rear break

[running biker]

please advise me i've just brought my first gs1200 and can't get used to the breaks when i apply the rear break it feels like nothings happening is this usual also this is the abs model

 

[Bikerjim]

I supose if youve just come from a 125 or a sports bike it may feel like its not doing anything thats 250kg moving at speed

Have you checked the levels of fluid etc and put it on the centre stand.

I found the angle of the rear brake lever a bit funny at first but soon got used to it.

The GS has linked brakes I only use mine on slow speed manouvers.

Hope this helps

Jim

 

[running biker]

i've had every bike on the road over the years from goldwings to z1000 and also run a transalp at the minute but never used linked brakes befor so it maybe something i have to get used to the gs is only two weeks old so the fluids are all still good

 

[littleredrooster]

Yes - the rear brake is pretty ineffectual and is not used much other than for slow manoeuvres. The front brake, however, will stop the damn thing from 100-0 quicker than anything other than a R1 even on semi-knobblies (source: BiKE mag, about two years ago).

Forget the rear brake - you don't need it.

 

[SpudBoy]

Can you feel the ABS kicking in if you brake hard with the rear?

Using only the rear, reasonably firmly, you should feel the pulsing.

 

[tunnie]

had same problem, i cam from non-linked brakes, and always used a little bit of rear brake at round about and in town, i now use front brake much more for slowing down at speed, its much more effective.

Only use rear brake for round-abouts and to shave off speed if i come into a corner too hot

 

[andyclift]

I got my first GS about five years back and soon realised the rear brake pedal was just for show. Have never touched it since.

 

[macca]

"I agree with Nick"
Rear brake is linked, so its useful if you want to scrub off a little speed before a corner and keep the bike balanced, although to be fair I find its rarely unbalanced anyway.
you'll get used to it!

 

[Slowdown]

I just put new pads in the rear. Not only do I get that 'nothing hapening' effect when I braked hard, I get a bonus of a vague burning smell to boot!

I can't even get the ABS to kick in. More bedding in required, methinks!

 

[running biker]

thanks chaps for the advice might take the rear brake pedal of and throw it in the back box ho hum,sounds like the panic is over just have to get used to it
MANY THANKS