Front Brake Effectiveness

[puryersc]

I know this is subjective but having only ever owned a Bandit 600 before I was wondering what others thought about the effectiveness of the ADV front brake. Let me explain.

Being curious I wondered how quickly I could stop from a sensible speed (45-60mph) by pulling on the front brake alone. Just wanted boost my confidence if ever I should need it. Bearing this in mind I applied the front brake as hard as a dared. I was in no way about to try locking up the front wheel - not that the ABS would have allowed me (fingers crossed).

What I have noticed is that as the brake is applied a lot of speed is taken off quickly (good), but as I squeeze the lever harder the less the amount of retardation (surely bad). In fact I doubt I would have the strength to engage the ABS but I'm not brave enough to try it.

Probably best described as experiencing brake-fade as the lever pressure is fine (no sign of any sponginess) but surely not after the first and second test?

Just for info 1150GS-ADV on 52 plate with ABS and dare I say it electric assistance. Also, just turned 10,000 miles. Any comments?

 

[Fanum]

Yes, you're not trying the front brake at all....they're linked, so you're applying both.

Th braking is deceptive as well, with no dive..it could be that you're misinterpreting the feel as the telelever bottoms out for an easing up of the braking effect.


Don't worry about the ABS kicking in.....in fact, it's probably a good idea to feel it so you know what it's like.

Start on gravel or loose stuff at low speed first......keep it upright and straight so the front doesn't tuck under (still possible even with ABS) and squeeze harder until you definately feel it ease off the brakes....it's pretty unmistakeable.

 

[longdog]

IMHO, the best way to activate ABS is to actually snatch at the lever rather than gradually apply pressure. I wouldn't try this on gravel or a loose surface though, as Fanum says, the front can tuck under and ABS won't help then! Personally, I would ride relatively slowly, no more than 20mph in a quiet car park or road with loads of grip and really grab at the lever hard! You should feel the ABS kick in almost immediately, and you may be surprised at just how hard you need to grab it. Usual disclaimer, etc, etc,........

 

[Gilson]

ABS sounds

Cetainly on the 1150 the sound of the ABS is more crude than anything else. It doesn't sound like a car's ABS chatter, more like the sound of an anti flak gun.

Try it on your back brake first as this is far easier to lock up, then your front. Rainy days, just before roundabouts are prime spots for the ABS to work!

As you probably have braided hoses, you could take the shine off the brake discs by using some sort of abrasive material. Try a grinding stone on a drill bit. Works nicely but isn't permenant....

ABS works but doesn't sound like the technical advancement that it's meant to be!

 

[puryersc]

Thanks for the good advice albeit a little contradictory with regards gravel or not. Only thing in question is the ability of the rider :-( Maybe I should bite the bullet and try locking the rear up first before progressing onto the front. Kinda like the idea of gravel - it appear's a little softer doh!

I have dropped the bike once before. It was dark and the side stand either got caught on the drain cover, or I completely forgot to put it down before slowly dropping the bike onto it's side (it had been a very late finish at work that night). Luckily the big aluminum paniers brought the bike to rest on a grass verge but I still couldn't lift it without assistance. Must the daftest drop in the world unless anybody less would like to go for gold?

 

[Fanum]

Hmmm..point taken...I was suggesting gravel at low speds because it's probably one of the easiest ways of triggering the abs.

On refection though, perhaps grass would be a kinder surface to do it on..



PS A steep slope on the way down to a ford in Cornwall is also an exciting place to do it.....but my arse didn't stop clenching involuntarily for 10 mins as the bike accelerated down the greasy slope with no means of slowing it.....the choice of ride it out or bin it flashed through my mind but I made it down........and repeated it with a grin the next (albeit dryer) day on the actual ride after the previous day's recce

Being stupid can be fun

 

[pomm001]

adveture front brakes

I agree
trying to measure the effectiveness of the brakes on a GS is difficult if its new to you, i also have just got a GS for the firts time, low speed they feel great , but higher speed they feel as if they dont work at all, i think its mostly down to the fact that there is very little dive on th efront susspension as in normal bikes, i have got used to mine in a 100 miles or so .
I have also dropped my bike twice in the first two days, i was victim of the very dodgy adventure side stand, and the beggar 'rolled off its stand'
( i have since read the official german explanation in th ehand book on how to use the side stand )
thanks goodness for engine bars, no damage done only dented pride and a slipped disc trying to get it right way up again .