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easiest way to confirm that abs is installed?

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MechsHands

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hey everyone,

After researching etc I've decided that I want ABS on my Vrod when I get it. I am looking at many used bikes, some of them anniversary edditions. I thought that the anniversary edition came standard with ABS but according to one dealer, that is apparently not the case.

Besides taking the bike out on and jumping on the brakes hard to feel it, what is the easiest way to confirm that ABS brakes are installed on a bike when looking at it?

Thanks
MH
 
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#2 ·
Check the front wheel area for a sensor...
 
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#3 ·
model number will have an 'A' at the end, ie; VRSCAWA, VRSCFA, VRSCDXA
 
#4 ·
AOW said:
model number will have an 'A' at the end, ie; VRSCAWA, VRSCFA, VRSCDXA
Click to expand...
so all Canadian Vrods have ABS, eh?



:angeldev:
 
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Discussion starter · #5 ·
AOW said:
model number will have an 'A' at the end, ie; VRSCAWA, VRSCFA, VRSCDXA
Click to expand...
So is this stamped onto the frame someplace or should it be on the paperwork? Just wanting an easy way to tell by looking at the bike since I don't trust salesmen.

What does the sensor look like and where is it located? Is it on the brake assy itself or elsewhere? (thinking I should get the service manual now before I get the bike so I don't have to ask these silly questions LOL)

Thanks
MH
 
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#6 ·
MechsHands said:
So is this stamped onto the frame someplace or should it be on the paperwork? Just wanting an easy way to tell by looking at the bike since I don't trust salesmen.

What does the sensor look like and where is it located? Is it on the brake assy itself or elsewhere? ...
Click to expand...
Actually, it's easier to look for the front wheel sensor wire if you’re looking at the bike but the info is stamped on the bike frame (along the right side of the steering tube) as well as on the VIN "sticker" on the left side of the frame.

The sensor is installed on the left side front wheel and the wire is clipped to the left side front brake line (picture attached).

The VIN number indicates if the bike has ABS with the two-letter model code at the 5th & 6th positions. This works for all VRSC bikes except for the VRSCF since both ABS and non-ABS Muscles use the same two letter code. If these two letters are:
HD = VRSCD without ABS
HL = VRSCD with ABS
HH = VRSCDX without ABS
HM = VRSCDX with ABS
HF = VRSCAW without ABS
HK = VRSCAW with ABS
HP = VRSCF with and without ABS
 

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#7 ·
Heres my vin on an 09 DX with abs

5HD1HHH139K806464

that doesnt work with your scheme. also my paper work is wonky, some places listing it as vrsc and vrscdx, but no a.

bought it new so it def wasnt installed after.
 
#8 ·
Mommas Boy said:
Heres my vin on an 09 DX with abs

5HD1HHH139K806464

that doesnt work with your scheme. also my paper work is wonky, some places listing it as vrsc and vrscdx, but no a.

bought it new so it def wasnt installed after.
Click to expand...
That's interesting info. There may be something about the non U.S. bikes ("5" in 1st position) that changes what HD used for the VIN model codes. This info also indicates that looking for the sensor wire is the better way to confirm ABS.

Here are some example VINs I found on the web (these were all U.S. delivery bikes):
1HD1HDH188K803364 = VRSCD without ABS
1HD1HLH158K806930 = VRSCD with ABS
1HD1HHH399K806946 = VRSCDX without ABS
1HD1HMH108K806940 = VRSCDX with ABS
1HD1HFH158K803950 = 2008 VRSCAW without ABS
1HD1HKH428K805755 = 2008 VRSCAW with ABS
 
#9 ·
Mommas Boy said:
Heres my vin on an 09 DX with abs

5HD1HHH139K806464

that doesnt work with your scheme. also my paper work is wonky, some places listing it as vrsc and vrscdx, but no a.

bought it new so it def wasnt installed after.
Click to expand...
ALL VRODS are "VRSC". The VRSC is the class of Harley, then the last two letters "DX" gives you the subclass of the the VRSC line.
Is there a reason that you can not just take a look at the left side of the front wheel for the ABS sensor cable?
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
stever975 said:
Actually, it's easier to look for the front wheel sensor wire if you’re looking at the bike but the info is stamped on the bike frame (along the right side of the steering tube) as well as on the VIN "sticker" on the left side of the frame.

The sensor is installed on the left side front wheel and the wire is clipped to the left side front brake line (picture attached).

The VIN number indicates if the bike has ABS with the two-letter model code at the 5th & 6th positions. This works for all VRSC bikes except for the VRSCF since both ABS and non-ABS Muscles use the same two letter code. If these two letters are:
HD = VRSCD without ABS
HL = VRSCD with ABS
HH = VRSCDX without ABS
HM = VRSCDX with ABS
HF = VRSCAW without ABS
HK = VRSCAW with ABS
HP = VRSCF with and without ABS
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info and the pic. It will certainly make it easier when looking at bikes.

I appreciate it alot.

MH
 
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#11 ·
Dude, front left Brake Caliper will have another "Wire" for the sensor...
 
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#12 ·
All Harleys with ABS have a black ring between the wheel/rotor and the fork on the left side of the front axle. Quickest and foolproof way to tell. ABS has always been an option on vrods, meaning no model (so far) has come with ABS standard.
 
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#15 ·
Or look under the fork neck, behind the lower tree, just above the center rad cover...

ABS module has 4 brake lines going into/out of it.
Image

In my case, all the lines have been replaced with Goodridge Sniper lines (dumps all those stiff-ass OEM lines - though this photo is from "mid-swap" in the process) and a Goodridge Banjo Bolt Brake Light Switch

Though the sensor on the front wheel, with the wire running along the brake line is the easiest "tell". Another "tell" is the rear brake light switch along the frame rail near the swingarm motor mount, right side (non-abs), as the ABS brake light switch is up near the ABS controller.

Rick
 
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AOW
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