ABS Useage

[CosmoGT]

I am new to abs on motorcycles and was wondering why you have the choice of turning on and off this feature. ABS is always on in a car. What is the rule of thumb for motorcycle?

[Maloppa]

I am by no means an expert in answering this. Being new myself, on the dual sport side, it is my understanding that the ability to turn off the ABS is important for off road use. If you don't turn the ABS off when off roading, it can "freak out" your braking system with all the bumping and jumping around. Also there are times when off road that you need to be able to lock up rear wheels and can't if ABS is engaged. I can't provide any info for reasoning's that you would turn it off for on road use, unless your ride a bunch of wheelies.

[CosmoGT]

My 1100rt and I don't care much for the dirt and as for wheelies I fall down easy.

[dixieoutlaw]

Maloppa got the reasoning right. As for me, I didn't even realize it was possible to turn off the ABS on an RT, but then again I have only ridden 1 RT on a BMW controlled test ride. GS's rule.
Outlaw

[Vance]

yeah for whatever reason the ABS on my F650GS will not turn off and I can tell you it is a "fun" ride when offroad and twisting it up a bit!