[Michael]

Combined ABS

[/B]][/B]

So the CBR250R will be available with combined ABS as an option. Is this an influence in which model you buy? I've never locked the front tire before so I don't see why such a small motorcycle would need it. What do you guys think?

I agree that locking the front wheel is unusual, on sealed surface anyway. However it is easy to lock the back wheel, especially when stopping quickly from high speed, and that can cause problems.

I think you should be focusing on the combined aspect more than the ABS. Braking is a difficult skill to master, requiring a high level of coordination. Ideally both front and back brakes should be applied at the same time, or the front a moment before the back. Under braking, momentum shifts the weight forward, so most (80%) of the braking is done by the front. The job of the back brake is mainly to balance the bike. At low speed the braking effort is more evenly distributed.

The general rule for braking is heavy on the front brake, gently on the back. Not easy for a novice rider, and even an experienced rider can get it wrong. The combined aspect of the system on the ABS model must make it a lot easier to get it right. The ABS itself is should only be seen as a backup, not confidence inspiring.

Venture off sealed roads and the combined ABS could become a hassle. It would add a bit of versatility to the bike if it could be turned off.

 

[Michael]

So would you guys get ABS on the CBR250R or no? I'm leaning towards no, but i don't know much about motorcycles other than a few months practice on a Ninja 250R without ABS. Those brakes seemed fine without ABS...

Thanks

For a bike such as the CBR 250 R, to be used primarily on sealed roads, I would be inclined to go with the combined ABS. The benefits are too great to be ignored.

 

[Michael]

ABS is a choice in most places, get it if you want it. However, never delude yourself that antilock will reduce or eliminate the need for skill acquisition and decision-making, nor will it allow you to ignore the laws of physics. If you rely on ABS to the exclusion of the other factors, you're in for a rude awakening.

Luke makes an important point here.

I have never operated a vehicle with ABS. However, I see it as a worthwhile aid; a back up, but no substitute for basic riding skills and common sense. Ideally it should never be needed. In reality it will help save life and limb.

For day to day use I feel the C (combined) aspect of Honda's C-ABS will be more important and useful. Hit the back brake, and the front brake is partially activated too. It makes getting coordination just right less critical.

Anybody who thinks the ABS works only when the foot brake is used, should look again at the diagram.