Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: katata1100 on May 14, 2011, 11:18:26 AM

Title: How do you brake with the linked brakes?
Post by: katata1100 on May 14, 2011, 11:18:26 AM
I have been playing with both modes and set it on the mode that gives extra effect to the front wheel. When I stop, I use a little front while stepping on the rear to point where I feel the abs kick in. That's when I give it more front.
Title: Re: How do you brake with the linked brakes?
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 14, 2011, 11:19:21 AM
Sounds complicated...
Title: Re: How do you brake with the linked brakes?
Post by: maxtog on May 14, 2011, 02:27:36 PM
I have been playing with both modes and set it on the mode that gives extra effect to the front wheel. When I stop, I use a little front while stepping on the rear to point where I feel the abs kick in. That's when I give it more front.

For "normal" riding, I almost never use the rear brakes.... even before the C14 and linked brakes.
Title: Re: How do you brake with the linked brakes?
Post by: Pynikal on May 14, 2011, 02:29:25 PM
i am still trying to figure out what i like the best........

its weird coming from a bike with out this feature.
Title: Re: How do you brake with the linked brakes?
Post by: Mister Tee on May 14, 2011, 03:17:40 PM
Rear brake usage doesn't seem to work with these (2010 linked brake bikes, not sure about prior years) since the rear proportioner kicks in abruptly if you apply more than a light touch.  There is two settings anyway, a standard default bias, and an increased rear bias for carrying a passenger.

I'm not used to using the rear brakes on motorcycles anymore either.  My RT also had linked brakes and I only use the rear on a sportbike if I'm on wet or slick pavement.
Title: Re: How do you brake with the linked brakes?
Post by: easy_rider on May 14, 2011, 06:09:41 PM
I use the front brake 99%
Title: Re: How do you brake with the linked brakes?
Post by: Sea Level on May 14, 2011, 06:21:40 PM
I have been playing with both modes and set it on the mode that gives extra effect to the front wheel. When I stop, I use a little front while stepping on the rear to point where I feel the abs kick in. That's when I give it more front.

Not just complicated, I don't really know what you mean. You shouldn't feel the ABS kick in unless you have stomped on the brake enough to have the sensors believe a locked condition is imminent and takes over modulation of the braking to prevent the wheel from locking up. I think what you are feeling is the pulsing of the linked calipers. I use both the front and rear brakes as I would any bike, which is to say mostly front but with definite input on the rear.

The owners manual states in more than one place that the rider should use both brakes as you would a conventional system. They engineered and built the system, there must be a reason they recommend that procedure. For me, it's so my muscle memory stays fresh, in the event I'm on a different bike or the ABS craps the bed on my Connie, and because I like to feel that I'm involved in the total procedure of proper riding.
Title: Re: How do you brake with the linked brakes?
Post by: katata1100 on May 14, 2011, 07:42:36 PM
I do use both brakes, what I do differently is stomp on that rear brake and when I feel the pedal give that little t-t-t-t tickle,  give the front more brake.
I am also not use to using the rear brake much. On most bikes I have ridden, I have found the rear brake to be something that either does nothing or locks up. On the C14, it is impossible to lock it up, so I did some experimenting with it.