Front brake not engaging
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 433
From: Menifee, CA
I was surprised to learn that the linked system on the my 2018, and presumably yours, too, is not hydraulically linked, as what I'm used to with Hondas. The "system" links electronically. Mine works great.
However, some time back I started feeling a vibration in my front end when apply front brake alone to slow down from, say, 80 mph to take a freeway exit. I thought it was warped rotors. I took the bike to dealer shop, and they said my ABS module was toast, and replaced it. Post-remove and replace of ABS module, the vibration was still there.
Then, I found out that if I applied my front AND rear brakes at approximately the same time, there was no vibration. Since then, I've developed the habit of using both front and rears most all the time, whereas before I had a habit of using almost exclusively the front brake. Leftover habit from my Japanese sport bike days.
I understand that use of both fronts and rears offers the best braking performance, and for whatever strange reason, it also makes the brakes a lot smoother. Can't explain why.
However, some time back I started feeling a vibration in my front end when apply front brake alone to slow down from, say, 80 mph to take a freeway exit. I thought it was warped rotors. I took the bike to dealer shop, and they said my ABS module was toast, and replaced it. Post-remove and replace of ABS module, the vibration was still there.
Then, I found out that if I applied my front AND rear brakes at approximately the same time, there was no vibration. Since then, I've developed the habit of using both front and rears most all the time, whereas before I had a habit of using almost exclusively the front brake. Leftover habit from my Japanese sport bike days.
I understand that use of both fronts and rears offers the best braking performance, and for whatever strange reason, it also makes the brakes a lot smoother. Can't explain why.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 290
From: FL
What I failed to mention that is noteworthy is that I swapped the front wheel for a 21". This supposedly had an ABS bearing but shortly after putting the wheel on I started having ABS issues, warning light on and a short time ago they would lock up if I hit the panic button, like had to jump on them hard.
I made an appointment to get the bearing swapped at the friendly dealership next weekend. Just hope I don't regret that decision as my faith in dealerships is not all that great.
I made an appointment to get the bearing swapped at the friendly dealership next weekend. Just hope I don't regret that decision as my faith in dealerships is not all that great.
Thread Starter
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
I was surprised to learn that the linked system on the my 2018, and presumably yours, too, is not hydraulically linked, as what I'm used to with Hondas. The "system" links electronically. Mine works great.
However, some time back I started feeling a vibration in my front end when apply front brake alone to slow down from, say, 80 mph to take a freeway exit. I thought it was warped rotors. I took the bike to dealer shop, and they said my ABS module was toast, and replaced it. Post-remove and replace of ABS module, the vibration was still there.
Then, I found out that if I applied my front AND rear brakes at approximately the same time, there was no vibration. Since then, I've developed the habit of using both front and rears most all the time, whereas before I had a habit of using almost exclusively the front brake. Leftover habit from my Japanese sport bike days.
I understand that use of both fronts and rears offers the best braking performance, and for whatever strange reason, it also makes the brakes a lot smoother. Can't explain why.
However, some time back I started feeling a vibration in my front end when apply front brake alone to slow down from, say, 80 mph to take a freeway exit. I thought it was warped rotors. I took the bike to dealer shop, and they said my ABS module was toast, and replaced it. Post-remove and replace of ABS module, the vibration was still there.
Then, I found out that if I applied my front AND rear brakes at approximately the same time, there was no vibration. Since then, I've developed the habit of using both front and rears most all the time, whereas before I had a habit of using almost exclusively the front brake. Leftover habit from my Japanese sport bike days.
I understand that use of both fronts and rears offers the best braking performance, and for whatever strange reason, it also makes the brakes a lot smoother. Can't explain why.
This is interesting as I also have noticed what feels like a warped front rotor. Maybe at least a part of this will be covered under warranty. Yeah, right...
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 433
From: Menifee, CA
I had my doubts, because I had never had any codes show up, and told him so. In any case, replacing the ABS module did not affect the vibration. I was resigned to new rotors. Then, I discovered how smooth the brakes are when applying both front and rear brake levers simultaneously. It really smoothed things out.
Thread Starter
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
When I took my bike to the dealer for the braking vibration, I expected them to blame warped rotors and either replace them or tell me they aren't covered under warranty, which would have been fine with me. But ten minutes after riding my bike into the shop, and presumably plugging in to the 'puter, the tech came back saying the ABS module was "throwing codes" and was probably defective. MoCo agreed and shipped out a new ABS module.
I had my doubts, because I had never had any codes show up, and told him so. In any case, replacing the ABS module did not affect the vibration. I was resigned to new rotors. Then, I discovered how smooth the brakes are when applying both front and rear brake levers simultaneously. It really smoothed things out.
I had my doubts, because I had never had any codes show up, and told him so. In any case, replacing the ABS module did not affect the vibration. I was resigned to new rotors. Then, I discovered how smooth the brakes are when applying both front and rear brake levers simultaneously. It really smoothed things out.
Thread Starter
|
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
Turns out the ABS module needs replaced but had to be ordered. There is also an 02 sensor ordered so I know where I will be spending a couple hours next Saturday. It just leaves an unsettling feeling riding a bike with questionable brakes. Hopefully this time next week all will be back to normal.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 433
From: Menifee, CA
Turns out the ABS module needs replaced but had to be ordered. There is also an 02 sensor ordered so I know where I will be spending a couple hours next Saturday. It just leaves an unsettling feeling riding a bike with questionable brakes. Hopefully this time next week all will be back to normal.
As for the vibration I feel, it is still there, but only if I brake from a high speed using front brake only. brake from low speeds has no vibration. As long as I apply both front lever and foot lever at approximately the same time (I probably tend to hit the rear just ahead of the front) there is almost no vibration at all, and the bike hauls to a good clean stop. I'm glad I broke this bad habit I had of using mostly front brake only. I cannot explain why the brakes are so much smoother with both levers used simultaneously, but there is no doubt the bike stops better, smoother, more under control with both levers used all the time. Except, of course, low speed u-turns where you want to stay off the front lever.
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