Xr1200x abs

Katori · Nov 20th, 2009, 09:59 AM

Hi All,
I went to EICMA last week and visited the HD stand, I was totally overwhelmed by the new XR1200X (Denim Black)
I never contemplated buying a HD before but this model not only fits like a glove, it's amazing looking and oozes power and beauty.

Oh, EICMA is the biggest European Motocycle trade show in Europe.

I know that there are many pro's and con's on the subject of ABS and I must say I learned the advantage of ABS the hard way. Had a serious incident due to bad handling the bike and unfortunate surface conditions. I would have been in less of a mess if ABS was installed.

Hence my question; Is it technically possible to install Brembo ABS on a XR1200? I realize it would be costly...
The day I came back from the trade show I visited the nearest HD dealer and I got told it wasn't possible. Maybe you guy's have some advice on how to achieve this.
If this is really a NoGo than I would need to look for another bike (with a bleeding heart)

Thoughts??

Hobbit · Nov 20th, 2009, 10:32 AM

the ABS systems that HD uses is only currently available on the Vrods and the Touring range, this is not due to the use of the Brembo calipers that they have ABS but due to the ABS electronics and pumps/servos hidden away behind all the fairing parts and under the Dummy tank on the rods.
ABS would be possible if you could find space on the XR to put the associated electronics and pumps as well as getting the correct bearings to active the electronics and pumps.

In short the answer you are looking for is NOT on a Sporty Sorry

Katori · Nov 20th, 2009, 01:14 PM

Bummer :-(
Thanks for the reply Hobbit!
Your explanation is very complete, much appreciated.

I'll stare at my background picture some more (guess what it is) and visit the HD dealer regularly.
Who knows, my bad experience might fade... the XR is just such a great machine...

NEWHD74FAN · Nov 20th, 2009, 11:02 PM

The dual disc braking system is more than adequete for two finger squeeze. I suppose with the right kind of brake pad compound "stoppies" would be possible!

The braking is not the XR1200' weak link...more likely more power could be found in the engine, and certainly there is room to improve in the handling to be had with the hardware outfitted as well

Just Time and Money to be sure

Katori · Dec 5th, 2009, 05:42 AM

I'm sure the braking power is more then adequate; it's just that ABS provides the non-blocking wheel thus no stoppies please. Saw posts against ABS but experience tells me that it can be a life saver. That is why I was asking the question.
Thanks again for your updates

maine-e-axe · Dec 5th, 2009, 10:04 AM

I bet ABS will be on all models in a year or two. JMO

Katori · Dec 6th, 2009, 12:33 PM

It is a pity :-(
I will be forced to look for an alternative and keep my fingers crossed that maybe....just maybe...the HD design department finds a way to integrate ABS in the sportster models in the (very) near future. For now I will wait until Jan uary, the country I live in will then have it's annual motorcycle and car trade show. As said, I never thought of buying an HD before and now, with the XR1200X in mind it becomes painfully clear that there is no other decent alternative.
I think I'll just go for a scooter :-(
Thank you guy's for your help! Have Fun & Ride Safe

NEWHD74FAN · Dec 6th, 2009, 04:09 PM

Katori, ABS Braking while a nice feature is NOT a key feature that sells an HD...test ride her and you will understand. While the show is great for the latest techno/future designs, the current "real world" bikes you will find have that "bare knuckles" look and feel that most of us find so satisfying. Trust me, I would love to see ABS on a Sporty, but my "pedestrian" plain vanilla carbed Sporty pushes all my buttons every time I step out in the garage or when I throw a leg over the saddle.

Just hoping legistlation and safety-crats do not regulate our two wheeled sports out of existance before our kids and grandkids have a chance to enjoy them as well. Just the other day, I placed my 2 year old grand daughter on the saddle of my bike...the look of delight was so gratifying to see. She wanted to climb on the peg and helped up to it. Even she had trouble figuring out which position, rider or pillion she liked more!

Hoople · Dec 6th, 2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maine-e-axe

I bet ABS will be on all models in a year or two.

Only way that would happen is if HD cut the entire product line in half. There are just way too many other current problems to deal with right now to be dumping an added $1000 in the MSRP tag. From a manufactures view, to have ABS on all models in 2 years and still have air cooled models while keeping the bikes affordable is near impossible in my opinion.

sgt_1230 · Dec 11th, 2009, 05:18 AM

I test drove one the XR1200's after I bought my FatBob. I really liked the XR1200 and it does have some very good brakes (best of any HD I've ridden). The front brake is so strong, I can understand the desire of having ABS on it. In a panic stop situation, if you grab a hard handfull of XR1200 front brakes you most likely will lock up the front tire. If it is a poor traction situation, ABS might keep you from going down. Like said previously though, it is pretty cost prohibitive on the Sporty line.

Nov 20th, 2009, 09:59 AM	#1
Katori New Family Ride: XR1200X Join Date: Nov 16th, 2009 Posts: 4	Xr1200x abs Hi All, I went to EICMA last week and visited the HD stand, I was totally overwhelmed by the new XR1200X (Denim Black) I never contemplated buying a HD before but this model not only fits like a glove, it's amazing looking and oozes power and beauty. Oh, EICMA is the biggest European Motocycle trade show in Europe. I know that there are many pro's and con's on the subject of ABS and I must say I learned the advantage of ABS the hard way. Had a serious incident due to bad handling the bike and unfortunate surface conditions. I would have been in less of a mess if ABS was installed. Hence my question; Is it technically possible to install Brembo ABS on a XR1200? I realize it would be costly... The day I came back from the trade show I visited the nearest HD dealer and I got told it wasn't possible. Maybe you guy's have some advice on how to achieve this. If this is really a NoGo than I would need to look for another bike (with a bleeding heart) Thoughts??

Nov 20th, 2009, 10:32 AM	#2
Hobbit Moderators Ride: 09 CVO Ultra Classic Join Date: May 18th, 2007 Location: The Shires UK Posts: 8,726 My Mood:	Re: Xr1200x abs the ABS systems that HD uses is only currently available on the Vrods and the Touring range, this is not due to the use of the Brembo calipers that they have ABS but due to the ABS electronics and pumps/servos hidden away behind all the fairing parts and under the Dummy tank on the rods. ABS would be possible if you could find space on the XR to put the associated electronics and pumps as well as getting the correct bearings to active the electronics and pumps. In short the answer you are looking for is NOT on a Sporty Sorry __________________ Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

Nov 20th, 2009, 01:14 PM	#3
Katori New Family Ride: XR1200X Join Date: Nov 16th, 2009 Posts: 4	Re: Xr1200x abs Bummer :-( Thanks for the reply Hobbit! Your explanation is very complete, much appreciated. I'll stare at my background picture some more (guess what it is) and visit the HD dealer regularly. Who knows, my bad experience might fade... the XR is just such a great machine...

Nov 20th, 2009, 11:02 PM	#4
NEWHD74FAN Moderators Ride: 2004 Sportster XL1200RS Join Date: Aug 24th, 2008 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 4,907 My Mood:	Re: Xr1200x abs The dual disc braking system is more than adequete for two finger squeeze. I suppose with the right kind of brake pad compound "stoppies" would be possible! The braking is not the XR1200' weak link...more likely more power could be found in the engine, and certainly there is room to improve in the handling to be had with the hardware outfitted as well Just Time and Money to be sure __________________ Please stop by the "Self Help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<<

Dec 5th, 2009, 05:42 AM	#5
Katori New Family Ride: XR1200X Join Date: Nov 16th, 2009 Posts: 4	Re: Xr1200x abs I'm sure the braking power is more then adequate; it's just that ABS provides the non-blocking wheel thus no stoppies please. Saw posts against ABS but experience tells me that it can be a life saver. That is why I was asking the question. Thanks again for your updates

Dec 5th, 2009, 10:04 AM	#6
maine-e-axe Community Star Ride: 2004 flhtcu Join Date: Dec 27th, 2008 Location: south western Maine Posts: 380 My Mood:	Re: Xr1200x abs I bet ABS will be on all models in a year or two. JMO

Dec 6th, 2009, 12:33 PM	#7
Katori New Family Ride: XR1200X Join Date: Nov 16th, 2009 Posts: 4	Re: Xr1200x abs It is a pity :-( I will be forced to look for an alternative and keep my fingers crossed that maybe....just maybe...the HD design department finds a way to integrate ABS in the sportster models in the (very) near future. For now I will wait until Jan uary, the country I live in will then have it's annual motorcycle and car trade show. As said, I never thought of buying an HD before and now, with the XR1200X in mind it becomes painfully clear that there is no other decent alternative. I think I'll just go for a scooter :-( Thank you guy's for your help! Have Fun & Ride Safe

Dec 6th, 2009, 04:09 PM	#8
NEWHD74FAN Moderators Ride: 2004 Sportster XL1200RS Join Date: Aug 24th, 2008 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 4,907 My Mood:	Re: Xr1200x abs Katori, ABS Braking while a nice feature is NOT a key feature that sells an HD...test ride her and you will understand. While the show is great for the latest techno/future designs, the current "real world" bikes you will find have that "bare knuckles" look and feel that most of us find so satisfying. Trust me, I would love to see ABS on a Sporty, but my "pedestrian" plain vanilla carbed Sporty pushes all my buttons every time I step out in the garage or when I throw a leg over the saddle. Just hoping legistlation and safety-crats do not regulate our two wheeled sports out of existance before our kids and grandkids have a chance to enjoy them as well. Just the other day, I placed my 2 year old grand daughter on the saddle of my bike...the look of delight was so gratifying to see. She wanted to climb on the peg and helped up to it. Even she had trouble figuring out which position, rider or pillion she liked more! __________________ Please stop by the "Self Help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<<

Dec 11th, 2009, 05:18 AM	#10
sgt_1230 Start The Engine Ride: 2010 FLHTK Join Date: Sep 22nd, 2009 Posts: 32	Re: Xr1200x abs I test drove one the XR1200's after I bought my FatBob. I really liked the XR1200 and it does have some very good brakes (best of any HD I've ridden). The front brake is so strong, I can understand the desire of having ABS on it. In a panic stop situation, if you grab a hard handfull of XR1200 front brakes you most likely will lock up the front tire. If it is a poor traction situation, ABS might keep you from going down. Like said previously though, it is pretty cost prohibitive on the Sporty line.

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