HARLEY-DAVIDSON ABS

The ABS allows maximum braking in bad conditions without locking up the wheels causing a skidding situation. Obviously a skidding wheel has less control on a slippery or gravel surface.

An ABS cycle starts when the wheel sensors determine that a wheel/tire is going to lock up. The wheel sensor senses rapid deceleration beyond normal, this indicates a skidding condition is about to happen. The sensors send this information to a computer that operates valves in the braking system. The braking system reduces brake pad pressure by moderating the fluid pressure.

As the wheel accelerates again, the sensors send a signal to the computer which activates valves, increasing the brake fluid pressure back to normal. This basically completes the ABS cycle.

The ABS cycle can happen many times per second. This cycling is what gives you the pulsing feeling at the brake pedal or lever. Under normal braking conditions the brake pedal or lever will feel the same as a non-ABS Harley.

When braking hard on a non-ABS Harley you may want to pump the brakes to prevent skidding. When braking hard on an ABS equipped Harley-Davidson, hold the brake firmly and let the ABS do all the work.

The sensors on the Harley-Davidson ABS are incorporated into a wheel-bearing spacer on each wheel. The spacer cap has alternate polarized magnetized segments. The sensor reads the speed of the magnets, sending wheel speed information to the ABS control module.

To see if a Harley has ABS, there will be sensor wires behind the front fork sliders and on the swing arm. There is also a warning light on the dash and the ABS module is behind the right side panel on touring models.

Any Touring model not equipped with PowerPak may be ordered with ABS and the H-D Smart Security System bundled together as a single factory-installed option. These items will no longer be offered as separate options.

For 2011, ABS is available on Softail models except on the Cross Bones.

Return From Harley-Davidson ABS To Harley Riders Guide