Ducati Monster Forum

Koko64 and I were talking about our Monsters the other week. This of course is a regular occurrence! [laugh]

We got to thinking that if there was one key feature we'd both really like on our older Monsters, it'd be ABS and probably Traction Control as well.

We were also pondering if down the track, it could be retro fitted.

So here's the question: Would you retrofit it if it was available for a decent price?

Cheers,

GK

Talking about our bikes? Well, maybe sometimes  [laugh] [laugh]

I'd love to have ABS for wet conditions [Dolph]

If I had a 1098 engine or more, traction control please!

I too would like ABS to my M1000. I can't see someone bringing it out in the near future though

"Decent price" means many things...

I've never ridden a moto with ABS or traction control. So the answer for now is no.
Ignorance is bliss?

I assume it depends on how the ABS is implemented, but even the ABS I tried (95 BMW) I didn't like.  That one wasn't much better than self-modulating the brake lever. 

The only time I needed it on the Monster... was in the very beginning, and only in the front. 

Affordable for each individual is the thrust of the question.

GK

why not do a complete transplant from an 1100 monster onto an older bike.
motor/ecu/sensors/etc.

I clicked not sure...

I meant no way.

No and I have had two bikes with ABS. One of the things I like about the Monster is its simplicity.

I've never had ABS on a bike, but it would seem if you're braking hard enough to cause the ABS to kick in you're probably screwed regardless. 

I would think if you ride in the rain often ABS would be a welcome addition

IIRC, the unit on an ST4s ABS was about 4" x 4" x 6".

That's a big brick to try and fit on a Monster.

I don't recall how big the ABS unit is on the late model monsters.

ABS  and TC would be good in greasy or wet conditions. The ABS could be handy on a streetbike.
I know what people mean re the simplicity thing though. I do love the back to basics, very direct feel of a cable operated flatslide carbed engine with minimal electronics.

No not even then do I want ABS. My 92 miata also does not have ABS. :D

fwiw iv riden and owned bikes with and without abs...currently with abs. after last falls experiance im a big fan of abs [thumbsup] lets just say in a group and the front suddenly comes to a stop the rest slide past them

Let me see if I got this right. You are Ina group ride and you are following to close to come to a controlled stop, and you are relying on ABS to save you? Is that correct?

My thought exactly.

And here we go...... [popcorn]

+1 [popcorn] [laugh]

putting on flame suit...following 2 seconds behind, leader of the group forgot where this back road was and suddenly veered to the right onto this back road. the front two bikes had abs and stopped on a dime, those who didnt... slid past. I slid but with about 5ft to spare hehind the guy infront of me. This could happen to anyone so please dont act like it wont happen to you.

btw harley roadkings loaded down without abs cant stop for shit

Not flaming, just something to think about. Same thing happened to me once as well when I first started riding...because I was following too closely.  ;)

It's also a reason why I don't do large group rides anymore...people just tend to folow too closely in order to stay in a group. I've seen 2 accidents on larger group rides caused by following too close.

I said probably, ABS...absolutely, traction control...not sure.    I have my 796 with ABS BECAUSE my 696 didnt have it.  Front wheel locked up and I went down before I even had a chance to think about what happened.  The ABS on the new bike has saved my ass more than a couple of times, grabbing a little too much brake and thought to myself, "Id be running for the kill switch if I was on the 696 right now"  It is possible that now that Im used to it, Ill probably crash the next non-ABS bike I get on.  Heard of someone doing that on a Triumph Thunderbird..

Well it will not happen to me because I don't follow dumba$$es in group rides. In fact, I do not do group rides. It sounds like you were all bunched up, which is not a "good thing".

nice work guys... [bang]

I picked traction control only, because I don't really like when the rear wheel spins up on cold paint... and I know how to do it relatively cheaply (replace money with time... but I digress).

See what I mean Nate?

Warning shot.

But you're right.
Cats.
The whole lot of 'em.

 :P

Like herding cats.

Anyway, those with late model Monsters with TC and ABS, who do you find it? Reassuring, annoying?

Yep.

Wet roads, lines on the road, bit of oil here and there and more are situations when I reckon TC would be handy. Add ABS for the wet or really, really hard braking situations is why I said if affordable I'd have both.

GK

I don't notice the tc much on the 1100...it's a wheelie nanny for the most part, but even then you'd have to be really ham fisted to put the front wheel in the air without knowing what's going to happen...the abs has stepped in a few times, usually the rear, which probably wouldn't be an issue either way for me.  That being said, it does offer fair amount of peace of mind, especially in the wet and I would definitely want tc on a more powerful bike. 

my version of traction control is my right wrist....







just sayin...

But that's just too easy...  [evil]

+1

Like I said before, I have ABS and would keep it given the option.  I test rode the 848 streetfighter with TC and didnt care for it.  Got on it out of the hole and it just cut all the power out.  (the dealer had it set to the most conservative setting)

Ive got an old jeep with no ABS...which doesnt bother me...but the jeep isnt likely to have the front end slide out from under me if the wheels lock under braking either.

TC on anything less than a litre bike is a waste IMO...especially on the street.

As others have said, high powered bikes use TC as a safety feature that's becoming standard. ABS is more common now and showing up on beginner bikes. While this technology is probably saving lives and useful it will be interesting in 20 years time. I'll be waving my cane at young riders lamenting their lack of throttle control and brake modulation skills!

I suspect the pragmatic reality is TC as a standard feature probably helps manufacturers keep the dreaded govt imposed hp limits at bay. Maybe motors and brakes are so powerful nowdays that safety features are also liability features.