Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: chap on April 28, 2012, 12:48:32 PM
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I have just brought a 2010 C14 ABS bike. I have a question about the rear brake. I seem to have to push the pedal a long way compared to my '03 C10 bike. Is it possible to make it engage quicker. I guess I can get used to it, but it would be nice to have a quicker response. The bike has 1400 miles on it, so nothing should be worn out. Any comments. Thanks
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There are 2 modes available. Page 44 in my EU manual in the "Multifunction Meter" section. This appears to change the "link effect" to the front brake ;) Must admit mine has a different feel to my GSX-R ;)
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I have just brought a 2010 C14 ABS bike. I have a question about the rear brake. I seem to have to push the pedal a long way compared to my '03 C10 bike. Is it possible to make it engage quicker. I guess I can get used to it, but it would be nice to have a quicker response. The bike has 1400 miles on it, so nothing should be worn out. Any comments. Thanks
Do you have a service manual? There is a spec for the height of the brake pedal:
Brake Pedal Position Inspection •Check that the brake pedal [A] is in the correct position.
Footpeg
Pedal Position
Standard: About 45 mm (1.8 in.) below top of footpeg
If it is incorrect, adjust the brake pedal position.
When my bike was new, I had to lower mine, it was way higher than I was used to.
Mick
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The rear brakes on these Kwaks typically have more travel. I would check the specs but I suspect it's normal. You would need to compare to another bike to be sure, though.
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Thanks for the replys. Yes I have the service manual. The height of the pedal seems right. It is just the distance I have to push the pedal to get the brakes to come on. I don't have access to another C14 to compare. I would say I have to push it twice as far as my C10, so when I am not thinking I dont push it enough. I tend to brake with my back brake the most. I see on here most of you use the front most. I would be concerned of slipping on gravel braking with the front, even though I have abs, I don't want to rely on it working, just as a backup in emergency stops.
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Not saying you have an issue here but I also came from an 03 C-10 and find my C-14 rear brake to have no more or less travel than 03...
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Mine feels the same way. It seems I have to press it down much further than I would expect to get it to engage.
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With the linked brakes I think you need to realize the front is engaging wether or not you are squezzing the front lever.
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Thanks for the replys. Yes I have the service manual. The height of the pedal seems right. It is just the distance I have to push the pedal to get the brakes to come on. I don't have access to another C14 to compare. I would say I have to push it twice as far as my C10, so when I am not thinking I dont push it enough. I tend to brake with my back brake the most. I see on here most of you use the front most. I would be concerned of slipping on gravel braking with the front, even though I have abs, I don't want to rely on it working, just as a backup in emergency stops.
First,
Which mode are your brakes set to? Normal or Enhanced? It makes a difference. The rear pedal feels different in each mode.
Also, start braking with BOTH brakes.
Mick
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I have my ABS setting in Mode 2 (suggested for touring). I agree and I do use the front brake, but always have applied the rear first, having such a big travel with the pedal i get the front on first so it is not what I am used to. We have alot of gravel on the roads here, and don't want to be in a situation where the front slips. It just isnt what I am used to. I think the procedure in the manual is for pedal height not preload of the hydraulics. am I right??
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Correct but they go hand in hand if the linkage and footrests are stock.
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So if I go through the procedure in the manual, does the height of the pedal change, or the preload of the hydraulics. It looks like a bear to get to to adjust, so I wanted to know what will happen if I try it. By the way thanks so much for your advice.
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The pedal height only changes if YOU change it. The brake application in the enhanced mode is based on pressure in the system. If the sensors detect a certain amount of pressure in the rear circuit, it applies the front brakes. Mode II should be very sensitive to rear brake application, mine is. I mostly ride with Mode I.
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I'll give mode 1 a try and see what the difference is. I like the height of the pedal where it is so I dont want to mess with that. I have a sneeking suspicion I may have to get used to it the way it is, or maybe try better brake pads
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I'll give mode 1 a try and see what the difference is. I like the height of the pedal where it is so I dont want to mess with that. I have a sneeking suspicion I may have to get used to it the way it is, or maybe try better brake pads
Many of the replies to your posting have nothing to do with your question. It doesn't matter what mode the brakes are in or that they are linked. It doesn't matter where the position of the pedal is. You asked if it is normal for the ACTIVATION TRAVEL of the pedal is normal and if it can be adjusted.
To that, I would say that it does seem like the activation travel is a bit more than some bikes, and similar to others. The rear brake pedal travel is not adjustable (I just checked the factory manual). Assuming your brake system is in proper working order, you will just have to get used to it.
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I know its a new bike but have you thought about bleeding the system? Also for Gold Wing and other bikes they make an after market pedal that goes on top of the stock pedal, you might try and make one for the Concours, or maybe if you have a motorcycle shop with a lot of accessories you might try one for another bike and see if it fits the pedal on the concours.
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Thanks guys for your responses. Yes I think I will have to just get used to it.
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I believe that you should use your front brakes more than the back brakes , the front has the stopping power in case of emergency and should be your primary brake unless you are in a tight parking situation or garage ramp. just my two cents.
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I use both front and rear brakes. I paid for two so I use them both. If you aren't supposed to use the rear brake, why have one at all? I can certainly tell the difference using the front alone and the front and rear both.
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Maybe it is due to the extra strong spring that seems unnecessary. Remove the spring and see if that makes a difference. It will not hurt anything to try this.
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When I got my bike the rears didn't seem to be very effective, but with use the grip improved so it doesn't take as much force as it used to for the same degree of deceleration.
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The rear is useless for all but parking lot maneuvers.