Advanced braking
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
I had linked brakes on my '84 Venture. I loved them, especially when pulling the camper. The rear brake lever applied the rear brake, and one disc on front. The front brake lever applied the other front disc. In addition, a proportioning valve adjust the rate applied to the front brake--the harder you pressed the rear, the more went to the one front disc.
In several years of riding it, I never had a problem.
In several years of riding it, I never had a problem.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: MD
Its a little suprising its not the law. Arent they maditory on cars? Guess not to many legislators ride bikes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
Actually, Harley offered ABS on certain models before 08 but the system was bulky and crude. I've heard it took up half a saddlebag. I'm sure someone will correct me on that if I'm wrong! 
The system on the 08 and 09 models are supposed to be somewhat more sophisticated although there seems to be many on the forum that would argue that! 
I've ridden Honda's with linked brakes since 1993. I've always been more than pleased with how they worked. In Honda's case, the bikes had three piston calipers. The rear brake would activate the outer pistons on the rear caliper and the center piston on the fronts. The front brake lever would do the same, only in reverse. There's a delay valve in the rear system that doesn't permit significant front brake activation with light pressure on the rear brakes so slow maneuvering on a wet parking lot isn't the problem many claim it is. My impression is that those who are the most vocal against linked brakes are those who have never ridden with them but I'm sure there are exceptions to that.
For me personally, I'm a fan of ABS. While there may be folks out there that can out perform ABS on dry pavement, I definitely think they're the exception rather than the rule. On less than ideal conditions, it's no contest, regardless of what some may claim. Ultimately, opting for ABS on the Harley is a personal choice.
Best of luck with your decision!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
The system on the 08 and 09 models are supposed to be somewhat more sophisticated although there seems to be many on the forum that would argue that! I've ridden Honda's with linked brakes since 1993. I've always been more than pleased with how they worked. In Honda's case, the bikes had three piston calipers. The rear brake would activate the outer pistons on the rear caliper and the center piston on the fronts. The front brake lever would do the same, only in reverse. There's a delay valve in the rear system that doesn't permit significant front brake activation with light pressure on the rear brakes so slow maneuvering on a wet parking lot isn't the problem many claim it is. My impression is that those who are the most vocal against linked brakes are those who have never ridden with them but I'm sure there are exceptions to that.
For me personally, I'm a fan of ABS. While there may be folks out there that can out perform ABS on dry pavement, I definitely think they're the exception rather than the rule. On less than ideal conditions, it's no contest, regardless of what some may claim. Ultimately, opting for ABS on the Harley is a personal choice.
Best of luck with your decision!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 257
Likes: 3
From: Joisy
For me personally, I'm a fan of ABS. While there may be folks out there that can out perform ABS on dry pavement, I definitely think they're the exception rather than the rule. On less than ideal conditions, it's no contest, regardless of what some may claim. Ultimately, opting for ABS on the Harley is a personal choice.
I have ridden linked brakes on a friend's Interceptor. I couldn't stand them. I am pretty active with the rear and have a very agressive riding style so it messed with my entire method of manuvering a bike around. Low-speed parking lot stuff I didn't notice them at but the rear to front link agrivated the crap out of me once the pace started moving.
As for ABS, I haven't ridden a bike with it at all yet. I know that the Honda and Harley systems get panned pretty bad for feeling numb. The beemer guy seem to like thiers, but they are kind of strange to start with so who knows. I don't need ABS on a bike really, I've ridden for 22 years without it and I'm not about to go looking for a system.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
ABS should be an option on more Harley models. But like in BMW GS bikes, you should be able to turn it off if you want.
Integrated braking is great in those systems like in Honda touring and sport-touring bikes (and other brands), but it should be something that the rider can activate or deactivate, just in case you want to do a burnout or something.
ABS, though......that would be cool.
Integrated braking is great in those systems like in Honda touring and sport-touring bikes (and other brands), but it should be something that the rider can activate or deactivate, just in case you want to do a burnout or something.
ABS, though......that would be cool.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 31
From: southeast pa
not sure about abs since I have no real experience with them.. but I do know several bmw guys I ride occasionally are always saying how they wish they didn't have abs on their bikes. I have ridden honda's with linked brakes and my personal take is I don't like them. I guess if you never ride fast or have to make an emergency stop their fine.. they are "easier" to use.. but I come from the sportbike / racing side of things ( and admittedly, it was a long time go.. ) and personally, I don't like either linked or integrated braking systems. I'd much rather be in control of my brakes thank you.. And the other thing is.. as "good" as the technology is or may be.. you still don't ever see linked or integrated braking systems on high performance motorcycles.. I admit, its probably a "mavrick" thing but none the less that say something about linked / integrated braking systems..
just my two cents and hey, your mileage may vary.
cheers
mavrick
just my two cents and hey, your mileage may vary.
cheers
mavrick
Last edited by mavrickFLHR; Jun 6, 2009 at 10:53 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
