2004 R1150RT ABS - all or nothing?

[co_g30]

Hello All

Tried the search function but did not find the info I was searching for, wondering the following:

I'd like to know where I can find the following info(not in manual):

When I engage the front brake lever, since the brakes are interlinked, does it also engage all the brake pads belonging to the rear brakes or just a partial amount of the brake pads of the rear brakes?

Similarly, if I just press on the rear brake pedal, and since the brakes are interlinked, does it fully engage the all the brake pads on the front brakes or just a partial amount of the brake pads? (I hope this makes sense what I am asking)

Just trying to understand what's involved during slow speed parking lot maneuvers and braking to avoid dropping my bike again until I get used to these much stronger brakes than what I had on my Honda.

Or is it an all or nothing deal with these abs/interlinked brakes in that just using either the brake lever or the brake pedal fully activates both sets of brakes depending on the pressure applied?

thanks in advance

dom

[PacWestGS]

Hi Dom, first I want to welcome you, second I can't answer your question becuase so many of them were made to be different.

I believe, they are only linked between the rear pedal providing 100% rear and 40-60% front.

The front should just be front (But, again I'm not sure of that)

They changed so many things over about three years that without trying each I wouldn't know.

But in a round-a-bout answer, the "link" provides less force to the system not acted on even if it is providing some.

That help, or confuse?

Welcome, keep watching, someone here will give you a definative answer shortly... :deal

Doc

[co_g30]

Thanks for your reply.

It'll be good to know the answer if only for my own edification.

I had emailed Jeff Dean and he recommended I leave the rear brake pedal alone and just get used to using the front brake lever only. Oh and to "square" the handlebars on any bike before coming to a stop.

dom

[Belquar]

Thanks for your reply.

It'll be good to know the answer if only for my own edification.

I had emailed Jeff Dean and he recommended I leave the rear brake pedal alone and just get used to using the front brake lever only. Oh and to "square" the handlebars on any bike before coming to a stop.

dom

I would not support that recommendation. As we all learned use both brakes all the time with every stop. Square the bars to stop. I think getting comfortable using one or the other only is a recipe for disaster.

I had an 03 CLC. That thing had great brakes. Way better than my current GS (a 99). I never had any "difficulties" using one or the other in slow speed manuevers. The rules still apply. You grab a lot of front brake in a slow lean the ground is going to get much closer.

When I took the ERC, a lot of folks on the newer models were making comments about how they didn't want some engineer deciding where to put what brake and when. I didn't get it. Still don't. I don't think there are many applications in street riding where it really matters. But when that bumper or deer is closing fast you are going to be really thankful they are linked.

Brian

[co_g30]

Thanks for your reply.

It'll be good to know the answer if only for my own edification.

I had emailed Jeff Dean and he recommended I leave the rear brake pedal alone and just get used to using the front brake lever only. Oh and to "square" the handlebars on any bike before coming to a stop.

dom

I'd like to clarify what I wrote above re what Jeff Dean recommended. I believe he gave me that recommendation under the context of what to use when doing slow speed stopping in parking lots and such. I don't think he meant just use the front brake all the time, but never the rear brake pedal during the course of normal riding.

My fault, I should have put his remarks in context and I failed to do so. I had been asking him for guidance re dropping the bike when using too much force on the brakes on the RT.

[JimKane]

"When I took the ERC, a lot of folks on the newer models were making comments about how they didn't want some engineer deciding where to put what brake and when. I didn't get it. Still don't. I don't think there are many applications in street riding where it really matters. But when that bumper or deer is closing fast you are going to be really thankful they are linked."
Sand, gravel, or any other loose surface is a good time to not have the brakes linked. It is my understanding that the 2007 RT has the front brake linked to the rear, but not the rear linked to the front. Application of the rear brake on sand and the front brake grabs gives one a sinking feeling. I don't want some engineer in a soft chair somewhere determining how much brake and when. I am fully capable of applying the front and rear by myself.


Jim

[PacWestGS]

I'd like to clarify what I wrote above re what Jeff Dean recommended. I believe he gave me that recommendation under the context of what to use when doing slow speed stopping in parking lots and such. I don't think he meant just use the front brake all the time, but never the rear brake pedal during the course of normal riding.

My fault, I should have put his remarks in context and I failed to do so. I had been asking him for guidance re dropping the bike when using too much force on the brakes on the RT.

Dom, I'm a bit confused which is normal sometimes. :laugh

Not to completely disagree with Jeff. But, I differ when it comes to using the brakes. Whether they are linked or not. I've only ridden one bike in my life that had linked brakes (Rear pedal controlled front) and I wouldn't buy one if I had the chance to choose. I like them to be separate 'cuase I know how to use them. (Edit: that's not a snip on the rider' but the designers)

I use my rear brake as much as anyone, for slowing the bike without stopping, or controlling the bike in slow speed maneuvers, like a parking lot and U-Turns.

I predominately use the front brake for stopping the bike or slowing it down quickly for highspeed maneuvers and turns. I rarely use the rear brake at all when hot-dogging-it through twisties, becuase it's too easy to F&#k it up and lose the backend, while trail-braking into a tight turn.

I use both brakes for bringing the bike to a stop at stop signs and red lights. I use more rear brake if I think the ground is, or is going to be slick so that I can judge available traction, (I'd like to know) but I'm stopping with the front brake where and when I want to.

There is only one right answer, the front brake will stop the bike in the shortest distance possible no matter what. So it is the primary braking system. But, don't underestimate the use and control provided by the rear brake, or using them both together.

There are many times that using the rear brake only in slow speed maneuvers will result in better control of the bike and will allow your throttle hand to better control the speed of the bike.

If you have linked (Rear to front) brakes making a tight controlled U-Turn is a bit more difficult but still possible in the normal sense. You can still drag the rear brake to control speed.

If you have linked (Front to rear) brakes, stopping or slowing the bike from speed only requires judicious use on the front lever. The rear brake is completely useful for slow speed maneuvers.

If going over sand, gravel and other loose surfaces (Other than Off-Road) you probably shouldn't be on any brakes and should be looking far enough ahead that the bike can slip and slide under you and make it through the tuff spots.

Again, they [BMW] made several changes to what brake - lever/pedal did what on those models. Some were Front to Rear, and some were Rear to Front. The newer '05 bikes went with linked Front to Rear and power assist. Something else I think was unnecessary, but that's just my opinion...(I wish I could experience all the bikes and form a better opinion, but that takes time and money)

Always use both brakes to stop the bike, you have ABS, trust in it to bring you down in the shortest most controlled manner possible.

Russ