Harley Davidson's Anti Lock Brake System assists the rider in maintaining control when braking in
a straight line emergency situation. ABS operates independently on front and rear brakes to keep
the wheels rolling and prevent uncontrolled wheel lock ups either on dry pavement or on slick
surfaces such as gravel, leaves or when riding in wet conditions.
ABS: How It Works
The ABS monitors sensors at the front and rear wheels to determine wheel speed. If the system
detects one or both wheels are slowing down too quickly, which indicates they are close to
locking, or if the deceleration rate does not match a criteria stored in memory, the ABS reacts.
The system rapidly opens and closes valves to modulate the brake caliper pressure utilizing only
the brake lever/pedal pressure being applied by the rider. During ABS activation, the system
provides the electronic equivalent of manually pumping the brakes and is capable of cycling up to
seven times per second.
The rider will recognize ABS activation by the slight pulsing sensation in the hand lever or the rear
brake pedal. The pulsing sensation may also be accompanied by a clicking sound from the ABS
module. Both are the result of normal operation. Refer to ABS Symptoms and Conditions.
ABS: How To Use
While an advantage in emergency braking, ABS is not a substitute for safe riding. The safest way
to stop a motorcycle is upright with both wheels straight.
Harley Davidson ABS is a manual assist system. When in an emergency stopping situation,
maintain pressure on the brakes through all ABS events. Do not modulate or "pump" the brake
controls. The wheels won't lock until the end of the stop when motorcycle speed reaches
approximately 4 mph 6 km/h and ABS is no longer needed.
ABS cannot prevent lockup of rear wheel due to engine
braking. ABS will not aid in cornering or on loose/uneven
surfaces. A locked wheel will skid and can cause loss of
vehicle control, which could result in death or serious
injury. (00362a)
More information is available at www.harley davidson.com/abs.
ABS: Tires and Wheels
ABS motorcycles must always use Harley Davidson specified tires and wheels. The ABS monitors
the rotational speed of the wheels through individual wheel speed sensors. Changing to different
diameter wheels or different sized tires can alter the rotational speed. This can upset the
calibration of the ABS and have an adverse effect on its ability to detect and prevent uncontrolled
wheel lockups. Operating at tire pressures other than those specified in Specified Tires can
reduce ABS braking performance.
ABS Symptoms and Conditions
SYMPTOM CONDITION
Pulsing
brake lever
or pedal
during an
ABS event
Normal condition.
Clicking
sound
during an
Normal condition.
