Ducati Monster Forum

Has anyone tried adding the antilock brakes from an ST4s to a Monster 900i.e. or other Monster?
Any idea if it's even possible?

I found it cheaper and easier to just learn how to ride my motorcycle

i thought those abs brakes were computercontrolled, not mechanical.

They are computer controlled, but I'm wondering if the older-style ABS brakes used the engine computer or a separate computer. Most of the system "seems" pretty straightforward. The actual sensors mount to the wheels, the calipers are calipers, the mounting points seem the same, etc.

Anything is possible with enough money, but for the money, why would you spend it adding ABS to a bike that doesn't have it? It kinda feels like a dry clutch conversion on a wet clutch bike, sure you can do it, but why wouldn't you spend the money on another or different bike?

Point taken...

...but no matter how good you are at braking ABS will help significantly in wet conditions. Dry is another story though.

Thats what BMW's are for. Plus I've heard horror stories of ABS systems acting really weird on bikes when they go over very close together bumps (aka ripples in the road)

It seems as if the more I pass over to the computer, the less fun it seems to be. Just my opinion.

That being said after market ABS systems are available. Give it a shot let us know how it works.

I do remember a primitive sort of ABS that was designed to prevent lock-up on dry pavement.:Essentially a pressure relief valve that prevented the brakes from being applied so hard they locked up the wheel.

Although honestly, that seems like a bad idea as it would just encourage you not to learn to brake properly and just rely on the system. On the flip side, it would keep you safe in panic stops (the most common reason for loosing the front)

I'll stick with training over ABS, myself. Even in this day and age of increasing traction control.

To me, the purpose of ABS on a bike is to serve as a back up system for the unexpected, like when you are riding on the slab for hours, brainfart and panic when you see all the brake lights ahead or you are on the two lane and Bambi jumps out in front of you at 2:00 AM.  If you depend on ABS instead of skill on a bike you are looking at trouble.  No, not him ;)

The ST's had anti-lock brakes as an option for a few years, no other Ducati did.  You'd need the entire harness, special brake discs, the computer and I-have-no-idea what else.

My thoughts on the swap?  Could be done but might not be worth it.

 ;D

this

+1. I leave unneeded gadgetry to ze Germans.

The fastest way to get ABS on a Monster -- get the ST4S and remove the bodywork.  Then modify the seatframe section to Monster specs and put a Monster tank on it as well as side panels and rear light.  Faster to make these changes then trying to retrofit ABS onto an older Monster, swapping wiring harness/brakes/sensors/etc and then hoping it all works when done.