Honda Fireblade: ABS v non-ABS 

Also, let us not forget that this brake test was not a "panic stop." It was a brake test done at known speeds and a known braking marker on people who set out knowing what they would be encountering. A different scenario to a braking situation where you have to make a panic, split second decision that may compromise your ability to be smooth and progressive with the brake lever. If there was improvement in braking distances when they KNEW what they were about to hit, it would be a fair assumption that such an improvement would carry further during an unexpected situation. I think some of you are seriously overstating your abilities, and have absolutely no idea what your consistent stopping distances are or how close they are to what the bikes can actually achieve.

For those keep saying ABS is no good, they obviously haven't been braking in an emergency situation. I was near a intersection once and the light was green. Traveling on around 70mph, a SUV ran the red light and hit right on a compact car. I was just about 10-20yards behind and the debris are everywhere. I got to hard brake, and ABS probably saved me from locking my front wheel and flip over.

80mph: Non ABS 1: 92 meters Non ABS 2: 59 meters Non ABS 3: 66 meters ABS : 42 meters

thank you for taking the time to share this. looking to get the 2011 fireblade later this month... WITH ABS!

What's with all these idiots coming into the comments and saying "Oh hur hur ABS is dangerous cause a rider won't learn to brake properly". Come on, get real. A rider can still learn to brake properly even if they have ABS. You should not shun a safety technology because you think it'll make people lazy; the fault would lie with the rider, NOT the ABS. Besides, half a decade from now ABS will probably be standard on pretty much every new bike sold.

I love the red white and blue paint job on that CBR, beautifull

Cheers, that was some good advice. I was used to clutching in whenever I break to a stop.

Love the Avro Arrow picture in the background.

That's very brave testing braking in those conditions

The bikes really don't seem to enter at the same speed. The sound of the engines on the ABS bike that stopped real short seemed to begin slowing earlier than the non-abs bike that stopped in 59.

I've been teached to brake with both breaks, and for me it works perfectly. I have never come into wheel lock. Breaking bye downshifting is what I do, if I want to slowely break. For emergeny brakes I use both brakes and pull the clutch, because I dont want the engine to break at the same time as my rear break. On the other hand engine break is not hard enough, if you dont downshift constantly, which I wont do in a emergency situation. Pulling the clutch and controlling the brakes is the deal.

ABS is must and very important...

These videos are still very clever, unique or original, so no matter if they have minimal flaws, they are very welcome :)

Awesome test! Although it was in a test track.. Can you imagine the difference it can make on a real road, where you can be surprised in the middle of a turn by another car, a dog.. etc.. Could be the difference not only in meters but kissing the tarmac or not.. very nice!

Great Video. I rode a 2001 CBR600F4i and now a 2009 CBR600RR. Highly recommend ABS if you do a lot of commuting on both freeway and sidestreets. Especially in So. Cali, where there are a lot of drivers (cars, bikes, semi's, buses) on the streets no matter what day or what time. It does take away the gained riding experiences such as applying adequate brake pressure and having your wheels lock. So for new riders that have an abs bike, be careful riding your buddies gixxer, r1 or kawa.

On the ABS version you have to pull clucth in if you want shorter brake distance. In emergency, pull the clutch and slam on both brakes.

The MSF course is literally everything that you described.

have ridden both abs and non abs bikes and must admit that abs is a safety feature but i have more feel of what the front tyre is doing on the non abs bike.having been riding bikes for over 30years i do prefer the feel i get from the non abs brakes,thats why i traded in my last bike,honda cb1000r abs for a suzuki gsxr750,non abs.although i now only ride in dry conditions(as i have the choice).once you have the suspension set to the way you ride, i feel that the non abs,for the experienced rider is probably the prefered choice.(in my opinion)

Disclaimer: I'm not an expert on ABS, but this is what I understand of the system. ABS basically *rapidly* applies and releases the break, rather than holding the break on, like most people would do, and this prevents the tires from skidding by maintaining better traction whilst braking. Safer. If you want to be all macho and say you don't like ABS, that's your decision, just don't refute the evidence that supports the improved safety of ABS.

I did a lot of practice... but I agree, I could try your suggested method. I must admit, I never tried it...

Abs may increase stopping distance in straight line. It is not designed to stop you quicker. A more suitable test would be to brake hard and steer( hazard avoidance) on a wet surface see who falls off and who stays put.

Did not except that. My expierience is that abs takes longer to stand still. Respect ✊ for that test guys! ...and i think i am tough cause i test ride my blade (no abs and bramd new tires) in combareble weather in swiss midlands. (I was buying it, it‘s a great bike, with or without abs )☺️. Chapeau, like the french man would say. 👍🏻

Nice placement of your logo in the film...

I recently bought a 2015 suzuki dr200 dual sport and I was flying down our mountain road doing 55-60 and in a tight turn with ice, well last second almost through the turn a deer starts freaking walking infront of me lol I used the rear brake over the front and I dont think it has abs but I skid for not even a second, lessened up on my footing and reapplied slowly and I slowed down from 55 at that point to 0mph in less than 120ft. so far its been a great learners bike and I could see it even being a highway bike after its broke in and I swap the sprocket for a bigger one

Right on!

abs in real life condition is life saving with no doubt

I can say the ABS on Honda are very very good. I have been lucky, I rode almost every single Honda with ABS vs non. The problem comes down to human ego..... The racer in me, (having raced almost all my life in some fashion) tells me that I don't need it, that I don't want a machine or computer telling me what it thinks I should do. Or controlling any aspect of my riding. My practical side, tells me that I should.... WAIT, WHO am I kidding, practical doesn't apply to me! hahaha. My ego always told me, NO. But at the factory I was asked to try ABS Goldwing when it first came out. I did, and to my surprise, it worked better than I could have imagined, when the CBR600RR ABS came out, I was dying to prove it was wrong, that I could beat it. Well, I lost a bet. The ABS Systems have only gotten better. So, I learned to appreciate what was provided in ways of safety. In a sportbike or superbike, it only makes sense to have a little cushion in the event of an emergency, especially for the average rider! The Goldwing I rode is hands down, better off with it too. I couldn't stop that huge ass locomotive any faster than the ABS could. I ride a superbike on the street every once and awhile, its and ABS model. Guess I am practical after all. Damn, age does it to us all.

@Koener the only thing that can stop you from turning the bike while the ABS is activated is the grip of the asphalt. If it has a high grip then it may be very hard because of the force of the braking itself against your capacity to turn, but if it's wet for example the bike won't stop abruptly even with the ABS and you can turn it to avoid crashing because the wheels are not locked

great vidio

This video is great. The only thing I think could be better is the fact that it seems that the several riders apparently reach the mark at different speeds, and some brake at the line while others apparently brake later, but I'm not sure... But great video nonetheless. I wish I could mount ABS on my 08 fireblade but I've been told it's not possible.

TC actually works the same way as ABS, but reversed. It uses the same circuits, computer and counters. The only difference is that ABS is for braking, and TC is for acceleration.

finally a real ABS vs no ABS test where the non abs biker doesnt have training wheels put on his bike so that he can fully slam the brakes to astonishingly show how fast the bike would drop. no you actually compare braking distance how its supposed to be. thank you for that!

As a novice rider on naked bike I can a test that ABS is really helpful and can be a life saver. But I do have to agree with older folks that abs alone won't save your ass. Having real skills and learning how to be able to swerve will because when caggers will cut us it will be on the very last second! And not hitting them will be better than hitting them fast (no abs) or hitting them slower (abs). Unfortunately that's our reality. My bike as independent abs and switchable off & I think all bike should have it like that.

@TheM104, don't confuse being full on the brakes and turn to dodge an obstacle with applying full brakes while in the middle of a turn ;) I was referring to the first.

What you just described sounds exactly like the MSF course, which is available here in the states as well as the DMV test. The MSF course is a 30-40 hour course, 10 in class, the rest on the course. It's basically exactly what you just described. It costs around $100 USD and is pretty difficult to pass. If you pass, and can prove that you passed it, then the DMV waives the final test and just gives you your license.

the old guy was stopping before the starting point and slowed right down too thats why he stopped in shorter distance

i just don't understand people who say: "ABS is so stupid, i'll never use this shit, blah blah blah". I understand the fact that if you're a pro you wanna fell the bike 100%, but you'll have to do it on the track not on the highway. it's like: "i have a muscle car, but hey, i don't need control traction, after all, i'm fucking pro". so arrogant.

I don't know much about it. but I myself avoided an abs version for my bike Apache. later on all that I understood about it is that it helps you in a condition when you are not hundred percent active as usual. for example I bring my vehicle (Tvs Apache 160 cc) from 112 kmph to 0 kmph in less than 3 seconds even without skidding the vehicle but the moment when I am not that much attentive or the moment a sudden situation arises and I loses my heart or confidence, it (abs) has the ability to do the same for me as at that moment because in such cases, one have balance on his body but not on mind. so one is capable enough to apply brakes with full pressure but not able to do it sensible. in that condition abs works like an angel to you.

The superstock racer was slowing down before he even got to the cones, the speed diffrence was visable.

One think I would like to see is at least offering it as an option in smaller cc bikes. Learner riders are asking for it more than experienced guys, Bosche MSC would be awesome aftermarket option, anyyone know if you can get it put on a gsxr750?

I wish they would explain how Trail braking works on a combined ABS bike.

@markjrobbins ... Anyway, it's still true that you can apply full brakes on event of a surprise and turn to avoid it, even if you have to relief the brakes momentarily to muscle the bike around. Not so without abs. I'm glad that we agree that this system is the way to go. If you have any confirmation or if you are really sure about that lateral traction impossibility in this ABS, please tell me. Thanks!

@markjrobbins I know what you're saying about breaking lateral traction without breaking, usually they loose the front if they go in too hot for a turn (including some front brake) or they loose the rear if they accelerate too hard while in that turn. But yeah. Yeah, in a situation like that (a limit or even racing situation) you either crash without even touching the brakes, or there's possibility you're referring to which is being on the very limit of grip (but still with grip) and then

Good to know

Good for you....

Yes, but because it prevents the wheel from blocking braking distance became shorter. One thing i don't like here that's the idea was wrong, they should do it for rear brakes, so when you push the pedal wheel instead of blocking will spin and brake.

Amazing how many guys: a) think they're better than the machine when even the best rider here (who is way better than most of us commentors) stopped sooner with ABS b) stand in the face of irrefutable video evidence and look for minor flaws in the method.

@markjrobbins heheh I would love to see that test in an MCN video!

@a6km pretty certain even if you engage abs, if you remove your brake application at the lever, braking would stop. Also the ABS can be turned off if you like. It will always be engaged when you turn the bike on initially. I don't have this bike, but it's what I'm wanting once I can afford it.

ABS was not introduced to reduce braking distance. It was do allow drivers to remain in control of their vehicle. FYI, this was a wet surface. :)

I may sound dumb in asking this but is breaking the same (handling wise) with ABS and without? As in, are there rear and front breaks the same way as in traditional bikes. I sold my motorcycle last year and eying motorcycles again so the ABS is new to me.

Exactly haha I agree, man. It is a good thing, although it still has some quirks, like you said. It'll only get better with time too, so yea.

in an emergency situation you pull the clutch because you dont want your brakes to have the added load of the engine's momentum..because the brakes slow down faster than the sole engine braking they need to slow down the engine too. engine braking is only useful in everyday commuting to save gas. hope that helped

@djolepowertube he just said that there is no physical connection between the brake lever and the oil/piston, its all electronic. but considering car abs almost never fail, i would assume the same for bikes.

Only thing I'd change is 'you don't know its ABS', nice that it's smooth and not juddery but would be good to have a warning light or something for people learning to brake.

@Kendoka05 WITH ABS however, they can just slam the brakes without fear of crashing the bike due to locks. Also, a sliding, blocked wheel is less effective at reducing the speed than a still rolling one.

who puts there gloves on before there helmet?

42 m on the wet was actually awesome

thats good man :)

a very stupid question: once the brake by wire is engaged and for some reason i release the brake lever the system will stop and go to normal operation ? for example on a wet trackday i get scared and panic on the brakes then I slow down to a speed which im confident to take a corner the system will allow me to do that or do i have to make a full stop ?

I have a bike without ABS and have slid a few times due to hard braking to avoid assholes mentioned in the situations (running red lights, illegal side lane turning into main road without giving way to main road users etc.). I have to say, my intermittent braking skills are now way better due to aforementioned near-misses, but I think ABS would help a lot too.

@markjrobbins what gives me hope in a situation like that is the fact that this ABS doesn't act like normal ABS (with those pulses). It's rather smooth. But I would never risk it, unless, of course someone would offer me a bike to test it lol

Yes that is true. And what about the ZX 10 R :D She's beautiful. By the way, even if we won't be agree, I did enjoy this rewarding discussion. Take care on the road mate.

i agree with you when you say : An experienced rider can stop faster on a dry road without ABS.

Good comparison however some constructive comments if I may. I'd suggest you use a GPS based system, so the measurement is made from when the lever is applied, not when you "judge" you are near the "white line" or witches hat. Dare I say - borrow a system from the 4 wheel guys and you'll see what I mean to obtain very accurate figures. Great work MCN - please keep all videos coming!

I got ZX10RR version. Ya its a wonderful bike, never drive noting faster and more friendly on handling.

@markjrobbins if you have a point about the lateral traction but how do you know this wasn't taken into account when making this system. Remember that lateral traction loss also affects the wheel spin, which is how the system acts and it's probably enough for the system to block further braking. But that's in the event of someone on the worse case scenario, which is completely leaned over at a considerable speed (to be at the limit of lateral traction) and a surprise.

can u turn the abs on and off cause that would be good for track days because the abs stops the nose from diving as much and makes turning in slower

With 16,000 miles on my car, panic braking became natural to me, as deer jump in the road constantly. The transition from cage to bike was difficult, but 1,200 miles on my bike later, riding my motorcycle has become second nature, and I now swerve to avoid obstacles instead of panic braking. I know how to judge what kind of people are going to not see me, and I slow down and change lanes beforehand. Don't worry. I'm a much safer rider than I was when I wrote that comment. Shiny side up.

Yes! For two reasons: 1. No more drive delivered to the rear wheel. 2. Prevent the engine from stalling (stalling the engine kills the ABS) Also, stalling the engine prevents a quick getaway should the situation call for it.

First i ride most of the year round on a 05 CBR 600rr, personally i'm quite happy on my CBR without ABS but on the road and have never had any times where ABS would have really benefited me. I do think it is a good feature however if you are going for a new bike and it is a choice of with or without. The only issue i have with it is that alot of new riders/ novice will never learn proper braking technique and when it comes to riding a bike without ABS....

Abs for life!

I know this is an old thread but I searched high and low for my non abs 2012 Fireblade, I don’t need abs. My bike is strictly for dry sunny days and pleasure, I don’t even commute on it. The reason I wanted a non abs is firstly it weighs a ton, second there have been technical problems with the system, and thirdly in my opinion you’d have to be riding like a lunatic to lock the front end of any modern superbike up in the dry. Based on all the above I was delighted to find my mint, low mileage, non abs model last March for roughly £500 less than the equivalent abs equipped model.

I've never heard of insurance companies going crazy over ABS. I'd like to see an article. To get a motorcycle endorsement in my state, you take a 25 question common sense knowledge assessment which you need to pass 20/25 of the questions to pass the test. Then you hold a learner's permit for two months (60 days) from the date you took the common sense assessment. After you've held it for 2 months, you take a motorcycle skills test on the track. If you pass that one, you get your license.

at my MSF school they said when u do an ermergency brake u never pull the clutch in cause it cause the rear/front tire to lock up cause u will end up pulling the break too hard using the engine break with it will help break u faster and will not allow u to lock up as easliy as if u clutched in

I just had an accident 2 days ago. I hope someone can answer me, with ABS, can you hold both brakes all the way without any worries at all of slipping or doing an unwanted endo (or going over)?

along with ABS if your learn to execute perfect engine braking it increases the chance to avoid crashes and better than just relying on just ABS.you guys should have done engine braking & ABS test and only ABS test how much difference would it make

Now do a test while cornering. I want to see how the ABS handles breaking while on a turn.

@minutemanqvs Thanks for reply, so this means you have to check each time you park the bike if the system is still active :-( And if you start the engine again, does the system shut down the second time? And what about the secondiary problem of the front brake somethimes feeling mushy, this could result in a mayor accident. I find it hard to believe that Honda doesn't have a sollution for these problems.

what how does pulling the clutch in make the wheel lockup?

@TheM104 I actually didn't imply you could apply full brakes in the middle of a turn, but now that you mention that. Which turn? At what speed? Don't forget that when you apply strong braking in a turn, even if the ABS does it's job, you're not only braking but also disturbing the cornering stability and direction. But even in those situations, a rider using ABS will always have a better chance If, in any situation, ABS can't save the day, the possibility to do so without it is even less.. ;)

@BKstrained ABS on Bikes is great when it works like the one of Hondas Fireblade. Unfortunately most ABS Systems do not work that good..

First thing everyone needs to know, previous to understand how abs works, is when abs works, not in every brake you do, but just in slippery situations, when a non abs bike doesn't save you.

Nice video, thanks for that... more people need educating about how to keep themselves safe!

wow do they sell the fireblade in the US

How do you know if you haven't tried it?

can u still endo or stoppie the bike with ABS??

@op3l I have to totally agree.. good point

I'm not selling this abs system but I really believe it's an important feature to have in a sportbike. It's just a shame it's so heavy, and also that there isn't a button to turn it off for track use :)

@phogelbice Without ABS they have to carefully measure how hard to pull the brake lever / stamp on the lever to make sure the front wheel doesn't lock - which would in most cases lead to a crash if he doesn't release the brake immediately and thus sacrifices the front brake. It's not as grievous if the rear wheel locks as long as the direction is straight ahead - if the driver's just taking the turn the rear wheel will break out and a crash or brake release is the consequence.

❤cbr, God bless everyone

I've been taught* to brake with both brakes*, and for me it works perfectly. I have never had a wheel lock*. I use downshifting to brake slowly*** For emergency* brakes I use both and pull the clutch, because I don't* want the engine to brake* at the same time as my rear brake. Engine brake* is not hard enough if you don't* downshift constantly, which I wont do in an* emergency situation**. Pulling the clutch and controlling the brakes is the deal. FTFY

10 years ago... fucking hell

All sounds good accept what happens when the wire fails?

Wish I had ABS. I bought a K8 Hayabusa, but ABS didn't come in on the big girl until K10 models. It does weight about 10kg more though.

very good technology but i wouldnt want to go back to a non abs bike after though because you would dump the front end after being used to abs

The ABS cannot be turned On and Off. Agree with masserby, the middle guy did slow down before while approaching the gates.

Well, BKstrained is right. Engine braking is more efficient, try getting your bike and ride with a high rev (like when the bike is "screaming" for a shift up), then you stop accelerating. What do you experience? the bike slows down until it reachs a rotation that it was designed to roll, that why you keep downshifting if you are very fast, to make the engine work in a high rotation and helping you to slow down your bike. PS: If any word is wrong or out of context, sorry my english isnt perfect.

jus wanted to know,does ABS brake do play an important role when it comes to emergency braking,do u think it is that important to have ABS on a sport bikes.please someone answer because i wanted go for a gsxr but unfortunately they are not ABS eqipped bikes.only HONDA offers ABS for fairning bikes.and do you think they can really prevent a far worse accident,whats ur opinions regarding this

Ahhh okay wish there was more information on the internet about this to throw off confusion. So I retract my previous statement.