The road I commute on has a craptacular 8 or 9 mile section that is a combination of asphalt and concrete. The asphalt is nothing but potholes and alligators. The concrete is buckled up everywhere from tree roots growing underneath. Considering the Honda weights 359 lbs wet (368 for ABS) I can only imagine how long it would take to stop on this road should a deer step out in front of me. And there are lots of deer and other furry critters in my area. I imagine I'd be releasing and re-applying the brake lever (to reset the system) like a mad man.

If the ABS system was switchable I would have gone for it and I DO suggest it for new riders or riders who ride smooth road surfaces all the time.
It's just not a good idea for me and my specific conditions.

 

[Metalstorm]

There's lots of info on this to be found on the internet. Google it and you'll find lots of stuff good and bad.

If it wasn't for that one particular road I would be 100% pro ABS. It can and has saved lives.
Let me put it this way, if I won the Lotto and didn't have to work anymore, I would get an F800ST with ABS (awesome light weight sport tourer) despite the fact that it probably gets the most complaints regarding brake release (some report losing up to two car lengths of distance after hitting a bump on dry surfaces).

I can not ignore the fact that taking longer to stop is a fair trade for not dumping the bike. If I was traveling around a lot, riding new roads often, I would rather have it than not but this 250 is a commuter on roads I know like the back of my hand. And there's that one nasty rough road...

As I said in my first post, those new to our sport should go with the ABS.
With ABS they can practice using the brakes without fear of locking the wheels. The trick is to get good enough to be able to stop quickly and in and a short distance without activating the ABS.

 

[Metalstorm]

Metalstorm, I had a 1992 Honda Accord and had the same problem with over-sensitive ABS although my problem was on icy roads. I sometimes had to jam on the parking brake to avoid a collision. So I installed a switch in the wire that led to the ABS fuse. I presume the same could be done on the CBR 250R. I believe if the fuse is blown then the system reverts to non-ABS

If one could install a switch without it throwing an error code that would be sweet!

While I am confident that I could match or better stopping distances against an ABS bike on dry roads, I guarantee an ABS bike will best me every time on a wet road. A switch would allow the best of both worlds.

What I like most about the BMW GS bikes & pretty much most of all the modern adventure bikes is that little on/off switch for the ABS system.

 

[Metalstorm]

You could just try pulling the fuse. It is unlikely that it would do any harm since a fuse is meant to blow if there is an overload. It might result in an error code that may or may not result in the ABS re-starting. I think it would be a simple thing for the dealer to reset the code. If the ABS does re-start when you replace the fuse then you have your answer - buy a switch!

That would be worth trying.
I almost wish I had the ABS model just to try it out
I bet an electronic/computer whiz could build a plug in module that could trick the system so that no codes would appear.

I love these conversations. They keep the wheels in my head turning