Linked brakes - '14 touring - thoughts?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
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From: Roseville, CA
Linked brakes - '14 touring - thoughts?
Any experienced riders have comments on the new linked brakes for the 2014 models?
Brushing the rear brakes while entering a turn at speed or u-turning is a common practice.
I thought linked brakes would be a big safety upgrade, but with ABS, I'm wondering if it compromises turning maneuvers. Your thoughts?
Brushing the rear brakes while entering a turn at speed or u-turning is a common practice.
I thought linked brakes would be a big safety upgrade, but with ABS, I'm wondering if it compromises turning maneuvers. Your thoughts?
Last edited by Deuuuce; Oct 27, 2013 at 10:49 PM. Reason: forgot a "d"
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 588
From: Michigan
I rate this as the single best feature on the '14s.
Other makes used a constantly linked system (rear pedal applies rear disk & one front disk any time it's depressed). Would NEVER want a linked system like that.
The HD system applies front & rear in correct proportion when either or both front & rear controls are applied, and will hold that linked application all the way to stop so long as controls remain applied. Let off the controls below 20mph & then reapply, they work independently. U turns & low speed parking lot maneuvers work normally.
Those that use trail braking to set the chassis in a turn will need to "finesse" (adjust) their techniques to work with the linked braking, but I'm guessing they should be able to get comfortable with it quick enough.
My first impression was the system was too "reactive" but I quickly learned to adjust my touch on the controls & mastered how to apply the proper touch required to give me smooth, controlled braking that just works. Amazingly well.
Other makes used a constantly linked system (rear pedal applies rear disk & one front disk any time it's depressed). Would NEVER want a linked system like that.
The HD system applies front & rear in correct proportion when either or both front & rear controls are applied, and will hold that linked application all the way to stop so long as controls remain applied. Let off the controls below 20mph & then reapply, they work independently. U turns & low speed parking lot maneuvers work normally.
Those that use trail braking to set the chassis in a turn will need to "finesse" (adjust) their techniques to work with the linked braking, but I'm guessing they should be able to get comfortable with it quick enough.
My first impression was the system was too "reactive" but I quickly learned to adjust my touch on the controls & mastered how to apply the proper touch required to give me smooth, controlled braking that just works. Amazingly well.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 115
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From: home
I was reading the manual the other night and noticed that it indicated when applying the rear brake the linking feature links only the LEFT front caliber NOT both front calibers. I guess this keeps the braking proportional due to only one caliber in the rear. It's more of a squat vise a nose dive.
I agree with Hammz, it just works amazingly well.
I agree with Hammz, it just works amazingly well.
Last edited by curtis myers; Oct 25, 2013 at 08:14 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 164
From: Northern California
The 2014 Harleys with Linked Brakes are the best yet!
It took me a while to figure it out. After 25 plus years of riding without ABS or linked brakes it takes some "re-training". One of the good things, I guess is re-training myself when it comes to brake proportions. No more 70% front and 30% rear manual braking. You can now simply and softly apply the rear pedal while gently holding the front lever, more out of habit. Simply; you no longer need to master front and rear brake proportions, the bike does it for you and does it better than anyone can do themselves. I now consider this to be a great advancement, You never know how your reflexes will work during a emergency stop, the linked system simply works better than a mortal can. The 2014 Harley Limited is the best new Harley I have owned. If it saved you from one accident it would be worth the price of admission.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 763
Likes: 7
From: New Hampshire
Agree with Scottt the link brake system needs to be relearned from other bikes systems
Coming off a BMW I find the brakes on my Road King to be excellent
Good modulation with the front but you need to be careful with the rear as it grabs very well but can over compensate
I am not used to the dive on the fork but am working thru that.
The more I ride the bike the better I understand it and can work it
But getting back to the point of the post the linked brakes work great, and I have intentionally activated the ABS both from a front and separate rear brake operation and the system feedback is minimal but the physical stopping is SHORT SMOOTH and CONTROLLED. As designed.
Coming off a BMW I find the brakes on my Road King to be excellent
Good modulation with the front but you need to be careful with the rear as it grabs very well but can over compensate
I am not used to the dive on the fork but am working thru that.
The more I ride the bike the better I understand it and can work it
But getting back to the point of the post the linked brakes work great, and I have intentionally activated the ABS both from a front and separate rear brake operation and the system feedback is minimal but the physical stopping is SHORT SMOOTH and CONTROLLED. As designed.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
From: Ca
Oct,23,13 on my way home from work around 6:30 PM, took the scenic route Foothill Rd,Sunol,CA.(Big Mistake) 2 Lane, no street lights,doing 35mph when I came up on a good size deer on the right side of the road(my lane)it did this clumsy juke move, it looked like it was going to my right so I went hard left then the dear went left to. Up until this point I had not touch the brakes.Now somewhat leaned over to the left I grabbed a hand full of front brake the bike stopped within one foot of hitting it. We both came to a stop on the far left of the road/mountain side then it bolted to the other side of the road and into the brush! The ABS saved my *** the bike handle flawlessly considering it wasn't a straight line situation. Needless to say I cleaned my shorts when I got home!
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Banned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,189
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From: a small country between TX and AZ
Oct,23,13 on my way home from work around 6:30 PM, took the scenic route Foothill Rd,Sunol,CA.(Big Mistake) 2 Lane, no street lights,doing 35mph when I came up on a good size deer on the right side of the road(my lane)it did this clumsy juke move, it looked like it was going to my right so I went hard left then the dear went left to. Up until this point I had not touch the brakes.Now somewhat leaned over to the left I grabbed a hand full of front brake the bike stopped within one foot of hitting it. We both came to a stop on the far left of the road/mountain side then it bolted to the other side of the road and into the brush! The ABS saved my *** the bike handle flawlessly considering it wasn't a straight line situation. Needless to say I cleaned my shorts when I got home!
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Tourer
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From: Ca
Absolutely
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 218
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From: UK
Sounds good addition, but if reading correctly, if you apply brakes above 25 mph both brakes are applied, but below 25mph they work as normal.
So if coming to a controlled stop, both brakes would be on regardless, unless when you get below 25, you release and then re-apply, they then work independently.
Guess my concern if the above is correct, unless doing an emergency stop, I would never use the front brake to come to a stop. I would always release the front at around 10 mph and stop just with the back brake. So to maintain this, and take away the danger of the front wheel sliding away, you would have to train yourself to release brakes and then re-apply as you would without linked brakes!
Or have I got this wrong?
So if coming to a controlled stop, both brakes would be on regardless, unless when you get below 25, you release and then re-apply, they then work independently.
Guess my concern if the above is correct, unless doing an emergency stop, I would never use the front brake to come to a stop. I would always release the front at around 10 mph and stop just with the back brake. So to maintain this, and take away the danger of the front wheel sliding away, you would have to train yourself to release brakes and then re-apply as you would without linked brakes!
Or have I got this wrong?