The way a motorcycle handles is all down to magic - forget the theory bollox, just keep practicing until you get the hang of it 
Who uses the rear brake pedal?
- Thread starter Speedy1959
- Start date
Hi, I was asking if anybody really knew how the R1200GS brakes worked. As I understand it, they are not a linked system in the conventional sense like the old Guzzis or Honda Varaderos that I've had with "linked" systems. Applying the front brake doesn't appear to apply the rear brake in any way nor the rear any part of the front braking system as the older "linked" systems did. I think what happens is when both brakes are applied the modulator regulates the bias of braking effort front and rear?
Someone please confirm my thoughts or tell me I'm talking bollox 
I'm fairly sure that pulling the front brake on the GS also operates the rear brake. Using the rear brake lever only operates the rear brake.
MM93 doesn't crash??........you must be watching a different MotoGP to me!
Although I admit, he has truly amazing bike control (and can "back it in" like no other) he does his fair share of crashing.
Seems that the system isn't linked conventionally and it is the modulator that does the business, indeed the rear brake is activated by the modulator when the front brake lever is applied and the rear brake only when the foot pedal is operated. That's why the rear isn't applied when you pull on front lever with engine off and bike not moving!
Clever stuff eh? Interesting article about it here!
http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-motorcycles/bmw-abs-asc.htm
I knew it was not the the words to be used in one sentence. Ok, other Honda riders crash trying to go as fast as him.
Bendy toy
Registered user
My issue is not that I can easily activate the rear ABS. Any lead foot can do that! My issue is the linked rear brake is normally used to such a high percentage that only a little more from the rider will lack the wheel (activate ABS).
When I say the brake is weedy I mean that it suffers a much higher wear rate that the front brakes. Its working at a much higher rate for its size than the front brakes. It can lock the wheel but being worked so hard there is less control finesse so its locks more easily. Braking is about control not purely the ability to lock the rear wheel.
I fitted Yamaha blue spot brakes to a 900 Diversion. The result was not a lot better in ultimate stopping power but a fantastic difference in control and finesse. The old brakes were like pogo sticks - riding with a pillion was a chore as I could never brake smoothly. The blue spots solved all that and once allowed me to leave a front wheel skid mark and yet moderate the brake so I didn't fall off. A child ran across the road almost under the bike. I stopped in time and nobody got hurt. The original brakes would have crashed the bike and taken us all out.
Unfortunately the easy dive forks and braking on the bump stops were never sorted out.
robb
Registered user
Don't know what any of that has to do with using the back brake properly. Try the course on your GS you will learn some useful skills.
Never use it. Don't on either of my TL'S as well though he engine braking sorts that out.
As for the front diving how come when I brake to a stop then let the front brake lever off the front sinks about 4" it Definately lifts the front up when braking.
As for the front diving how come when I brake to a stop then let the front brake lever off the front sinks about 4" it Definately lifts the front up when braking.
Bendy toy
Registered user
So you can't read.
Brakes are about control not ultimate wheel locking power.
Examples given.
Bike control is not about the factory's one size fits all front to rear balance.
I fail to see how a compromise can suit every rider in every situation. Especially when that compromise is hammering the rear brake.
Sent via iPhone so expect strange words
robb
Registered user
Who mentioned compromise. I just suggested the course instead of spouting shite
Read the testimonials on the link. The braking element of the course is very enlightening. There are a few members of this forum who've done this the day before a Hopp Rider Training day at Cadwell
Read the testimonials on the link. The braking element of the course is very enlightening. There are a few members of this forum who've done this the day before a Hopp Rider Training day at Cadwell
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