|
|
|
|
Home |
|
Test Driving the 2008 FLHX Street Glide |
|
|
|
|
Page 3 of 3
 It didn’t seem to stop very fast. Almost as though it was not stopping fast enough for an emergency stop. But I did notice, as I looked over my shoulder, that there were tire marks on the asphalt. I tried this several times and it was very consistent and dependable. You can come to a complete controlled stop or you can let up at any time and resume normal operating conditions. You can even turn to avoid an object without fear of losing directional stability. It brought boring to a situation that should call for sitting on the edge of your seat.
Now for the front brake test. Squeezing the front brake until lockup is so counter intuitive to anything that you normally want to do. Curiosity overcame caution and I grabbed the front brake and squeezed it slowly until I could just barely hear the tire squeal. It was then that the ABS took over and controlled the situation as far as braking goes. Again, I could feel the brakes pulsing from the ABS unit and the tire never came close to breaking loose as you come to a controlled stop. I was able to steer without any effort. But again, it did not seem to be stopping the motorcycle very fast.
One last test before I went to sand. I again sped up to about 60 mph and then applied both front and rear brakes to the max. Same thing happened. The ABS took control of the braking system, giving you total control with the ability to steer the bike or change directions without it being a hair raising experience.
I feel much better about the ABS system now. So I found a road that had sand washed across it from a recent heavy rain. First I tried the rear brake, then the front brake in the sand. Believe me; it is hard to apply the front brake in sand that’s on the road. But I did and had total control at all times. I was even able to make small corrections while braking in the sand with the brakes on max. How scary is that.
My only concern about the ABS system is on clean dry pavement. It just didn’t seem to stop fast enough. I was told by several people that should know, the ABS braking will out stop the same motorcycle with standard brakes. If ABS really works that great, how can you not pick this great option? One thing I would like to do in the future is test two motorcycles side by side, one with and one without the ABS braking. Anybody out there want to volunteer?
Summary
Harley has done it again. Great ride with great options and improvements. Make it a little faster for the highway and you should be good to go. Cover more ground with the new six gallon fuel tank and ride smoother with the fly-by-wire throttle. Surprisingly, I found the new isolated drive system to be a very welcome addition. I didn’t think it would make much difference, but it did add to the smoothness of that magic carpet ride. I have no doubts about the ABS braking system, especially for the big touring bikes. If you ever find yourself on wet roads or come across sand or dirt on the road and you have to brake, this could be your savior.
Ride safe,
Kirk
www.phoenixbikers.com
www.motorcycletestdrive.com
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 Next > End >>
|
|
|
|
