Reflex Linked brakes question
#21
BTW.. Also know that the link is not 100%. Hitting just the back brake hard does not give you the full stopping power of hitting both together. The details are in the manual, but as I recall: above 25 mph, hitting only the back brake activates just 2 of the 8 front cylinders. You can feel the difference.
#22
The linked ABS was a big part of the reason for choosing the bike I did.
Like you, I was concerned about developing bad habits. So before I got the bike, I decided I would simply use the brakes like they are conventional.. So why choose, and pay for, linked brakes then? Riders don't die when they are doing everything right, they die when they (or someone else) screws-up: that is when I want linked ABS! (almost 3k miles on my new bike and I don't know if the ABS actually works.. I hope I won't find out).
BTW.. It sounds like you have allowed yourself to develop bad habits because of a faulty front break... How you ride is your business, but I wouldn't let myself become accustomed to relying on the brake with significantly less stopping power, just because the front brake is acting up. There are better options.
Like you, I was concerned about developing bad habits. So before I got the bike, I decided I would simply use the brakes like they are conventional.. So why choose, and pay for, linked brakes then? Riders don't die when they are doing everything right, they die when they (or someone else) screws-up: that is when I want linked ABS! (almost 3k miles on my new bike and I don't know if the ABS actually works.. I hope I won't find out).
BTW.. It sounds like you have allowed yourself to develop bad habits because of a faulty front break... How you ride is your business, but I wouldn't let myself become accustomed to relying on the brake with significantly less stopping power, just because the front brake is acting up. There are better options.
Last edited by mjwebb; 08-29-2017 at 10:26 PM.
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hairymoth (08-29-2017)
#23
numerous times in panic stops having the rear end come around on me....I decided to build that muscle memory by using front brakes first and in a normal stop that is all I use.
In a panic, you are going to do what you do everyday....so if you are in the habit of using the back brake for normal stops...guess what you will hit first and probably pretty hard too.
In a panic, you are going to do what you do everyday....so if you are in the habit of using the back brake for normal stops...guess what you will hit first and probably pretty hard too.
Since the 70's and racing bikes every weekend, I almost always use the front brake exclusively.
If you're on pavement, not dirt, the front will give you 70% or more useable braking force than the rear. This is due to weight transfer. For me when I'm lazy it's also simpler to use the front brake only. In a panic, yeah, I'm all over both brakes. But adding the rear in a panic stop only adds a fraction to your stopping power. To me this linked braking system doesn't add much.
#24
well, if you're referring to me..I haven't developed bad braking habits after 4 decades of riding and racing motorcycles, after just one recent 1000 mile trip home with a warped front brake rotor and utilizing the rear with linked ABS..I've had to stand on these hard over the last couple years a few times so i know how they perform, behave and what to expect..I was just thinking out loud that if I begin to use the linked brakes more per design it may be possible some of the automatic good braking habit instincts I've developed may fade at the most inopportune time..I think I'll stick to what works for me and not even take a chance cuz I'm real in tune with my bikes..a lot of the time I find myself covering the front lever with 2 fingers under normal riding..old motocross habit that transferred over to street long ago..matter of fact when i got my first Harley in 2005 I was still riding dirt bikes and beginning the start of racing vintage mx to relive my youth , and I would stick my leg out in corners on my Sportster!
#25
Bingo!
Since the 70's and racing bikes every weekend, I almost always use the front brake exclusively.
If you're on pavement, not dirt, the front will give you 70% or more useable braking force than the rear. This is due to weight transfer. For me when I'm lazy it's also simpler to use the front brake only. In a panic, yeah, I'm all over both brakes. But adding the rear in a panic stop only adds a fraction to your stopping power. To me this linked braking system doesn't add much.
Since the 70's and racing bikes every weekend, I almost always use the front brake exclusively.
If you're on pavement, not dirt, the front will give you 70% or more useable braking force than the rear. This is due to weight transfer. For me when I'm lazy it's also simpler to use the front brake only. In a panic, yeah, I'm all over both brakes. But adding the rear in a panic stop only adds a fraction to your stopping power. To me this linked braking system doesn't add much.
#26
#27
I love the Road Kings linked ABS
I ride like I would ride any other. I've stopped it pretty hard and I stays controled just like my Yamaha Super Tenere Did. I noticed after I had 500mi on the Bike It stopped with much better power than new.
Ride it normal, it's a good system. I use both brakes on normal stops and rear only to hold the bike on hills and in low speed parking lot stuff.
PHX
Ride it normal, it's a good system. I use both brakes on normal stops and rear only to hold the bike on hills and in low speed parking lot stuff.
PHX
#28
I ride like I would ride any other. I've stopped it pretty hard and I stays controled just like my Yamaha Super Tenere Did. I noticed after I had 500mi on the Bike It stopped with much better power than new.
Ride it normal, it's a good system. I use both brakes on normal stops and rear only to hold the bike on hills and in low speed parking lot stuff.
PHX
Ride it normal, it's a good system. I use both brakes on normal stops and rear only to hold the bike on hills and in low speed parking lot stuff.
PHX
#29
To have the system as you describe there should be additional brake hoses going to calipers. It is easy visible at Gold Wing or BMW, for each front caliper it is going two hoses there. With that you can use rear brake pedal and has some pressure on front brakes also.
#30
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Cranbourne, VIC Australia
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Unfortunately you are wrong : our brakes has only electric connections which is working via electromagnetic valves, so this system can only reduce braking pressure, not apply it. If you apply only rear brake you have only rear, and same for front. If you apply both the system will balance braking power front and rear brakes.
To have the system as you describe there should be additional brake hoses going to calipers. It is easy visible at Gold Wing or BMW, for each front caliper it is going two hoses there. With that you can use rear brake pedal and has some pressure on front brakes also.
To have the system as you describe there should be additional brake hoses going to calipers. It is easy visible at Gold Wing or BMW, for each front caliper it is going two hoses there. With that you can use rear brake pedal and has some pressure on front brakes also.
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