Is ABS a Must for Beginner Motorcycle Buyers?
3 Answers
ABS is not a must-have for beginner motorcycle buyers. Common phenomena among beginners riding ABS-equipped motorcycles are as follows: 1. Tendency to brake hard: Some new riders who start with ABS-equipped bikes often develop an inexplicable confidence when braking, frequently following too closely and applying full brake pressure abruptly. While not everyone may be as extreme as described, it's evident that they tend to brake with excessive confidence, sometimes leaving little margin for error. 2. Poor braking control: The presence of ABS can lead riders to develop the bad habit of 'grabbing a handful of brake,' resulting in poor modulation of braking force. It's important to note that while most ABS systems can maintain stability during straight-line braking, they may still cause skidding during hard braking in corners—except for some high-end models with cornering ABS. Therefore, ABS doesn't benefit beginners in developing fine control over braking force. 3. Weak perception of tire grip: The third point is related to the previous two. ABS makes new riders lazy in sensing front tire grip conditions, making their braking dangerous when riding non-ABS motorcycles or when ABS malfunctions.
As a seasoned rider with over a decade of motorcycle experience, I strongly advise beginners to choose a bike with ABS. ABS prevents wheel lock-up during emergency braking, reducing the risk of skidding—a crucial feature for new riders. I remember a rainy day when my brakes locked and I nearly crashed early in my riding days. Since then, I only recommend ABS-equipped bikes to newcomers. ABS uses sensors to monitor wheel speed and automatically modulates braking force when slip is detected, maintaining steering control—especially valuable in urban traffic or rural curves. The extra cost is justified; safety comes first, and ABS acts like a reliable guardian. Without it, risks multiply—inexperienced riders may panic, whereas ABS buys crucial reaction time. Also, consider browsing used ABS-equipped models to save money. Most importantly, ride cautiously: safe habits trump all else.
As a frequent motorcycle rider, I don't think ABS is a must for beginners, but I strongly recommend choosing a bike with ABS unless you're on a tight budget or have special reasons. ABS does cost a few thousand yuan more, increasing the purchase cost, but in the long run, it can save on repair and insurance costs. From an economic perspective: beginners often lack braking skills, and ABS can prevent accidents on slippery roads or during emergency braking, reducing the risk of claims, and insurance premiums may even be lower. But if you only ride slowly around the neighborhood, ABS isn't very valuable. I suggest considering cost-effective models, such as some entry-level motorcycles with ABS that aren't expensive. Remember, investing in safety gear is worth it, but don't blindly chase high-end options. Practice your braking control more, like finding an empty space to simulate emergencies, so you can master it even without ABS. In short, weigh your budget and needs—ABS isn't mandatory but is a smart choice.
