See Figure 1. The front brake hand lever controls the front wheel brake and is located on the right handlebar. Operate the hand lever with the fingers of the right hand.

See Figure 1. The rear brake pedal controls the rear wheel brake and is located on the motorcycle's right side. Operate the rear brake pedal with the right foot.

Apply brakes uniformly and evenly to prevent wheels from locking. Use front and rear brakes equally for best results.

Harley-Davidson's Anti-Lock Brake System assists the rider in maintaining control when braking in a straight-line emergency situation. ABS operates independently on front and rear brakes to keep the wheels rolling and prevent uncontrolled wheel lock-ups either on dry pavement or on slick surfaces such as gravel, leaves or when riding in wet conditions.

The ABS monitors sensors at the front and rear wheels to determine wheel speed. If the system detects one or both wheels are slowing down too quickly, which indicates they are close to locking, or if the deceleration rate does not match a criteria stored in memory, the ABS reacts. The system rapidly opens and closes valves to modulate the brake caliper pressure utilizing only the brake lever/pedal pressure being applied by the rider. During ABS activation, the system provides the electronic equivalent of manually pumping the brakes and is capable of cycling up to seven times per second.

The rider will recognize ABS activation by the slight pulsing sensation in the hand lever or the rear brake pedal. The pulsing sensation may also be accompanied by a clicking sound from the ABS module. Both are the result of normal operation. Refer to Table 1.

While an advantage in emergency braking, ABS is not a substitute for safe riding. The safest way to stop a motorcycle is upright with both wheels straight.

Harley-Davidson ABS is a manual assist system. When in an emergency stopping situation, maintain pressure on the brakes through all ABS events. Do not modulate or "pump" the brake controls. The wheels will not lock until the end of the stop when motorcycle speed reaches approximately 6 km/h (4 mph) and ABS is no longer needed.

ABS motorcycles must always use Harley-Davidson specified tires and wheels. The ABS monitors the rotational speed of the wheels through individual wheel speed sensors. Changing to different diameter wheels or different sized tires can alter the rotational speed. This can upset the calibration of the ABS and have an adverse effect on its ability to detect and prevent uncontrolled wheel lockups. Operating at tire pressures other than those specified in Specifications → Specifications → Specified Tires can reduce ABS braking performance.