An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) can help you maintain control of your motorcycle, equipping you with the tools you need to stop quickly, while helping to prevent uncontrolled wheel lockups caused by improper user braking. Learn more about what ABS is on a motorcycle, how ABS works on a motorcycle and more.
ABS is an abbreviation for Anti-Lock Braking System. ABS on a motorcycle is similar to the ABS systems used on automobiles, trucks and aircraft.
On Harley-Davidson motorcycle the ABS functions on both wheels. When the rider needs to make an urgent or emergency stop on dry pavement, gravel, leaves, rain, or any slick surface, maintaining control of the bike can be a challenge. The purpose of motorcycle ABS brakes is to help you maintain control of your bike when braking in a straight-line emergency. Harley-Davidson® antilock braking systems can help you maintain control, equipping you with the tools you need to stop quickly, while helping to prevent uncontrolled wheel lockups caused by improper braking.
The Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) is a variant of ABS that takes into consideration the lean angle of the motorcycle. While cornering, the available grip for braking is reduced and C-ABS can automatically compensate for this.
On motorcycles equipped with traditional non-ABS brakes, one or both wheels may lock up if too much braking pressure is applied by the rider. ABS monitors brake pressure and wheel speed and intervenes to help prevent wheels from locking up during an urgent stop.
The ABS monitors sensors at the front and rear wheels to determine wheel speed. If the system detects one or more wheels are slowing down too quickly, which indicates they are close to locking, or if the deceleration rate does not match the parameters stored in memory, the ABS activates. The rider can recognize ABS activation by the slight pulsing sensation in the hand lever or the rear brake pedal. A clicking sound from the ABS module can also be heard. Both are the result of normal operation.
The ABS system rapidly opens and closes valves to modulate the brake pressure. During ABS activation, the system provides the electronic equivalent of manually pumping the brakes. The system can cycle many times per second.
ABS is offered either as an option or as standard equipment for all new Harley-Davison motorcycle models sold in the United States. Harley-Davidson first introduced ABS for some Police motorcycle models in 2005, and first offered ABS as an option for some Touring motorcycle models in 2008.
It is not possible to add ABS to a motorcycle that was not originally equipped with an ABS system. Consult your local Harley® Dealer or Owner’s Manual to determine if your bike was equipped with an ABS system or not.
Shop popular Harley-Davidson brake and suspension components today in our online store.
Harley-Davidson offers Original Equipment quality replacement brake pads and other brake accessories for many Harley-Davidson motorcycle models. See an authorized Harley-Davidson® dealer or go to H-D.com to shop all H-D® brakes & suspension components.
$50 USD / $50 CAD Offer Code valid at participating U.S. & Canadian H-D Dealers towards the purchase of Genuine H-D Parts & Accessories.
The private promotional offer is valid for the customer named in this offer only and is non-transferable except to the spouse, domestic partner or child living within the same household and at the same residential address as the customer named in the offer. Offer valid on the purchase of Genuine H-D Parts & Accessories and General Merchandise only made on or between August 15, 2022 through September 30, 2022 (the “Promotion Period”) at a H-D dealership.
The $50 USD / $50 CAD offer code cannot be used towards the down payment on a motorcycle, must be used by September 30, 2022, and is not available to be applied on previous purchases, future motorcycle orders, or deposits outside of the Sales Period. Limit one $50 USD / $50 CAD offer code per 2021 or 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycle purchased at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships. It is single use only. Harley-Davidson and/or dealer are not responsible for lost or stolen offer codes. Offer is subject to change by Harley-Davidson at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent and is non-refundable.
Promotion expires September 30, 2022.
DEALER: Review the P&A Offer Code landing page on H-Dnet for the promotion terms and conditions.