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ABS Saved My Life Today!

6K views 12 replies 12 participants last post by  Radish 
#1 ·
On the way to work this morning I was taking the same route as I usually do. It's only a mile ride down route 27 in Edison NJ. It's a 4 lane road and in this section there is a middle lane for turning into the local shops. There was a car in the middle lane waiting to turn into the shop on my side of the road. I was in the far right lane and an SUV was in the lane to my left. For no reason at all the SUV decided they wanted to let the car turn into the plaza so without any care for anyone else he beeps the horn and waves the driver to turn in. Being that the SUV was big and it was on my left, it blocked my view of the car turning in front of me until the last second. I squeezed the front brake then hit the back brake right after and as hard as I could. I literally stopped inches in from this car and it was my only close call like this to date. I was so shaken up that I had to pull over and chill out for a few. I just want to thank Suzuki for making some great stock brakes and pads that are very reliable in a life or death situation. I'm very very lucky to be in one piece as I write this on my break. Thanks Suzuki!!
 
#4 ·
That blocked view thing can be very dangerous. We're small; even when careful we're vulnerable.

While the 650 brakes have never been the best, as GW has often said, they'll get the job done. The thing to remember is that brakes stop the wheels. Tire traction stops the vehicle. ABS may slightly lengthen the stopping distance, but it can help keep you upright, always a good thing. I sold an excellent '04 strom to get an '07 with ABS. Fortunately, I never had to give it the test like you did.
 
#7 ·
Absolutely. For the system to work everyone needs to know the rules and follow the rules. I have had a few close calls when stupid inexperienced people have made unexpected and dangerous decisions. And they are SO apologetic afterwards.
 
#6 ·
Brilliant stop - glad you are okay.

Not to criticize cuz these things happen but I usually swing wide into the other lane when vehicles are turning so I can see and turning vehicles can see me and it puts a bit more distance into play.
The waving driver tho was seriously stupid as was the turning driver for believing it.

I find coming up on a light where the vehicles are turning left both directions, there is a serious blindspot for oncoming drivers even when they have their own turning lane.....and I stay out of it....makes me very nervous if I have to stay in that blindspot.

Least you know how well the ABS works. I had a less dramatic but still annoying ABS use for the first time after a woman emergency braked for a squirrel ....hammered it hard and stopped easily but her sheepish wave said she knew she screwed up.
 
#12 ·
Many years ago I got a wave through when entering a multi-lane road from a side road in town. I was in an MGB and couldn't see through the waving vehicle. Got a major clobber from someone speeding down the turn lane I was entering. My little MG was never the same. Pretty much bent in the middle about 2". If I can't see, I don't do it.

I can just imaging the OP's situation and nothing he could do about it. Good riding!
 
#13 ·
I have no trust in anybody being able to make the right decisions for themselves when they are driving so I am certainly not letting them make one for me.:wink2:

Coops.
 
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