Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: JDucati on May 05, 2009, 06:10:53 PM

Title: ABS
Post by: JDucati on May 05, 2009, 06:10:53 PM
Does anybody know what is entailed in a ABS setup on a motorcycle?

Is it even possible on a semi inexpensive level to install ABS on a 03 monster 800?

This is all loaded and probably stupid but work with me here  ;D


~JD
Title: Re: ABS
Post by: EEL on May 05, 2009, 07:14:43 PM
Step 1: Cut your balls off,

you wont be needing them anyways..  [cheeky] ;D
Title: Re: ABS
Post by: Slide Panda on May 05, 2009, 07:16:25 PM
Well there's this:
http://www.tcbbrakesystems.com/index.html (http://www.tcbbrakesystems.com/index.html)
- But if it really did work as well as they claim... them everyone would be using it and saying FU to real ABS systems that costs a lot of dosh.

I for one have never heard of an aftermarket true ABS system for bikes.  
A systems like BWM runs uses (perhaps used - not sure what's current)  a special rotor carrier with evenly spaced slots cut into it.  There was a sensor tracking those slots which fed info to a computer.  Said computer took account of your speed and brake pressure.  If your wheel speed, given by that sensor, suddenly didn't match your actual speed, said compy would reduce the pressure acting on the pads, allowing the wheel to turn.  So, yeah... for a get up like that you need a but ton of stuff, sensors, computer(s) different brake set up, special rotor... ABS from the factory at BWM is listed for $900

Title: Re: ABS
Post by: Howie on May 05, 2009, 10:49:50 PM
That thing is hardly ABS.  It can help a ham fisted rider, but all it does is cause the brakes to cycle without the aid of a computer to sense slip or a difference in wheel speed.
Title: Re: ABS
Post by: JDucati on May 05, 2009, 11:34:39 PM
Quote from: EEL on May 05, 2009, 07:14:43 PM
Step 1: Cut your balls off,

you wont be needing them anyways..  [cheeky] ;D


Quite... haha

Was curious what may be involved... sounds like a lot.

I am scared s**tless when I grab that front brake lever and squeeze it to the point that i feel like the bike will break loose in front and throw me off because some jackass stopped too fast trying to avoid a ticket from a red light cam  [bang]

~JD
Title: Re: ABS
Post by: scott_araujo on May 06, 2009, 12:25:15 AM
Generally, bikes that have optional ABS cost $1000 or more over the non-ABS configuration.  You can't do this on the cheap, and if you have to ask, you probably shouldn't be attempting brake modification.

That TCB bolt just has a diaphram and a little air space.  Since the air space is compressible, it puts some 'give' into the hydraulic system.  While this may or may not help your braking, it won't help the brake feel.  Ducatis come standard with braided stainless brake lines.  Most bikes have rubber lines that also add some 'give' to the system by flexing just a bit when under pressure.  As a result, brake feel is mushy.  I've owned bikes with steel lines and bikes with rubber lines, I'll keep my steel lines thanks.

Scott
Title: Re: ABS
Post by: bigiain on May 06, 2009, 05:46:31 AM
Quote from: JDucati on May 05, 2009, 11:34:39 PM
I am scared s**tless when I grab that front brake lever and squeeze it to the point that i feel like the bike will break loose in front and throw me off because some jackass stopped too fast trying to avoid a ticket from a red light cam 

Get some advanced rider training. Look for a street oriented course if you can find one locally, race schools are good, but won't bother trying to teach the "emergency braking all the way to standstill" thing that you'll want.

big (not dissing your ridiing in any way, but if you're scared of the front brakes, a good trainer/course will fix it)
Title: Re: ABS
Post by: EEL on May 06, 2009, 06:09:45 AM
+1 Proper throttle and brake control will make you a much better rider. Training and practice will be cheaper than any ABS brake modification. Once you start "feeling" what your bike is doing under you, you'll be able to do whats needed in the time of crisis without overreacting.
Title: Re: ABS
Post by: Slide Panda on May 06, 2009, 06:35:11 AM
Quote from: howie on May 05, 2009, 10:49:50 PM
That thing is hardly ABS.  It can help a ham fisted rider, but all it does is cause the brakes to cycle without the aid of a computer to sense slip or a difference in wheel speed.

Oh like I said - *if* it actually worked... I wouldn't waste my money on it.

Causing the brakes to cycle regardless of wheel lock reduces your maximum braking/makes you min stopping distance bigger - which I think is the opposite of what you want to achieve.
Title: Re: ABS
Post by: Howie on May 06, 2009, 09:06:25 AM
Quote from: yuu on May 06, 2009, 06:35:11 AM
Oh like I said - *if* it actually worked... I wouldn't waste my money on it.

Causing the brakes to cycle regardless of wheel lock reduces your maximum braking/makes you min stopping distance bigger - which I think is the opposite of what you want to achieve.

Scott's description of the device is the accurate one.  Quickly reading the description.  I thought it was a device they had several years ago that pulsates.  This device is worse, acting more like poorly bled brakes.

To me, the reason to have ABS on a bike is to make up for the occasional brain fart or to help deal with the unexpected, like the diesel or antifreeze spill on the road up ahead.  To use ABS as a replacement for poor brake control is, IMO, a mistake in either a bike or a car.
Title: Re: ABS
Post by: scott_araujo on May 06, 2009, 10:39:21 PM
Quote from: howie on May 06, 2009, 09:06:25 AM
This device is worse, acting more like poorly bled brakes.

Far more succinct than I put it.  There's no pulsing or cycling, just squish in the line.

Scott