Vibration battle commences

[DaddyFlip]

That's ABS kicking in and possibly traction control as well.  I can't really speak to that as I have an 08 ABS model.  The ABS on mine has kicked in several times but nothing like your description.  Mine works as designed and only kicks in when I really have to stop hard.  I can't say that I've felt it at all on wet conditions but then I only run PR3s.  Someone with an 11 on forward would have to troubleshoot this as to how you may have it set, but even then it shouldn't be acting as you describe.  I don't think it's brakes (rotor/pads) per se, it's the ABS/traction control system.   Tires can really affect how this works.  You've got 'bad' tires under the best of conditions but tires 4 years old or older certainly aren't helping it.  I know with my Prius and it's traction control that the tires really affect how it kicks in.  Worn or crap tires really make it kick in.

I must unequivocally agree with this assessment. Even though it doesn't seem like this should be the case, the tires are harder than they seem and harder than they should be. I bought the old man knowing I would change the tires sooner than normal regardless of what the tread looked like. To address the 'braking' issue, I will go ahead and get some tires coming.

I don't.  The only vibration in my C14 is right above 3k, around 3.5k.   And it is, indeed, the harmonic of the engine.

Maybe that's where it is. I was just agreeing with VJ. It's somewhere around 3k.

[VirginiaJim]

I don't.  The only vibration in my C14 is right above 3k, around 3.5k.   And it is, indeed, the harmonic of the engine.

I think that point of vibration can change depending on many factors...noted above.

[DaddyFlip]

I must unequivocally agree with this assessment. Even though it doesn't seem like this should be the case, the tires are harder than they seem and harder than they should be. I bought the old man knowing I would change the tires sooner than normal regardless of what the tread looked like. To address the 'braking' issue, I will go ahead and get some tires coming.

After a little study, I now equivocate in regard to the previous assessment of braking performance:

First, traction control only affects power delivery to the rear wheel by limiting throttle response and has nothing to do with the front wheel or braking action of the bike, so that's out. However, I could verify this by turning traction control off.

Second, the manual does state, "When K-ACT system is functioning, you may feel a pulsing in the brake lever or pedal and feel a change of the braking touch. When the ABS is functioning, you may feel a pulsing in the brake lever or pedal. These are normal. Maintain braking pressure. This is my first linked braking bike. I have the setting on standard, not high. This is my second ABS bike. The previous bike only went into ABS mode one memorable time (dark, lost, very rough pavement, turning, car coming at me head-on) in over 7000 miles. The lever pulsing was expected and predictable. This bike pulses every time I pull the lever (unexpected) no matter the speed (unpredictable). It very well could be the tires, but this sure is odd.

Third, the manual states, "K-ACT system does not function at the speed of approx. 12mph or below when the brake starts to be applied. ABS does not function at the speed of approx. 3.1mph or below." I get the strange pulsing and feeling like I'm going to wash out just stopping at the end of my driveway, which is well below the 12mph, so it can't be K-ACT if it's working properly. However, I am going faster than 3.1mph, so it could be the ABS.

Concluding, then, the most likely culprit is the ABS and maybe the tires. A thorough brake bleed and cleaning/exercising of the brakes is in order, as is a new set of tires.

[VirginiaJim]

Yeah, that fluid has been in there a loooooooong time.  You could also have something wrong with the ABS system as well.    A bike sitting that long and then you go on a long trip.....no good can come from it.

[Throttle 8]

I would guess tires. I have had tires with mid level mileage cup and cause your exact issue. It was unnoticeable to the eye, but corrected instantly with a new set of tires. Getting rid of 5 year old Crapstones should not be that painful. Hope this works for you.

[maxtog]

First, traction control only affects power delivery to the rear wheel by limiting throttle response and has nothing to do with the front wheel or braking action of the bike, so that's out. However, I could verify this by turning traction control off.

Traction control doesn't involve the brakes at all.  It is just engine air restriction (secondary butterflies), ignition timing, and fuel delivery modulation.

Second, the manual does state, "When K-ACT system is functioning, you may feel a pulsing in the brake lever or pedal and feel a change of the braking touch. When the ABS is functioning, you may feel a pulsing in the brake lever or pedal. These are normal. Maintain braking pressure.[...]This bike pulses every time I pull the lever (unexpected) no matter the speed (unpredictable). It very well could be the tires, but this sure is odd.

If your tires are not complete trash, and you have decent road conditions, it typically takes a LOT of braking force to have the ABS kick in.  In all the time I have been riding the C14, I have never triggered the ABS yet.... and I had a couple of pretty hard braking sessions.

[VirginiaJim]

Oh, I've triggered mine several Oh No times.

[DaddyFlip]

Yeah, that fluid has been in there a loooooooong time.  You could also have something wrong with the ABS system as well.    A bike sitting that long and then you go on a long trip.....no good can come from it.

Yeah, and I made a point of that before I bought the bike. Sales said, "No, it should be fine." Then when I agreed to buy it, sales said, "Service agreed with you that the fluid should be changed, so it's being changed." Therefore, I left the dealer thinking I have fresh, fully bled brake fluid. Maybe I do; maybe not. So the best thing for me to do is do some controlled braking with the current tires, change tires, do some controlled braking, take notes, return to dealer if necessary.

I would guess tires. I have had tires with mid level mileage cup and cause your exact issue. It was unnoticeable to the eye, but corrected instantly with a new set of tires. Getting rid of 5 year old Crapstones should not be that painful. Hope this works for you.

Not painful at all. Have PR3's and T30's in the shopping cart... deciding.

Traction control doesn't involve the brakes at all.  It is just engine air restriction (secondary butterflies), ignition timing, and fuel delivery modulation.

If your tires are not complete trash, and you have decent road conditions, it typically takes a LOT of braking force to have the ABS kick in.  In all the time I have been riding the C14, I have never triggered the ABS yet.... and I had a couple of pretty hard braking sessions.

This is what I think also, but maybe I need to pay very close attention to what is happening under controlled conditions.

[maxtog]

Not painful at all. Have PR3's and T30's in the shopping cart... deciding.

PR4GT; there, decision made!