Installing ABS on a bike that didn't come with it?

[unL33T]

Does anyone know what would be involved in adding the ABS components from one of the international ER-6F/650R to a North America model that did not come with it? 2009+ model. I need to know what parts/part numbers and install locations/how to if possible.

How would ABS limit one as far as mods go? I guess ZX6R front end would be out. Would upgraded pads, lines, internal fork components, rear shock be fine?

[Varment]

first question is why? it would be easier, not to mention safer, to get a bike with ABS from the factory.

[tribulation138]

still don't know the reason for ABS on a bike. Do racers have ABS?

[unL33T]

first question is why? it would be easier, not to mention safer, to get a bike with ABS from the factory.

Because I like my 650R which are not sold with ABS here. I don't see how it would be any safer if I were to get all the OEM ABS components and install them... obviously it would be iffy if one were to take the ABS system from another bike and try to retrofit it but I didn't think it'd be much of an issue if I was using all OEM parts.

[unL33T]

still don't know the reason for ABS on a bike. Do racers have ABS?

It's a growing trend... the 650 is sold with ABS pretty much everywhere except North America. The CBR600RR and CBR1000RR also have it (but I can't afford those at the moment and not sure if I'd like the SS ergos)...

[unL33T]

still don't know the reason for ABS on a bike. Do racers have ABS?

The reason is for when you're riding on the highway in the rain (or even light snow) at 130 kph and someone cuts 3 ft in front of you and slams on their brakes. I'd like to extend my riding season as much as possible and gain a little more stopping confidence in the rain so anything that will help me brake quickly without locking up the front is a bonus.

There are plenty of videos demonstrating that even a skilled rider cannot stop as quickly on a bike that is not equipped with ABS as on one with with ABS in most conditions.

[kawigreen]

yes i believe alot of racers now use ABS

[williamr]

No issues with different pads, braided lines or any suspension mods. Changing the calipers may affect the operation, as might changing the tyre size.

That apart, the 650 most places has ABS as an extra cost option - about £500. Most riders choose not to pay the extra. As an insurance policy it's great, but in three years I've never actually activated the ABS on mine except deliberately to test it's still working.

Rob

[BRP]

yes i believe alot of racers now use ABS

No they don't.
They use traction control, which limits wheel spin.

[unL33T]

No love for this idea. :(

[djrussell]

your best bet would be to start by looking through the service manual. there's a TON of info on ABS in there. it should give you an idea of the scope of work. if it's that much of a need/want for you, i honestly think you'd be better off buying a new bike that comes with it stock.

[unL33T]

Hmm, I guess I might be leaving the 650R world then since it's not an option here. Any suugestions for what to look at that would be similar to the 650 but with ABS?

[djrussell]

i didn't say it's not an option. no one is going to tell you how to do it though since it's never been done (to my knowledge).

i'm not really current on bike offerings right now. i believe the sv is available with it though and is somewhat similar to the 650.

[unL33T]

i didn't say it's not an option. no one is going to tell you how to do it though since it's never been done (to my knowledge).

i'm not really current on bike offerings right now. i believe the sv is available with it though and is somewhat similar to the 650.

SV650 is very similar to the 650R as far as class goes. I see it is available with ABS. I'll have to look into that. I like the styling of the 650R a lot better though.

I was hoping someone that has worked on 650R's both with and without ABS (from outside of North America) would know what components would be required to add it but I guess that's not going to happen. I'll have to do some research myself then if I want to go that route.

[djrussell]

i also remember seeing an accessory that you MAY be interested in. it believe it took the place of the bleeder screws and had some kind of valving in it that supposedly made the system act like ABS. i have zero experience/knowledge with it other than that or even a name. it might be worth doing some searching though.

[Addohm]

I think you're referring to speed bleeders.

[djrussell]

do they give you ABS capability? these were pretty expensive, like in the $100-150 range, and looked shady from my first glance.

[Addohm]

No. They cost about 15$ a piece, so 45$ for our bikes. I've never heard, and don't see how, that there are bleeder valves that can double for ABS systems.

[djrussell]

here we go...

http://www.tcbbrakesystems.com/index.html

i still smell snake oil though.

[Addohm]

Sounds like a damper, which would be active all the time, and reduce braking efficiency when not under hard braking conditions. Duno. I always go with "If it's better economically and efficiently, why wouldn't everyone be doing it?"

[Simon]

http://www.tcbbrakesystems.com/index.html

- B.S. all the way through!

"TCB device helps to increase the amount of wheel slip during aggressive braking maneuvers" ? Say what? .. wouldn't you want *decreased* wheel slip?

"When your wheels lock at high speeds or on less than perfect road conditions (such as gravel, wet roads, etc) this can lead to loosing control." ? No; skilled drivers/riders actually want a bit of lock up on gravel...

AFAICT it introduces a diaphragm in the brake fluid system; which can only be interpreted as *increased* 'sponginess' - the opposite of what everyone tries to achieve with braided lines etc.

[gr33nninja]

+1!

[Simon]

Review: http://www.thebikergene.com/modificatio ... g-systems/
"My conclusions: My own test-ride with the unit installed left me with the opinion that the TCB brake system might not help much, but it doesn’t seem to hurt either - which was my main concern."

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/letters/200802letters.pdf
"After our report, the government
stepped in to charge the companies with
false advertising for calling them ABS.
Don’t waste your money!"

[unL33T]

I don't think I'm going to bother trying out that snake oil product.

Looks to me like if I'm really interested in ABS then an SV is in my future. If only I didn't think they were butt-ugly. :P

[Addohm]

Maybe you should just learn to properly apply brakes, then you wouldn't need ABS ;) Save ya a whole heap of trouble and money!

[williamr]

Maybe you should just learn to properly apply brakes, then you wouldn't need ABS ;) Save ya a whole heap of trouble and money!

Like I posted, I've never activated my ABS system in anger, but there are times on wet slippery roads where it can be a useful insurance policy and confidence booster. If you screw up, it might save you. No way can you pump the brakes if you need to cadence brake at the same rate as the ABS unit can.

One point though - I had an ABS model because I was recovering from a wreck and my control was compromised. I was worried about front wheel lock ups at very slow speed - coming to a halt at a light on a poor surface, for example. After I bought the bike and read the book I found that the ABS system cuts out below about 4 mph - just where I wanted it lol.

Rob

[Addohm]

Heh, buzzkill :)

I'd say probably only 10% of bikers ride in the rain, here in the US. Thats a guess, but it's what I've seen from the far north east to the mid west. There are times where a road may be damp, but never really enough to compromise your grip on the road. I ride safely over wet pavement and concrete, slow and steady wins the race. When it's dry though, game on MFers! :P