I would really appreciate it if someone could detail best practices for making the most of the Linked Brakes....or is there a good book on the basics of braking, a link or video?
Any input appreciated.
Any input appreciated.
Idiots Guide to Linked Brakes
5 posts Started 13 Feb 2012 Last recovered post 13 Feb 2012 Wayback Machine snapshot 20 Jul 2012
Honda tried to make it as transparent as possible.
Basically, the rule is the same as non-linked brakes:
If you want the most braking power possible, use both the lever and pedal at the same time.
Vfrs with LBS stop damn good. Predictable and controllable. Basically nothing to worry about technique wise. As long as you are using both pedal and lever, the proportioning valve and secondary master cylinder take care of the rest. It's pretty well thought out, and mainly foolproof.
The only tiny downside might be in the rare event that you are braking steeply downhill on a sketchy surface, sand, gravel, grass, etc where you would normally want rear brake only. In that case, stepping on the pedal and also getting some front brake could possibly be a bad thing. But, for the 6th gens, Honda sorted that out some more, and took some of the footpedal effect out of the front system.
Basically, the rule is the same as non-linked brakes:
If you want the most braking power possible, use both the lever and pedal at the same time.
Vfrs with LBS stop damn good. Predictable and controllable. Basically nothing to worry about technique wise. As long as you are using both pedal and lever, the proportioning valve and secondary master cylinder take care of the rest. It's pretty well thought out, and mainly foolproof.
The only tiny downside might be in the rare event that you are braking steeply downhill on a sketchy surface, sand, gravel, grass, etc where you would normally want rear brake only. In that case, stepping on the pedal and also getting some front brake could possibly be a bad thing. But, for the 6th gens, Honda sorted that out some more, and took some of the footpedal effect out of the front system.
Regardless of any braking system, the front brake is your primary halter. It supplies the most stopping power but it can get you into big trouble if traction is "iffy". The key to braking with any braking system is practice braking, particularly if this is a new bike/braking system. Take some time to learn how the brakes feel and how much pressure you need on the lever/peddle before you really feel them do their thing. If you have not read any of the advanced riding tecnique books, I would recommend getting the Lee Parks 'Total Control' or the David Hough 'Proficient Motorcycling' books. They both talk about how to control your bike, whether it be manuevering, accelerating, or braking. Both mention the linked braking systems and both will tell you the same thing, practice braking.
That being said, I tend to use the rear peddle to do small speed decreases, such as in highway driving, as it will put a little pressure on the front. However, when it comes to coming to a complete stop or in an emergency, there is no other way than to have to apply the front, but using both is the best practices method. I always keep at least one finger, mostly two, on the front brake level and I hover my foot over the rear peddle so that my reaction times are less if I need to stop in a hurry.
That being said, I tend to use the rear peddle to do small speed decreases, such as in highway driving, as it will put a little pressure on the front. However, when it comes to coming to a complete stop or in an emergency, there is no other way than to have to apply the front, but using both is the best practices method. I always keep at least one finger, mostly two, on the front brake level and I hover my foot over the rear peddle so that my reaction times are less if I need to stop in a hurry.
Best braking practices are the same with Honda's LBS as they would be with a standard bike.
The LBS do a good enough job that you should just ignore that they are there.
The LBS do a good enough job that you should just ignore that they are there.
Both answers(post) is great info, To add a little practice info, I'd work on control of the front lever and throttle rotation working together at the same time with out stopping the control of either while using, also learning to be smooth ie: don't just release the brake, let off smoothly.
Another thing is to not over brake, the way I do that is to add/subtract how many fingers are on the lever(Keith Code), I always have my index finger on the lever and add middle and or ring as needed. with practice you'll gain the flex to do it without being slow.
There are some that ride with thumb/index around throttle and use the Mid/ring/little (more leverage), but I find it harder to work the throttle that way.
Rule of thumb "don't coast", be under throttle and or brake in turns , slow in fast out.
Another thing is to not over brake, the way I do that is to add/subtract how many fingers are on the lever(Keith Code), I always have my index finger on the lever and add middle and or ring as needed. with practice you'll gain the flex to do it without being slow.
There are some that ride with thumb/index around throttle and use the Mid/ring/little (more leverage), but I find it harder to work the throttle that way.
Rule of thumb "don't coast", be under throttle and or brake in turns , slow in fast out.
End of thread · 5 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 20 Jul 2012