For those of you with a 14r without ABS, is the bike manageable and do you get good feel from the levers? I have been spoiled by abs with my last bike and I just wonder if I am making a mistake if I go with the non-ABS version on such a big bike.

I get great feel and feedback from the front but sometimes not so much with the rear. The rear has good feel but lacks good feedback, I've locked up the rear a few times during the occasional panic stop.

I practice panic stops with this bike at least once a week because of that and it's always good to practice them anyway in a safe environment so you're ready when the time comes. I intentionaly lock the front and rear when I practice, not at the sametime though.

I practiced locking the rear on my non abs bike, but never the front. I think if I tried that I might practice myself right over the handlebars!

Agree. No issues with NON-ABS. Would I like it, sure but I have never had it on any of my bikes so no biggie for me.

My input...with this monster bike...abs is a must.There really IS a huge difference being able to apply emergency braking without the rear locking,or the front.I've had scare moments with my non abs 07....really got lucky to tell the truth.But practicing with my abs ...amazing how the bike stays stable and securely straight in those crucial times.I used to poo po abs...I've run her up to at least 80+,and locked (tried to).You should get an abs model...honestly...this bike is so strong,but yet not light...so the abs REALLY is a great safety feature.I'd NEVER own a bike again without this safety feature...it actually works....and no lockup...even in wet slippery road conditions...I tired...it wouldn't skid;)You will be doing yourself a BIG advantage going with the ABs model...

Mine is not ABS, if I had it to do all over again, I would get ABS, but in my last accident, the ABS
Might have stopped me upright, but then it would have probably sent me into the drivers door or through
The window, instead of up and over the front bumper, so in that instance, I'm glad I didn't have ABS...

But the other 99% of the time! I would have liked to have it ....

Extra weight... Weight bad...

racing...yes..agreed.Being able to hit the brakes and rescue yourself from any number of crash scenarios...priceless.Besides...it doesn't weight THAT much compared to the peace of mind of knowing...'I can nail these brakes as hard as I want...and no skidding out of control'...now THAT's bad;)It isn't the save all,end all of crashing...but it sure gives a guy time to readjust things if need be.Adding a skidding rear end to any safety situation is clearly NOT what a two wheeler needs...especially with THIS bike.At least that's my feelings about it.I've been in emergency 'skids'....no thanks....well known fact...skidding equals loss of control...not what ya want in a fast stopping situation.But...to each his own.My thoughts?This bike NEEDS abs....and Kawasaki though so too...that's why they started offering it to the American public.They've known now since putting this particular bike out there(the EURO models)...it saves lives.You need this when you HAVE to go go all out in stopping ability.It does work...wonderfully I might add.You just never know when something wicked this way comes..one great feature of this abs 14....the rear doesn't skip on ya when fully stopping....THAT to me is a huge factor for getting an ABS model.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 4/21/2014 @ 5:47 PM *

Non abs is perfect for me. Never had abs. Don't want it.

You know...not having it is fine..hell I road for years(On my 07)and though'shit who needs this...I can brake just fine with my skills'.Problem arose...I had to stop...and damn fast before nailin a semi up ahead.Suddenly,I realized...shit,I aint gonna make it...the rear was skidding and really thought...'ok...it's crunch time...I'm slowing,but I can slow fast enough with my rear not grabbing'...yeah,Thought that was it,I managed to get slowed enough to avoid a horrible crash,but was VERY lucky.These bikes will get ya there..stopping is something else intirely.Lots of momentum and weight happening,,though you don't feel it..UNTIL..the day comes when you realize..'I'm done...this is gonna be ugly".No way could I stop in time unless I managed to have a clear passing line.IF= I hadn't...it would have been a bummer for sure.I know it sounds 'silly'..but practicing with the ABS has given my 'security feel' on this monster bike a great comfortHell,,,ride without..it's all good.me no like'adding just 'too muck rear brake;and losing the rear just when you need it....I'd never go back..this bike is just too extreme and weighs..alot.cuising and all is only one part of riding this nbay....you will fell the weight and all in an emergency...God forbid.

I'm sure abs is great for people who run out of talent when they need it the most. I take a great deal of pride in my braking ability, it's quite a rush for me to be on the binders so hard going into a corner that the rear tire is wagging a bit then coming out of a corner grabbing a handful of throttle with the back tire ready to break loose. No abs, no traction control, just me and my bike. I would be faster and safer with abs, but its just not going to happen. I'm not ready to take that part of riding out of the equation...until I almost kill myself like Grn did.lol. Anyway buy what you like and practice hard braking regardless.

I admit...I also 'thought' my braking skils were...well...pretty good.The ABS is not there to interfere with any braking.And it doesn't.It's really thereto help in a very possible situation of complete loss of traction like you could get stopping BEFORE the left turner nails ya....or a surface that by all rights should not be ridden on fast to begin with.Again...it's like KTRC....nice to have it IF you really need it...but not necessary(until you DO need a bit of help;)I think I could have saved my bike in that corner had I been able to really get on the brakes,and dialed off enough speed.But...who knows...perhaps NOTHING could have changed the dynamics of a BIG bike like ours..there are some things you can't manipulate in time....seconds really.One reason this bike is great is for what it can do...but a lighter machine's handling isn't one;)I never use the KTRC.Or LOW Power eiher.I like the 'possible' risk that comes with this bike...but ABS..a nice secure unlocked wheel(s)are a good thing to have as a backup...IMO.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 4/21/2014 @ 11:36 PM *

Everyone has a valid point. Personal preference. I understand how it can help with this big monster.

I’d rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

I hear you loud and clear Green, my first bike didn’t have any abs or any rider aids at all for that matter. I almost went down one time on a downhill hitting the rear brake too hard and locking the tire. After that I practiced a little and learned to pay attention to the input of the bike. I always thought I didn’t need abs until I got my second bike and it came standard. It’s really nice to be able to cram that rear brake and not worry about the rear end swapping places with the front. I have a guy committed to buy my Daytona 675 and he's coming to the house tonight to give it a look. If all goes well I have a really nice brand new 2013 zx14r in white lined up at the dealer for $12,100 OTD Plus Tax but it’s a non-ABS model and I have always owned Sub 450lb bikes. Just a little worried about the lack of ABS but maybe if I invest in some Galfer rotors front and rear with HH pads and some steel lines I will be ok with the feedback. I'm not the best rider but my street skills are pretty good, and I error on the side of safe most of the time.

Maybe I should be looking at the mighty BMW instead... (did I just say that?)

* Last updated by: darkarcher on 4/22/2014 @ 7:28 AM *

If you have the abs option id go for it. Normal riding you may not notice a difference, but pushing hard on the streets or on track and wet weather conditions or bad roads it will save you. Know it made a difference in my car in these conditions. Bike should be no different

It's totally rider's choice.I had a NON abs 14...I wouldn't trade my 2013 for nuthin.It really IS a game changer when ya need that non-skidding ability to pour on the binders without a max of "will she slide?" going through yer head a at really crucial time(seconds usually;)I'm totally sold on abs for this big beast.Brakes work fine BTW,,,but that extra feature REALLY is a life saver IMO.