We get monsoon like rains with no warning here in Florida. Believe me it is NO FUN riding a two wheeled vehicle on a highway with standing water.
I was looking at the Honda Reflex ABS before I bought my Majesty, I would have happilly paid an extra $500 for ABS. All it takes is for the front wheel to lock up once....
Also, since I leave near the Atlantic Ocean we get sand built-up on the roads, especially on freeway on-ramps. I's up the ante - I'd pay $1,000 extra for antilock brakes.